Although the United States has a relatively short history, every part of the country is special in one way or another. From Wild West stories to its Mexican influences, El Paso, Texas, is definitely a fantastic setting for cultural experiences. Make plans for fun activities once the current situation returns to a more normal routine!
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Take a Trip to the Old West
Few things are deeper ingrained in American culture than the stories of settlers, lawmakers, and outlaws of the Old West. The Old El Paso County Jail Museum is a legendary spot for those who enjoy a good cowboy story, as it’s where legendary outlaw Billy the Kid broke into so he could release his friend, Melouiades Segura. The museum was opened in 2014 in the exact building that was used as a jail until the early 20th century.
The best time to visit the former prison is in early June when Billy the Kid Festival takes place. It features plays, live music, a scary ghost tour, and even the chance to witness a reenactment of a classic Old West gunfight!
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Visit the Tigua Indian Cultural Center
Native American history is also a huge part of El Paso’s cultural heritage – the best place to experience it is by visiting the Tigua Indian Cultural Center and Museum. It celebrates over 300 years of local Native history and includes a museum, some gift shops, and a cafe. Weekend visitors will also be treated to Native American social dance performances. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area and visitors will also get the chance to discover the wonderful hospitality of the Tigua people.
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Ride El Paso’s Classic Streetcars
Downtown El Paso is a fascinating place to explore and there’s no better way to do it other than taking one of their classic streetcars. With designs dating all the way back to the 1950s and modern amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi, they go along a 5-mile route with 27 stops, allowing visitors to hop on and off whenever they please. Aside from many hotels and restaurants, the route features local landmarks like the Abraham Chavez Theatre, El Paso’s Museum of History, the Wigwam Museum, and many more.
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Taste El Paso’s Cultural Heritage
Experiencing local cuisine is one of the best ways to discover a culture and El Paso features plenty of restaurants that literally give you a taste of local customs and traditions! Set in an old building in downtown El Paso, L&J Cafe is one of the best places in town for that, as its menu represents a mixture of traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations of classic dishes. Having been open since 1927, it is still family-owned and manages to keep the atmosphere of the old days alive. Place a to-go order to taste the magic!
They say that if do not know where you come from then you don’t know where you’re going. That’s certainly true from a historical point of view and exploring the cultures and civilizations that helped create the modern world will definitely make you appreciate what you have and give you a sense of direction going forward!
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