We love our city

We live on the frontier — at the edge of the mountains and sky, between three states and two nations. Like our land, people here are sunny, resilient, and full of great stories.

History

The history of the areas goes all the way back to native american cliff dwellings at Hueco Tanks. The city is home to some of the oldest Spanish missions in all the United States. And it was marked early in its modern history by railroads, gunfights, and big historical events. Explore and find local history spots here.

Culture

The culture of the city is different from most everything else you’ll find in America. We joke that El Paso isn’t Texas, isn’t Mexico, isn’t New Mexico — it’s just El Paso.

Religious Landscape

The area has a long Catholic history dating back to Spanish settlements. Churches and crosses are familiar sights. However, not many know their Bibles and know the life giving message of the gospel of Jesus. Our hope is to see El Paso see the many crosses in our area not as symbols of the past or empty religion, but as powerful symbols of God’s grace.

New around here?

Whether you’ve come to Ft. Bliss, one of the universities, or to the border for a job, you’re in good company.

Some tips for adjusting to the city:

  • El Paso has a slower pace of life than some are used to. Try to embrace it.

  • The city is very geographically isolated from other major cities but abounds in natural places to explore within a day trip. So trade big city shopping for hiking boots.

  • The city is profoundly shaped by being the largest border city in the US. Its bi-national culture has created something unique. We may not have every US chain store, but we have some great Mexican ones.

  • There is a large transient community of military people, students, immigrants, etc. so find native El Pasoans to show you the city treasures many people miss.

Here are a few of our favorite things about this strange and wonderful place we call home

  • There’s a taco truck on every corner. This might be heaven.

    Our favorite old school El Paso place is L&J Cafe (by the old graveyard).

    Our favorite local chain mixing american, West Texas, and Mexico is Crave.

    Our favorite tacos are Taconeta near downtown EP.

  • Nothing like a sunrise and cortado.

    We love Vyable Coffee near UTEP and downtown. Try the cortadito.

    We also love 2Ten Coffee. Try their season drinks.

  • Explore the city. We love historic downtown. Ride the streetcar, go to a show at the Plaza Theater, stroll San Jacinto Plaza, and eat a fancy meal.

  • We’re not close to anywhere and that’s a good thing.

    Escape to a forest by visiting Ruidoso, NM or Cloudcroft, NM.

    See natural wonder at White Sands or Carlsbad Caverns.

    Take a slow paced weekend away at Big Bend, Marfa, and Ft. Davis.

  • There are a few local events you shouldn’t miss:

    -The Plaza Classic Film Festival happens downtown every summer

    -Chalk the Block occurs every fall

    -Winterfest occurs every Christmas season

    -Chihuahuas baseball and Locomotive soccer start every spring