Introducing the Great Neighborhood of Mesilla

 

 

Mesilla, New Mexico is a tiny village that is connected to and just south of Las Cruces proper. It is sometimes called "Old Mesilla," as it predates the rest of the area. It has its own marshal, post office, community center, and more, and has a huge amount of historic homes and businesses for its size. It also still has a very agricultural feel, with orchards, onion fields, cotton, and alfalfa being grown all around town and right up to the backs of old homes.

There are restaurants there that date back before statehood, such as La Posta, where locals and tourists love to dine in a huge adobe building with exquisite decor and amazing talking parrots. Even the bathrooms are gorgeous, with sinks imported from Talavera, Mexico. Nichos line the walls, with tilework or miniature murals painted inside. 

Old Mesilla is a very desirable place to live, but there are many rules regarding how and if historic structures can be altered. Regardless, to be able to call Mesilla home is definitely a braggin' right. But as one real estate agent used to tell me, "Bring your money."

Beautiful and venerable Basilica de San Albino is located on the square in Mesilla, which also features many unique shops, restaurants, and a gazebo that is a favorite of musicians and photographers. Ristras swing from the old-fashioned lamp-posts and worn bricks are underfoot. Side streets feature more shops and restaurants, and many renovated homes. Josefina's Old Gate, an historic inn and eatery, is just steps away from the Basilica. We felt such calm and peace sipping coffee there one morning.

I hope that you will get to experience visiting or even living in Mesilla!