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The 2018 Acura TLX features all the characteristics that make up a luxuriously comfortable car. These are a few of the most appealing features of the 2018 TLX. Sporty Exterior You are sure to turn heads with the upgraded exterior design of the 2018 Acura TLX. The A-Spec model comes with an entirely updated grille on the front end that gives it an overall sportier look. The bumper is lower to the ground, and the 4-inch exhausts are visible, giving the impression of a sportier ride. The headlights and taillights are also updated with LED lighting for improved visibility. The entire design is completed with 19-inch aluminum wheels. more Intuitive Technology The 2018 TLX includes all the expected latest technological upgrades set on a 7.0-inch on-demand multi-use driver infotainment screen. The response time in the 2018 model is 30 percent faster and more intuitive to the driver's needs. The TLX also comes equipped with AcuraWatch. This safety technology package aims to improve the safety of the roads with advanced driver assist technologies. Luxury Performance What makes the 2018 Acura TLX so unique from other vehicles in its class is the sporty exterior design paired with a quiet and comfortable drive. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a dual clutch transmission system is both responsive and smooth and results in 206 horsepower with an advanced torque converter. Drivers can also upgrade to the available 3.5-liter V-6 engine that was available on previous TLX models. This option produces 290 horsepower with an intelligent variable valve timing control feature. Adding even more luxury to the TLX drive is the super-handling all-wheel-drive system and the first-ever precision all-wheel steering system. Easily swap between four different drive modes including ECON, normal, sport, and sport plus. Comfortable Interior Both drivers and their passengers will enjoy the interior comfort of the 2018 TLX. Standard on all trim levels is the heated front sport seats, center display screens, and a variety of connectivity features. Easily sync to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for customized music streaming or to handle hands-free tasks. The ambient lighting sets the mood for a relaxing drive. The A-Spec model comes with bright red leather accents, and red LED ambient lighting for a look that is comfortable and sporty. Available comfort upgrades include the heated back seats, a wireless charging system, and a traditional dark wooden interior. Safety You Can Trust The TLX has continually received five-star safety ratings in each category. Standard safety features include the rearview camera system, the blind spot monitors, and even an automatic emergency braking system. The exterior design of the 2018 TLX is also made with an advanced compatibility engineering structure to reduce impact during a collision. Upgraded safety features include the rear cross traffic monitor alert, vehicle stability assist, and front and rear parking sensors. You are sure to swoon at the new features of the 2018 Acura TLX. Come by FOX Acura of El Paso to see this head-turning vehicle in person. Photo by Carsfera | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

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

Even if you haven't struck a deer with your vehicle, chances are good that you know someone who has. The reasons for this common type of accident are many: habitat fragmentation, the movements of deer during mating season, and the location of highways. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of running into a deer in the first place. Heed Warning Signs Deer crossing signs are put up for good reason. Many of the highway systems in our country cut across prime deer habitat, including state and national forests. Be on the lookout for deer crossing signs to identify areas that are used heavily by the animals. Conversely, the absence of a deer crossing sign doesn't mean that you shouldn't be vigilant. These are adaptable animals that may move into urban and suburban areas to escape hunting or find new browsing, which means that you can encounter them just about anywhere. more Travel During the Day It's impossible for most of us to restrict our vehicle usage to only daylight hours. However, avoiding the road during the hours of dawn and dusk, when the light is murky and deer are most active, might just help you avoid a collision. The simple fact is that it's much easier to see an obstacle in the road during daylight. If you do have to travel during these times of the day, consider using your vehicle's high beams to help spot any animals on the road. This will assist in giving you plenty of time and distance to stop. Your headlights might also reflect a deer's eyes, which makes spotting it easier. Look for More Deer If you spot a deer in the road and manage to avoid a collision, you should be especially alert to the possibility that other deer may be about to follow the first. Deer tend to travel in herds, and it's not uncommon to see multiple animals run across the highway, one-by-one. If you've come to a complete stop to avoid the first deer, carefully scan the sides of the road to determine that no more animals are on the verge of crossing before resuming your travels. Don't Swerve When a collision is imminent, most experts recommend that you stay the course. You should apply your brakes to reduce your speed and, therefore, reduce the severity of impact, but you shouldn't swerve to avoid the collision. If you swerve into another lane, you run the risk of colliding with another vehicle, which would almost certainly be worse than hitting the deer. You can also honk your horn. Some experts have suggested that the sound will startle deer out of their mesmerized state, allowing them to escape unharmed. While sharing the road with deer is a fact of life in much of America, following these simple tips will help you keep the risk of accidents to a minimum. Above all, you should always remain alert and careful in any driving situation. Photo by Marneejill | Licensed by CC BY-SA 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

Honda has manufactured its NSX performance car since the early 1990s, when it featured an aerodynamic design inspired by fighter jet airplanes. These days, the vehicle is known as the Acura NSX, and it's more impressive than ever before. Here are just a few of the reasons you're bound to love the 2018 Acura NSX. Sports Car Performance Sit behind the wheel of the 2018 Acura NSX and prepare to be blown away. While the manufacturer hasn't changed much from the 2017 model of the vehicle, the adage about not fixing what isn't broken springs to mind. And this engine certainly isn't broken. With the press of the gas pedal, you can rocket from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 3.1 seconds. Thanks to adaptive dampers, adjustable electric power steering, and strong brakes, you can also stay firmly in control even when driving at performance-level speeds. In everyday driving scenarios, the NSX still provides responsive feedback and will allow you to nimbly navigate traffic on the highway. more Hybrid Design You might expect a supercar like the 2018 Acura NSX to be a bona fide gas guzzler, but this vehicle uses a hybrid powertrain to deliver better fuel economy in tandem with its notable performance. The NSX uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is remarkable in its own right, but it also pairs that engine with three electric motors. One motor is dedicated to operating the rear wheels, while the other two motors are assigned to the front wheels. This essentially allows the 2018 NSX to function as an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and the total cumulative output of its powertrain is 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. Aesthetic Design Part of the NSX's performance appeal undoubtedly lies in its aesthetic design, and the newest version of the vehicle has style in spades. Aggressively sculpted planes, an angular front end, wide headlights, and huge forward-positioned heat exchangers all contribute to the powerful and commanding appearance of the NSX. These design features aren't just for looks, either; each element of the NSX contributes to its performance. The proportions of the car's character lines, body panels, and air flow intakes are all constructed in such a way as to increase its aerodynamic nature. Interior Comfort Reflecting its initial inspiration, Acura refers to the interior of the NSX not as a cabin, but a cockpit. You might feel like a jet pilot as you ensconce yourself in the car's “command center.” You'll certainly appreciate the minimalist, almost futuristic design of the interior. The seats are designed to ergonomically support your knees and elbows as you take control of the oblong steering wheel, which features indented finger holds to accommodate most drivers. The body of the NSX also has slim pillars to increase your visibility. The Acura NSX was acknowledged as Road and Track's 2017 Performance Car of the Year, and it's not hard to see why. If you're looking for a comfortable ride with supercar performance, the 2018 Acura NSX might be for you. Photo by Nan Palmero | 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

Cars are expensive and buying a vehicle online can be tricky. Unfortunately, online scams are becoming more common, and sellers are becoming craftier at conning buyers. According to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, there were more than 900 auto-related scams reported in the United States and Canada in 2016. Car sale scams can cost you thousands of dollars, so you should be wary when doing business online. Here are three common online car sale scams to look out for. Escrow Scam In this scam, sellers use an unknown escrow service to finish the transaction. The seller sends the buyer a link to wire money to an escrow agent. In return, the escrow agent holds the money until the buyer receives the vehicle. The website may seem secure, but it doesn't belong to a professional affiliation. It belongs to a third party that the seller set up. Once the buyer pays the money, the seller stops communicating with the buyer and never delivers the vehicle. more To combat this scam, buyers should check the URL thoroughly. Real websites use slash marks to separate parts of the URL, while fake ones typically use periods. They should also thoroughly examine the website. If they notice anything that looks unprofessional, such as misspellings or poor grammar, that might signify it's a fake website. Sympathy Scam Considered one of the older tricks to online selling, this scam preys on the sympathy of the buyer. The thief poses as a seller and offers a sad story about why he or she must sell the vehicle quickly. Some common reasons include dealing with an illness, going through a divorce, or being deployed on active military duty. The seller puts pressure on the buyer to make a decision quickly. If the buyer falls for the scam, he or she can end up with a lemon or leave without a vehicle at all. Sight-Unseen Scam Sellers may lure potential buyers in by advertising a desirable car model for sale at a very low price. Sometimes the car is a classic or exotic one listed at a price well below market value. The price may be so low that you wonder if it's too good to be true, and in some cases, it is. In this scam, sellers may duplicate the listings and use trademarked photos to advertise vehicles. The seller might claim that the car is outside of the country, so the buyer can't see the vehicle firsthand. However, the seller claims that he or she can arrange for shipment once the buyer makes a payment. Sometimes these payments are done via wire transfer or bank-to-bank transfer for large sums. Once the seller receives the money, he or she breaks the contract or simply refuses to respond to the buyer. The buyer loses the money. Listening to your gut can help you navigate some common online car sale scams, and knowing what cons are out there can arm you with knowledge about what to be cautious of. You can also eliminate any risk of falling for a scam and buy your next vehicle from FOX Acura of El Paso. Money Image by stevendepolo 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

Introduced as an all-new model in 2015, the Acura TLX sedan replaced the TL and TSX. Since its debut, the TLX has become one of the automaker's top-selling models. This midsize luxury sedan has undergone a stylish update to its 2018 model. Here's a look at what you should expect from the 2018 Acura TLX sedan. A New Trim Acura introduced a new trim for the 2018 TLX: the A-Spec. This trim focuses on performance, offering larger wheels, a retuned steering wheel, and bolstered seats. It also comes with a 290-horsepower V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between the front- or all-wheel drive option. It includes a blacked-out grille and lower fascia, a black rear spoiler, and round LED fog lights as well. Acura still offers other trims, including the TLX and TLX V6. more Technology Features Luxury cars often have the benefit of using technological advances for the first time. Most manufacturers make these amenities extra, but Acura changes that thinking with the 2018 TLX by making these features standard. The baseline trim comes with hands-free text messaging, push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry. Upgrades add voice-recognition technology, a navigation system, and GPS-linked climate control. For music, you can enjoy Sirius XM satellite radio, Pandora Radio, USB audio interface, and Bluetooth streaming audio. Depending on your upgrade, you can have either a 7- or 10-speaker audio system. Infotainment System Acura is sticking with the dual-screen touch-screen display that it used in previous models, but the 2018 model has an upgraded system with faster response time and operation. The menu and layout are also better suited for your needs. The 8-inch screen, which you operate via rotary knobs, sits atop the dash and displays the backup camera, settings, and navigation if you've upgraded. You can also access the smartphone projection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on this screen. The 7-inch touch screen is directly below and operates climate controls and the radio. Safety Abounds The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Acura TLX a 5-star safety rating. Every TLX comes standard with computer-powered driver-assistance features, which includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The TLX also has LED daytime running lights and a multiangle rearview camera. Most of the impressive safety features are only available on the higher trims. Add the TLX Technology Package on applicable trims for extra safety features, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, a blind spot information system, and a rear cross traffic monitor. Named as a finalist for the best 2018 luxury midsize cars for the money by U.S. News and World Report, the 2018 Acura TLX sedan starts at $33,000. The 2018 model features several upgrades from previous editions. From a new trim to tech advancements, safety features, and a modern infotainment system, this vehicle stands out among other luxury options. Contact the car experts at FOX Acura of El Paso to learn more about this sedan. 2018 Acura TLX A-Spect V6 by Carsfera is licensed under CC BY-ND 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