Discoverng El Paso

El Paso- the name conjures up the old Marty Robbins’ song lyrics, "Out in the West Texas Town of El Paso, I fell in love with a Mexican girl- Night time would find me in Rosa’s Cantina"-- (Well, you probably know the rest of the song) El Paso is no longer a "town" but a large metroplex with a population of approximately 700,000. We visited Indian Cliff Ranch and the Cattlemen’s Steak House, McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, and took the beautiful Scenic Drive high above the city. Just a few miles from El Paso is Sunland Park, a great horse racing track, and the thriving border town of Juarez, Mexico.

We dropped a few quarters in slot machines at Speaking Rock and learned some interesting history. Did you know that El Paso became a haven for refugees during the Mexican Revolution in 1911, including the revolutionary leader Francisco Villa, also know as Pancho Villa?

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Extended Stay America is reasonable priced and convenient to the El Paso Airport and major highways. It is great if you are staying a few days and much more comfortable than a typical hotel room. It has a fully equipped kitchen including, refrigerator, cooktop, microwave oven and coffeemaker. There are glasses, cups, plates, bowls, silverware and towels. They do not however, supply any coffee, creamer, sugar or any other food products.

In addition to the typical furnishing, there is also a table with chairs and a desk with internet connection capability.

In the event you get a severe case of the "munchies" during the night, there is a Denny’s that is open 24-hours within walking distance and also a 24-hour donut shop directly across the street.

Our favorite room is the corner room on the second floor, far away from the traffic noise and considerably larger than other rooms. Also, because it is at the end of the building, you don't have other guests walking in front of your door. (Room 245)

The office opens at 7:00 a.m., so if you have an early morning flight, you might want to make checkout arrangments the night before.

Located in the middle of Southwest’s most scenic desert ranch is the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, known all over the country for its choice aged steaks served in an "old west atmosphere. It was named "Best Steakhouse" by People Magazine in 1983 and the Texas Highway choice in March 1992.

The steaks are incredibly delicious and tender. The side dishes are served "family style" in large portions. There is a full bar and a dessert menu. Dining at the Cattlemen’s is more than just eating a good meal- it is a wonderful experience in a beautiful and exciting location. There are several gift shops featuring western and Indian jewelry, clothes, and art.

The first time we visited the Cattlemen’s years ago, there was storm over the desert – the sky was dark with ominous clouds and the lightening appeared to be "kissing" the ground time and time again. We sat on the balcony while waiting for our table, usually the best spot the view incredible sunsets, and watched a spectacular lightening display.

Driving Directions: Take IH 10 East to Faben’s Exit, then north 5 miles into the desert

Speaking Rock is owned by the Yselta del Sur Pueblo which is an Indian-owned organization. It has much of the glitz and glitter of a Las Vegas Casino. There is non-stop gaming action, including slots, poker, Keno, bingo, Black-jack and many others. The casino also has a large restaurant and bar.

On one Tuesday each month, Speaking Rock celebrates with any visitor having a birthday during that month with a free t-shirt, $20.00 in chips even a slice of birthday cake. However, this is a very popular event and people line up outside waiting to get in.

They say if you listen very carefully while at Speaking Rock, you will hear the voices of the Indians of old and they rhythmic chants. Unfortunately, all I heard- in a very low whisper which appeared to be coming from one of the slot machines was "please leave all your money".

We had visited the Cattlemen’s Steak House several times over the last couple of years, but never took the time to really explore the surrounding areas and the Indian Cliff Ranch. Indian Cliff Ranch is situated about 20 miles east of El Paso (I.H. 10 east, exit #49, turn left and go 5 miles into the desert.)

This is not just a place to dine- but an all-day adventure. Although we were not there at the right time- here is my version of the perfect day an Indian Cliff Ranch. (with or without children). Arrive around 3 or 4 on a Sunday afternoon (preferable when the weather is warm) and start with a "hay ride" around the property. This is the only way to see such sites at Fort Apache and movie sets for such productions as "Fort Misery". Return to the Steak House and enjoy an excellent meal, followed by an after dinner drink or coffee out on the balcony and watch the sun set over the desert. Spectacular.

There is also a lake walk, beginning at the Old Gristmill, following lighted pathways around a small lake. If you have children along, there is a children’s zoo and many exotic animals.

McKelligon Canyon is basically a picnic area with several hiking trails and is nestled in the Franklin Mountains, immediately adjacent to El Paso and within a 20-minute drive from the airport. The best feature of the Canyon is the Amphitheater and the production VIVA EL PASO. The production takes place in open-air theatre with the mountains on three sides.

VIVA EL PASO tells the story of El Paso through song, dance and drama under the stars. Rated one of the six best-attended outdoor dramas in the country, Viva El Paso legendary performances showcase 400 years of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western American peoples through traditional dance, original song, brilliant costumes and stunning special effects. VIVA can be seen from May 31 thru August 25, 2001. The facility is handicapped accessible and offers transportation from designated hotels in the El Paso area. The audience’s vantage point in unobstructed regardless of where seated.

Viva also offers a Combo Dinner & Show ticket for an additional $8.00 per adult and $5.00 for children. Bar-b-que dinner is served at 6:30. in a beautiful and picturesque outdoor setting prior to the performance. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster; however, you can avoid the services charges by purchasing directly from Viva by calling (915) 544-8444 or on its website www.viva-ep.org.

From McKelligon Canyon it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to Scenic Drive. It is a short drive but offers fantastic views of the City of El Paso.

Imagine spending an evening under the stars with William Shakespeare. In September each year, the Amphitheater at McKelligon Canyon presents Shakespeare on the Rock and offers several plays including Macbeth, Julius Caesar and A Mid-Summers Night Dream. The event is produced by the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts, and supported by the City of El Paso Arts Resources and the Parks & Recreations Department This is their eighth season of presenting this unique venue.

BACKSTAGE TOUR: Beginning at 7:00 p.m. you can participate in the Amphitheater backstage tour. Guests can tour the dressing rooms, scene shop, costume room and the stage’s hidden underground tunnels. Tours are limited to 25 guests and costs $2.00.

PRE-SHOW DISCUSSIONS At 7:30 p.m. the night of each performance, faculty enthusiasts from the English department at El Paso Community College preview the Shakespeare play that will follow. The audience is encouraged to participate in this lively discussion that explores the play’s plot and characters.

PERFORMANCE: The main production begins at 8:00 p.m. Because of the design and simplicity of this outdoor theater, there are no bad seats in the house. Prices range from $5.00 to $11.00. On Friday and Saturday evenings you can enjoy an Elizabethan-style Renaissance dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an additional $8.00. Dinner reservations are required. Combination Dinner/Play tickets are available.

Although we have never been lucky enough to be in El Paso at the right time to attend a performance, we toured the Amphitheater and visited with the staff there; we were shown pictures, props and costumes.

www.viva-ep.org

Shakespeare on the Rocks McKelligon Canyon Road El Paso, Texas 800-915-VIVA (8482)

The Yselta Mission was established after the retreat of the colonist and the soldiers during the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1690. This clash of cultures was a struggle over which way of life- religions, economics, or political -should prevail.

In 1682 Spaniards founded the mission- named Corpus Christi del Sur Yselta (Body of Christ of the Island of the South) for the Tigua Indians. Father Zaveleta, a Franciscan, offered mass in Spanish and Tigua in a hut until an adobe structure was completed in 1691. The original mission building was destroyed by fire and floor. The present structure was completed in 1851. The community of Yselta del Sur with its founding traced to 1682 claims to be the oldest town in modern day Texas.

Strangely enough this Mission sits right next door to the Speaking Rock Casino and is the cornerstone of the Yselta Historic District. Driving directions: take I.H. 10 East to Zaragosa Street, exit and turn right on Zaragosa and go approximately 4 miles.