With so much attention on the upcoming Democratic hopefuls, I decided to take a stroll through different parts of El Paso to show the beauty of our city where current hopeful Beto O’Rourke calls home.
The desert landscape offers a scenic mountain backdrop with the worlds largest man made illuminated star sitting right on the center. We have a very strong economical relationship with our neighboring city of Ciudad Juarez. Many people choose to go to Cd. Juarez for a night out, delicious Mexican food, inexpensive clothes and groceries, and medical tourism.
El Paso plays host to many music festivals including Sun City Music Festival which is preparing for its 8th year showcasing electronic artists and the Neon Desert Music Festival which takes place in the heart of downtown El Paso where indie rock, Latin and EDM fans gather. Our dining options are varied, featuring many well known chains and also popular local favorites like Chicos Tacos, an El Paso staple for over 65 years. Elemi is another local restaurant which features a daring menu which could rival any upscale restaurant in Austin. Perhaps you can take a newly renovated street car to you next adventure or just to relax tired feet.
Our city’s rich history is proudly displayed in an annual presentation nestled in the popular McKelligon Canyon. VIVA! El Paso is a musical that presents our 400 year history where costumes are vibrant, acting is immersive and the take away leaves you with an intense appreciation of our beautiful city.
If you are a sports fan, you can make your way over to our stadium in downtown El Paso which has our El Paso Chihuahuas batting away.
Our annual El Paso Balloon Fest is also a local favorite, taking place at a local waterpark and welcoming over 60 hot air balloons. At sunset you can drive to Scenic Drive which outlines our rugged Franklin mountains and offers a view of two countries, three states and a mouth dropping sunset of epic proportions. If you prefer to stay away from heights you can also spot an inspiring sunrise on Woodrow Bean Transmountain, another challenging road which is also a popular spot for hikers.
If you are into the more obscure or odd you can always visit Dreadful Things, a tattoo shop which doubles as a museum of oddities where a recent Google review awarded it “The most unique tattoo shop in El Paso”. Perhaps you will also hop on over to Tooth and Veil where the owner who goes by the moniker Deady Page can answer questions you may have of the oddities laying around.
I love my hometown although it may not be anyone’s first choice for a tourist destination.
Although we would love to have you, you don’t have to stay, you can just ‘pass’ as the city name suggests.