Shopping

Shoppers should be aware that in Las Cruces, Monday is a notoriously quiet day. Some stores close for the day, so it's best to call ahead before traveling to a specific store.

For art, visit Lundeen's Inn of the Arts, 618 S. Alameda Blvd. (tel. 575/526-3326; www.innofthearts.com), displaying the works of about 30 Southwest painters, sculptors, and potters; Rising Sky Artworks, 415 E. Foster (tel. 575/525-8454; www.risingskypottery.com), which features works in clay by local and Western artists; and the William Bonney Gallery, 2060 Calle de Parian, just off the southeast corner of Old Mesilla Plaza (tel. 575/526-8275), with a variety of Southwestern art.

For books, try Mesilla Book Center, in an 1856 mercantile building on the west side of Old Mesilla Plaza (tel. 575/526-6220).

For native crafts and jewelry, check out Silver Assets, 1948 Calle de Santiago (tel. 575/523-8747; www.silverassetsonline.com), 1 1/2 blocks east of San Albino Church in Mesilla. Set back from the plaza itself, look for Galeri Azul, Mesilla Plaza (tel. 575/523-8783), where you'll find colorful handmade altars by Ernie Bean, whimsical T-shirts and sun hats, and kitschy jewelry.

Mesilla Valley Mall is a full-service shopping center at 700 S. Telshor Blvd., just off the I-25 interchange with Lohman Avenue (tel. 575/522-1001; www.mesillavalleymall.com), with well over 100 stores. The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm.

The Las Cruces area has two wineries. Blue Teal Vineyards (tel. 877/669-4637 or 575/524-0390; www.blueteal.com) has a tasting room next to the historic Fountain Theater, 2461 Calle de Guadalupe, south of Old Mesilla Plaza. It's open Monday through Thursday 11am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 8pm, and Sunday noon to 6pm. The tasting room at La Viña Winery (tel. 575/882-7632; www.lavinawinery.com), south of Las Cruces off NM 28, is open daily from noon to 5pm, and by appointment.