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El Paso has a diverse culinary scene and a range of excellent casual dining options. However, if you're looking for a romantic night on the town, or want to explore El Paso's fine dining scene, there is no shortage of options. Here are three of El Paso's upscale restaurants for your next date night. Café Central Café Central is one of El Paso's beloved romantic dining options. The restaurant originally opened its doors in 1918 over the Mexican border in Juarez. After a series of moves, Café Central settled in El Paso. The menu focuses on local, fresh ingredients and pays homage to the history and flavors of the Southwest. The chefs work to present dishes in creative ways, which has paid off. Café Central has received four James Beard Foundation Award nominations, and local patrons can't get enough of the place. The menu changes, but look for interesting dishes like cream of green chile soup or roasted rack of Colorado lamb. more There is a nice outdoor terrace, extensive wine list, and Café Central hosts live jazz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Anson 11 Anson 11 is an interesting restaurant that opened its doors inside the beautifully renovated Mills Building in El Paso. Initially, the downstairs offered a bistro and bar menu. With the addition of the second-floor fine-dining space, Anson 11 is more popular than ever. The menus are separate, and you'll want to make a reservation for upstairs if you want to experience the fine dining option. There is a lounge area with a piano in the main dining area that is flanked by two private rooms — the Garden room and La Cava chef's table. The garden room features white doves along foliage, and La Cava is a wine vault. Order a la carte or request a special chef's tasting menu of either five or seven courses, both of which include a tailored wine pairing for each course. Don't miss starter items like seared foie gras and main courses like Boar Osso Bucco. Mesa Street Grill Mesa Street Grill's original concept was not a high-end one, but after some introspection, the team reinvented themselves and now offers a more elegant menu and sophisticated decor. They also have an impressive wine list, winning Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence 13 years in a row. The driving force behind the restaurant, Annette Means, passed away in 2009. A lifelong resident of El Paso, she was a beloved member of the community, and the team works hard to carry on the restaurant in the way she envisioned. Try innovative starters like the jala-mari, which is calamari and jalapeno strips, roasted cashews, crispy rice noodles with citrus aioli and creamy avocado poblano, and classic meat dishes like the Prime Delmonico Rib-Eye. El Paso is known for its Mexican cuisine, especially with its proximity to the border. However, if you're looking for a change of pace or want a more upscale dining spot for a romantic night out, these are three of the best options you'll find in town. Photo by Hadley Paul Garland | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

Located in West Texas, El Paso is situated along the Rio Grande. You'll find a variety of outdoor activities and natural attractions, but El Paso also has a lively art scene too. If you're looking to explore the artistic side of El Paso, check out these local galleries and art museums. El Paso Museum of Art The El Paso Museum of Art was founded in 1959 to house a large collection of Renaissance and Baroque works. Over the years, the collection grew and now includes over 7,000 pieces. The museum has a permanent collection and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum's art school, which is unique to the region, offers classes for both adults and kids. These classes combine art creation with the study of the museum's displayed works. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours on Thursday nights until 9 p.m. Sunday hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the museum is closed on Monday. Hal Marcus Gallery The Hal Marcus Gallery offers over 250 pieces of art on display, including a salon completely dedicated to early El Paso artists. Across the street from the gallery is Hal Marcus' studio, where he creates new masterpieces. If you're lucky, you might even snag an invite to see what he's working on. more Marcus has been painting since 1970 and had the gallery since 1996. He has been voted "Best Artist" and "Best Gallery" numerous times. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and it stays open until 7 p.m. on Thursday nights. International Museum of Art Another museum to check out in El Paso is the International Museum of Art. The museum started back in 1925 with the purchase of a collection of items that were donated to the city with the condition they be displayed to the public. The collection has since grown and has been housed in the historic Turney home since 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Turney were prominent local residents who were credited with helping grow the modern city. The house was designed by Henry Trost and donated by Mrs. Turney. The main and lower levels house the art collections, and they've taken every effort to keep the home in its original condition. Hours are Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Galleries at the Memorial There are three galleries at the Chamizal National Memorial which commemorates the settling of the Chamizal border dispute. The galleries — Borderland, Abrazos, and Los Paisanos — showcase the work of sculptors and local painters for the borderline region. El Paso has a lively art scene with a number of galleries and museums that showcase both international and domestic artists. Be sure to pass by the El Paso Museum of History to see DIGIE, a public art installation that features an interactive 3D wall showcasing 400 years of history through video and images. If you're an art lover, El Paso won't disappoint. Photo by Visit El Paso | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The City of El Paso is packed with museums that are both intellectually stimulating and endlessly entertaining. While you could easily spend a week exploring the city without running out of things to do, we've put together this short list of El Paso's most fascinating museums to give you somewhere to start. El Paso Museum of Art Explore art through the centuries at the El Paso Museum of Art. Classic paintings from masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods are on display in the museum's European collection, while the American and Mexican galleries explore lesser-known artists from more local regions of the world. The museum also holds events, classes, workshops, and camps for both adults and children interested in learning more about the world of art. Visit the museum's website to learn about upcoming events, such as a ceramics class, painting class, and even an exhibition dedicated to the personal collection of cultural icon Cheech Marin. more El Paso Museum of History Learn about the unique history of the United States/Mexican border region by visiting the El Paso Museum of History. The museum has five galleries that take guests on a tour of El Paso's historic neighborhoods, colonial past, local and regional sports and culture, and much more. Because the museum is focused so specifically on the local history of the El Paso area, its calendar of events is perfectly suited to residents and visitors who want to become involved in the community. The museum hosts guided tours of its exhibits and murals, seminars about Mexican migration to the United States, and even recreational events like yoga classes and dancing. Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens Tour the El Paso Centennial Museum to celebrate the anniversary of Texas independence. The museum features artwork and cultural artifacts from the region's historical and modern inhabitants. Curiously, the construction of the museum is modeled after Bhutanese fortresses, with tile mandalas, stone urns shaped like prayer wheels, and sloping walls. This is due to the institution's affiliation with the University of Texas at El Paso, which is also constructed in a similar fashion. The university and museum enjoy a special relationship with the royal government of Bhutan, which gifted the museum with a monastery known as the Lhakhang. Chamizal National Monument Enjoy free admission to this small museum and memorial, which recognizes a 1963 treaty that ended a border dispute between Mexico and the United States. The museum emphasizes the culture of the borderlands to foster mutual respect between both countries. In addition to the formal museum, you can also enjoy browsing the memorial's art galleries and theater. There are also multiple events and festivals scheduled at different times of the year, such as Junior Ranger Day and the Nuevo Siglo Drama Festival. As the memorial is situated in a beautiful urban park, it is an especially nice destination for a pleasant summer afternoon. The museums in the El Paso area offer an opportunity for visitors to learn more about their area while having a good time. There are lots of museums in the city, so any of these four options represent a great place to start. Photo by Barbara Brannon | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

El Paso is one of the busiest cities in Texas, with a total metro population close to 3 million people. Naturally, a working day in El Paso can be a grueling experience as you navigate crowds and traffic to and from work. Grabbing a quick caffeine fix at one of these downtown cafes might be just what you need. Coffee Box Recognized by The City Magazine and What's Up as El Paso's Best Coffee Shop in 2017, this popular cafe is chiefly known for its unique coffee-based beverages. You can opt for the increasingly-popular pumpkin spice latte or the cafe's signature Mocha Shino. These inventive drinks layer mocha, ice cream, and a shot of espresso atop one another to create a drink with a rich taste complexity. more If coffee's not your favorite, you can opt for a Matcha Green Tea Latte or Matcha Frappe; these drinks use nutritious, ground matcha tea as the basis for this delicious treat. BLDG 6 Coffee Roasters This El Paso cafe turns the simple act of drinking coffee into an art. Peruse their list of blends to discover positively mouthwatering tasting notes. For example, the #6 Blend sports a smoky flavor with a nutty sweetness, while the Tikal is dominated by elements of toffee and chocolate. With an on-site roastery, there's a coffee variety here for everyone. One of BLDG 6's other standout offerings is its catering service. This is perfect for businesses hosting corporate meetings or conferences, as the cafe provides a portable espresso machine, espresso, milk, compostable cups, and the services of a professional barista. Coffee Emporium What makes this cafe unique is its gift shop, where you can find a surprising variety of coffee-themed gifts, as well as gift baskets featuring the cafe's most popular blends. You can even take home a bag of handcrafted chocolates to accompany your favorite beans. But the cafe is equally suited to quickly dropping in and grabbing a drink on your way to work. Try their newly-launched butterscotch toffee blend, or go for classic flavors like caramel pecan or lavender white mocha. Tea lovers are also sure to appreciate their selection of herbal, green, and black teas. Cafe Central This unique cafe has nearly 100 years of history in the El Paso area, when it was first established just south of the border in Mexico. Today's version of the cafe is an upmarket affair located in the heart of downtown. The cafe serves much more than just coffee, with an extensive menu of creative entrees that reflect the culture of the region. Consider a dish of lobster served with avocado and mango or savor a tenderloin steak accompanied by a black bean puree, radish, jalapeno pepper, and lime. In fact, Travel + Leisure magazine considers it one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the United States. Coffee shops might be dominated by global chains, but El Paso has a great selection of local cafes that give you personalized service and unique flavors. Any of these four options represents a great way to enjoy what our city has to offer. Coffee Image by johanilsemari is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you've been itching to visit the rock hills of West Texas' famous Hueco Tanks, you're not alone. In years past, Hueco Tanks has drawn visitors to its water pools within the rock basins, or "huecos" (pronounced whey-coe). Today, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site draws thousands of visitors each year, primarily between November and March and on weekends and holidays. Follow these tips when you plan a day trip to Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. Plan Ahead We can't emphasize this enough: You must plan ahead when visiting Hueco Tanks. Only 70 people are permitted in the self-guided area at once to preserve the land's fragile environment. You may reserve your visit up to 90 days prior, and you're required to call ahead if you're coming with a group. If you don't plan ahead, you may spend much of your Hueco Tanks visit in the car waiting for visitors to leave so you can enter. more Also, remember that Hueco Tanks is in a desert region. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, wear plenty of sun protection, and bring more than enough water. Pets can't enter certain areas of the park, so arrange to leave your four-legged friends at home. Take a Hike You'll learn about the area's rich history dating back thousands of years via the mandatory orientation video you'll view upon park entry. However, if you want a more intimate look at this attraction, choose a guided tour. The Roots to Fruits Hike, for example, offers a glimpse at the area's flora and its sacred history. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy guided tours to learn about area birds, their habitats, and their behaviors. As far back as 1,500 years ago, Hueco Tanks visitors left pictographs and petroglyphs around the area. Today, these offer insight into their history and way of life. Take a guided tour of these historical artifacts to learn more about West Texas heritage. Guided tours are aligned to various skill levels, and some may require some light scrambling over rocks. Climb a Rock If you love rock climbing, you'll find plenty of adventure at Hueco Tanks. You can participate in self-guided climbs or contact a guide service to maximize your experience. The climbing here is world-class, and you'll need to bring your own equipment and provisions to the park. Sleep In Once you visit Hueco Tanks, you'll never want to leave. If you want to extend your day trip into something more, spend the night there or up to three days. Choose from 50-amp electric and water or water campsites among the 20 sites available in the park. Restrooms, hot showers, and dump facilities are on hand for your convenience. Charcoal and firewood burning is illegal, as is public consumption of alcohol. Bring your camp stove but leave the spirits at home. A visit to Hueco Tanks is a memorable experience you must enjoy at least once in your lifetime. The area is a wonderful blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Hueco Tanks by charlie llewellin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Spring's arrival ushers in a time of beauty, with brightly colored flowers adorning the landscape everywhere you look. Not only do these seasonal plants offer a visionary delight, but they also tickle your nose with a heavenly fragrance. Enjoy all aspects of floral beauty with our list of where to smell the spring flowers in El Paso. Chihuahuan Desert Gardens Located on the grounds of El Paso's Centennial Museum, Chihuahuan Desert Gardens features more than 800 species of plants. The gardens kick off spring each April with FloraFEST, which is a time when you're welcome to purchase native plants and take a bit of the gardens to your home. Chihuahuan Desert Gardens doubles as an educational facility where you can learn about methods to conserve water and responsibly landscape your own property. El Paso Desert Botanical Garden A visit to the popular Keystone Heritage Park wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden. This garden shows El Paso residents and visitors that despite the hot, dry climate, the Chihuahuan Desert is home to a remarkable array of vegetation. A fountain, Koi pond, kids' maze, viewing area, and amphitheater enrich your time seeing these gardens. more Once you visit the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden, you'll be excited to share the experience with others. You can host your next special occasion here, enjoying the garden's elegant floral backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions, private parties, and more. El Paso Municipal Rose Garden Take a moment to stop and smell the roses. With four acres of these plants at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, you can sniff to your heart's content. This rose garden opened in 1959 and is currently home to more than 1,500 rose bushes encompassing more than 430 types of rose, some of which continue to bloom into the winter. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Rio Bosque is a city park in El Paso, but the University of Texas at El Paso's Center for Environmental Resource Management manages the 372-acre area. Rio Bosque seeks to remind visitors of and preserve the wetland areas once found on the banks of the Rio Grande. As work continues to save the important natural heritage of the El Paso region, the park exhibits the fruits of the Center's labor with a variety of native flora and fauna. Rio Bosque comes alive in early spring with native wetland flowers, including the sunflower-esque bitterweed. If you visit Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in April and May, you'll marvel at carpets of this bright yellow plant, which grows to up to 1 foot tall. You can also see butterflies as they dance among the flowers. When nature showcases her spring splendor, you might find it increasingly difficult to remain indoors. With the flowers on exhibit at these four wonderful locations around El Paso, you simply won't be able to resist walking among the blooms and pausing to smell their glorious fragrance. We think that's a pretty sweet idea, indeed. El Paso Flower Image by Visit El Paso is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you are looking for coffee in El Paso, there are lots of places to try. Here are four shops that serve delicious coffee and a unique experience when you go looking for some caffeine. more Coffee Box Coffee Box was voted best coffee shop in El Paso. It offers a traditional menu of coffee, espressos, lattes, mochas, frappes, hot chocolates, and tea lattes. Coffee Box is unique as the building is two shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The building is sure to catch your eye as the top container is hanging off the edge of the bottom one. If you want to sit outside, there are two patios with a great view of San Jacinto Plaza, a historic landmark in El Paso. If you prefer to stay inside, there is a cozy area upstairs where you can relax and enjoy your coffee. Global Coffee Global Coffee focuses on making unique coffees from all over the globe. They specialize in French press coffee, pour-overs, and the perfect espresso. Some of their specialty drinks include their global latte, marzipan latte, Hawaiian latte, and jasmine tea. The environment in Global Coffee is very relaxing. It is a great place to go and sit with friends. If you feel like playing a game, you can try checkers, chess, Jenga, or Uno, just to name a few. BLDG 6 Coffee Roasters This coffee shop doubles as a micro-roastery, so all the coffee you order is freshly roasted. Beans are roasted in small batches without the help of technology, so you are guaranteed to have handcrafted, artisan flavor. Using these beans, the specialty coffees they make are unique and fresh. BLDG 6 Coffee Roasters specializes in pour-overs and espressos, but they also serve high-quality lattes and other typical coffee shop menu items. When you walk into the shop, you can smell the delicious aroma when they are roasting their coffee beans. This coffee shop is a quiet escape for you to relax in. They also have a display of roasting engines in the store for you to check out. Perks Coffee Located in the lobby of a church, Perks Coffee is in an unexpected spot for a coffee shop. The shop has unique artwork and offers a relaxing setting to sit and read, chat with friends, or listen to music. Perks Coffee makes high-quality drinks at an affordable price. They have a new "drink of the week" that you can try if you are feeling adventurous as well as espressos, lattes, frappuccinos, and other caffeinated drinks. If you are not a coffee drinker, Perks Coffee also has a wide array of non-caffeinated drinks for you. Italian sodas, lemonade, and smoothies are just a few examples. In addition to coffee, Perks also has delicious pastries, so be sure to try those as well when you stop by. These are just four of many coffee shops in El Paso that are guaranteed to offer you a delicious cup of coffee with a unique experience. "Fancy Drinks" by John Nakamura Remy, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

El Paso, Texas, has plenty of food and entertainment attractions, making it the perfect destination for date night. Any of these activities are perfect for your next romantic date night in El Paso. more El Paso Comic Strip Comedy Club Laughter can turn a dull night into a memorable one. The El Paso Comic Strip Comedy Club is a local favorite and is sure to get you and your date laughing. The comedy club has been serving laughter to all of El Paso since 1986 and features some of the best comedians in the industry. Tim Allen, Dave Chappelle, and Sinbad have all performed on the Comic Strip stage. Just a few of the upcoming shows include Jake Nordwind, Chris Estrada, and a special taping of Raymond Orta. Dine at Eloise Located on the west side of El Paso, Eloise is the perfect cozy environment for a romantic date night. The menu is European-inspired and they have a full coffee and cocktail menu. The meals are made from scratch with the freshest of ingredients. Eloise has a dining environment for every type of date night. Choose a table in the casual dining room for a cup of coffee and wonderful conversation. For a more formal romantic evening, book a table in the exclusive fine dining room. Explore Hueco Tanks State Park Exploring the beauty of the outdoors can be a romantic experience. Head to the Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site to hike one of the historic trails, take a self-guided tour through the park, or plan a picnic underneath the stars. The wide open space of this state park is ideal for viewing some of the best sights in all of El Paso. Make sure you bring along your camera, as you are going to want to capture this romantic night. Dine at Pot au Feu France is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Even if you cannot travel to France for date night, you can get the next best thing at Pot au Feu. The chef puts extreme detail into every item on the menu, using only the freshest and best tasting French cooking ingredients. The wait staff makes it a priority to provide you with the most authentic and impeccable experience possible. The minute you enter the dining room, you will feel as if you have left El Paso and have been transported to the beauty of France. Forget about your daily stressors and spend some quality time with your date. Plaza Theater An evening out at the Plaza Theater can prove to be a romantic date night experience. The theater holds important historical significance, dating back to the 1930s with much of the same Spanish architecture still present today. The theater often hosts local talent including orchestra performances, while also lighting up the interior decor. You will feel like you are sitting in a Spanish courtyard beneath the lighted skies. El Paso is a beautiful city for date night. Spice up your next date night with any of these romantic ideas. "Sunset in Huece Tanks" by Dana Le, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

When you think of wine destinations, your mind probably jumps to Napa and regions of France. But you may not realize that there are quite a few places to sample and enjoy wine right here in El Paso, Texas. Throughout the area, you'll find a number of wineries making delicious wines infused with local flavors. La Viña Winery At La Viña Winery, the 40-year history is apparent when you sample your first glass of wine. It's the oldest winery in the state, boasting award-winning wines bottled locally on the premises. Tours and tastings are available from noon to 5 p.m. every day but Wednesday. You can reserve your spot on a tour by calling ahead. The cost is $5 per person and includes samplings of several top wines. The winery also hosts annual events throughout the year, including the spring and harvest festivals. You can take a few bottles home, including top options like Semillon (a dry white wine), black muscat (a sweet red wine), or rosé (a semi-dry variety). Zin Valle Vineyards Another fun place to check out in the El Paso area is Zin Valle Vineyards, located just outside the city in Canutillo. In the 1800s, El Paso was one of the premier wine locations in the country. Local history buff and wine connoisseur Victor Poulos was inspired by the decreasing quality of wine in the area in 2000, so he bought 10 acres of land to start growing local grapes. The location also offers a wine club, which is free to join and comes with a number of benefits that appeal to wine lovers. Members get a 15 percent discount on wines, a free set of stemware with the winery's logo on the first anniversary of membership, and other free wine-themed goodies throughout the year. When members visit the winery, they also receive a free glass of wine for themselves and one guest. Sombra Antigua Winery When you visit Sombra Antigua Winery, you'll immediately notice the comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The winery advertises its location as a place to enjoy wine, music, and fun. Built near an ancient trail and nestled in the vines of the oldest commercial vineyard in the state, this winery offers a variety of appealing wines in a beautiful setting. Tastings are available for $5, which includes small samplings of five different wines. Some of the favorite wine options include Riesling, with its crisp apple notes, desert rain, which draws inspiration from the fresh smell of the first rainfall, and Theresa's Blend, which combines a semi-dark cherry flavor with softer tannins for a lighter flavor. Beer lovers also enjoy visiting Sombra Antigua, as they make their own craft beers as well. Try the Monks' ale, wit ale, dark ale, dubbel ale, or tripel ale, which are the house specialties. Draft local beers are also available for sampling. Enjoy a wine tour with your girlfriends or special someone in the El Paso area. You won't be disappointed with the flavors and inviting atmospheres at these local wineries. Image via Flickr by timcorradino licensed via CC BY 2.0

Barbecue is an art in Texas, with some of the best recipes and restaurants located in the Lone Star State. Ribs are one of the most popular barbecue items worldwide so it's no surprise that there are some incredible barbecue restaurants that dish out mouth-watering ribs in El Paso.  To help you plan your next barbecue night, here is a guide to our four favorite restaurants for ribs in El Paso. The State Line Bar-B-Q Specializing in beef and pork ribs, The State Line Bar-B-Q is consistently ranked as one of the best barbecue restaurants in the city. This down-home style restaurant offers massive portions for reasonable prices. Diners can choose from different meat combos that allow them to try multiple types of barbecue meats, but the ribs are definitely among the most popular menu items. There are lots of sides to choose from and everyone loves the dark bread. The State Line is no-frills dining but that doesn't mean its anything short of delicious. If you're going during the weekend, get there early to beat the dinner rush! The restaurant is located at 1222 Sunland Park Drive. Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q has incredible, melt-in-your-mouth barbeque, including phenomenal ribs. The restaurant has long, group-style tables and a country theme, and the meals are served on brown-paper-covered trays to help give enough space for the massive portions. Reasonably priced and super popular, Rudy's is a must-visit for barbeque fans, especially those who love ribs. There are two locations for Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q in El Paso, and while the restaurant is a chain, they're committed to authentic barbeque created with care and time-honored recipes. Both locations serve up delicious fare and house-made sides. Their sweet tea is famously delicious, as is their house barbeque sauce. Rib Hut The Rib Hut is a really cool restaurant with great decor, friendly staff, and, of course, delicious ribs. Portions are generous and prices are low, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Their ribs are long smoked and fall-off-the-bone tender. They serve both beef and pork ribs, slathering them with their house-made sauce and delicious seasoning. The Rib Hut is located at 2612 North Mesa Street. The interior isn't super big so you may want to get there early during the lunch and dinner rush to ensure that you can get seated quickly! Wing Daddy's Sauce House While Wing Daddy's Sauce House is focused mostly on wings, their ribs are must-tries for barbeque enthusiasts. Dripping with a yummy house-made sauce, their ribs are remarkably tender and flavorful, slow smoked for the ultimate blend of flavor and texture. Enjoy a cold beer with your ribs while you kick back and watch your favorite sports game on one of their big screen TVs -- Wing Daddy's Sauce House is a sports bar at heart. Wing Daddy's Sauce House can be found at 7500 N Mesa Street Suite 310. The restaurant offers weekday happy hour with food and drink discounts! These four restaurants dish out some of the best ribs in El Paso, helping to bolster Texas' reputation as a barbecue haven. Image via Flickr by David McSpadden licensed via CC BY 2.0

When you're picking up the weekly haul of groceries for your family, it's tough to keep things cool in the El Paso, Texas, heat, even if you don't have too far to go from the store. Certain foods can't get too warm or they'll spoil, making them unsafe to eat. Protect your family from spoiled food and stop wasting money on frozen foods that are melted by the time you get home. Take these steps to keep food cold in the warm El Paso climate. Keep a Cooler in the Trunk One of the easiest ways to keep your food at the right temperature is to keep a cooler in your trunk or cargo area. Coleman makes a cooler that can be plugged into your car's 12-volt outlet, maintaining the cool temperature that your food items need to stay safe. When you place the cooler in your trunk, make sure to wrap a few bungee cords around it to keep it firmly in place. You don't want a heavy cooler rolling around back there, especially when it's full of potentially perishable food. You can also use a standard cooler in your cargo area if you'd rather not shell out the cash for an electricity-powered unit. When you pick up groceries, spend a few extra dollars on a small bag of ice and place it in the cooler with your other frozen and chilled food items. When you finish and pay, place the cold stuff in the cooler with the ice bag, which will maintain a cooler temperature within the space. Make the Grocery Store the Last Stop For many people, running errands is an all-day procedure. You might need to drop off the dry cleaning, hit the laundromat, grab a few new pieces for your wardrobe, and get groceries. Combining all the errands into one trip will help you conserve fuel. However, heading to the grocery store first could result in some serious food safety issues if you have meat, eggs, produce, and other things in the car that need to stay cool. This stuff could sit for several hours, especially if you have quite a few errands left to run. You don't have to change your errand habits. Just plan your trip so that the grocery store is your last stop. Risks of Letting Food Sit When your groceries sit in the car too long, the risk of spoiled food goes up. According to data from the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service, you have about an hour in 90-degree heat to get your food into the refrigerator to keep it out of the danger zone. When food items that need to stay cold get into the range of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the rate at which bacteria multiply goes up. Not only is there a risk of food safety issues, but you could also end up wasting money on food that your family can't eat. If ice cream melts or juice concentrate turns into liquid, you may end up tossing the stuff that got too warm. Save money and protect your family from food safety concerns by taking these steps when you're on the way home from the grocery store. Image via Flickr by goldberg licensed via CC BY 2.0

El Paso is a hub of art and culture, but it's not isolated to the area's venues, shops, and museums. You can feel the pulse of the city with just a walk down its streets. And one could even argue that this is the best way to have the most authentic experience with El Paso's vibrant culture. Visit the El Segundo Barrio neighborhood, which has a number of colorful murals, during your next stop to El Paso. Take in these five displays of astounding street art in the area. Boys & Girls Club Mural Artist Werc Alvarez completed the Boys & Girls Club Mural in 2012. You'll immediately notice the vibrant colors and sense of motion in the mural. This is intentional as a reflection of the artistic spirit budding in El Segundo Barrio. The Boys & Girls Club Mural is at 801 S. Florence Street. Visit to see this lush work, which has been described as “vivid” and “mesmerizing.” El Corrido Del Segundo Barrio Alongside the Boys & Girls Club Mural, artists Jesus “Cimi” Alvarado and Victor “Mask” Casas erected an equally colorful and vibrant mural honoring another important part of El Paso culture: music. The mural depicts two Chicano musicians, and the piece is equally about the long history of Mexican-Americans in this part of the United States. You can find his mural at 801 S. Florence Street. Segundo Barrio The Segundo Barrio mural is painted on the side of an apartment building in downtown El Paso. The artists, Arturo Avalos, Gabriel Ortega, Pablo Schaffino, and Pascual Ramirez, finished the mural in 1975. This piece is especially iconic and is easily identifiable by its geometric patterns and Aztec-inspired design. You can see the mural at 513 Father Rahm Avenue. La Virgen De Guadalupe La Virgen De Guadalupe is one of several El Paso murals celebrating the city's religious leanings and roots. Felipe Adame, with help from Jesus “Machido” Hernandez, completed the mural in 1981. The mural depicts the Virgin Mary, who is a prominent figure among the Chicano community. The original artist restored the mural in 1991, and it still stands today on the side of an apartment complex in El Segundo Barrio. You can see this breathtaking work at 900 S. Ochoa Street. Sacred Heart Mural Sacred Heart Mural is a beautiful depiction of many of the most important values and experiences of the local people. The central figure of the mural, Jesus Christ affixed to a cross, and other Catholic images in the picture reflect the city's religious roots, and other figures in the image tell of the hardships of immigrants to the area. This stunning work of art is at 231 Father Rahm Avenue. You can see more than 100 murals on the streets of El Paso, but urban art is just one part of the city's vibrant culture. Explore these incredible works, and pay a visit to local shops and artists to support their efforts as well. If the priority on your trip is to see El Paso's giant murals, simply take a walk down El Segundo Barrio — there are dozens of these creations on display in the sprawling neighborhood. Image by Visit El Paso licensed by CC BY 2.0