Magdalena, Mariachi and Mesilla - New Mexico True

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, continues to surprise and inspire me. Our road trips through this great state, admitted to the union in 1912, are often spontaneous adventures that lead us to the most spectacular places.

On a recent excursion to White Sands National Park, we discovered the charming town of Mesilla. Just a few miles south of Las Cruces, Old Mesilla is much the same as it was one hundred years ago. The old thick walled adobe buildings now, however, house art galleries, gift shops, museums and restaurants. You won’t be bumping into Billy the Kid, Mesilla’s most famous resident, but you’ll enjoy strolling around the plaza and grabbing a bite to eat at La Posta.

“Mariachi is more than the music of trumpets and violins; it is the makings of a celebration: a party, a wedding, a festival, or a concert.” - Patricia Greathouse

A lovely potluck lunch hosted by our wonderful Santa Fe neighbors included a surprise visit/performance by a most incredible Mariachi band. What a treat! The company was divine; the food was scrumptious, and the band brought out the dancers in all of us.

“Where the heck is Magdalena, New Mexico?” A random meeting on the ski lift in Santa Fe brought our son and another young fellow together in conversation. Said fellow had moved from Vermont to New Mexico and started a small café in Magdalena. Never heard of it but was curious. Imagine our surprise and delight upon discovering a sign to Magdalena on our road trip back from White Sands. After enjoying a “tasty” Jamocha milkshake at the local Arby’s in Soccoro and miles of highway behind us, we were ready to head home to Santa Fe. But the signs were there; it was time to discover Magdalena.

“Magdalena is known as the "Trails End" for the railroad spur line that was built in 1885 from Socorro to Magdalena to transport the cattle, sheep wool, timber and ore. “

The town of Magdalena is picturesque and certainly worth exploring but our sundown arrival found everything closed. We’ll be back! The drive from Socorro to Magdalena is spectacular and one I’d recommend to many a New Mexico traveler.

Intersting links:

http://www.mro.nmt.edu/

http://magdalena-nm.com/trails-end/magdalena_facts.html

https://www.oldmesilla.org/html/history_of_mesilla.html

https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/articles/post/mariachi-79132/

Next stop, Pie Town. Stay tuned!