Where to Grab the Best Cup of Coffee in El Paso
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. Read the rest of this entry »
What You Need to Know About the 2018 Acura ILX
The 2018 Acura ILX is here and it is as impressive and powerful as expected. These are some of the most exciting features of the most recent edition of the ILX. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Romantic Date Nights in El Paso
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. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Exciting Features of the 2018 Acura MDX Sport
The 2018 Acura MDX is finally here. This powerfully enhanced SUV is holding up to its outstanding reputation. These are some of the most exciting features you can expect from the 2018 Acura MDX. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Best Destinations for Wine Lovers in El Paso
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
Luxurious Touches in the 2018 Acura RDX
The 2018 Acura RDX has luxury features consumers will love, without the staggering price tag. This mid-range crossover is smaller and less expensive than the MDX, but retains the same unique style, advanced safety features, and technology. It gets 30 MPG on the highway.
Comfort
The RDX seats five comfortably, offering ample leg room in the back and no annoying hump in the middle of the floor. There is a set of rear, adjustable heating and cooling vents. Two of the back seats fold down for a maximum of 76.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the armrest folds down into two built-in cup holders. Users can warm up their RDX’s and defrost the windshield before getting in them with the remote engine start when they upgrade to the Advance Package. The Jewel Eye LED headlights are standard on all RDX models, providing a brighter, longer-lasting, more energy efficient beam that does not blind oncoming drivers.
Safety
Advanced driver-assistance safety technologies are available in the 2018 Acura RDX such as daytime running lights, vehicle stability assist with traction control and motion-adaptive steering. A multi-view rear camera can be upgraded to include a blind spot information system and rear cross traffic monitor. The Collision Mitigation Braking System uses cameras in the front of the vehicle to detect oncoming vehicles and automatically brake.
Technology Package
The Lane Keeping Assist System helps you stay in the center of the lane by watching the lines and gently nudging the car away from the edges. The Adaptive Cruise Control allows you to set a following distance and sit back as the car slows and speeds up with traffic. These features are available from the start with the Technology Package.
Speakers and Screen
The Acura RDX’s baseline trim comes with advanced technologies such as a five- or eight-inch LED display screen that will show you multiple rates as well as narrate them to you. The package also includes a premium seven-speaker audio system, as well as SiriusXM and Bluetooth streaming audio.
Keyless Access
Are your keys ever out of your reach? The 2018 RDX comes with a keyless access system that allows the user to unlock the car with a combination of a remote and touch of the handle. At this touch, the seats and mirror will adjust to your preferred positions. Included are Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and SMS text message function. Upgrades include Siri Eyes Free, voice-recognition controls, and an On-Demand Multi-use display. These features are compatible with Android and Apple phones and have been rearranged on the dashboard in a sleeker and simpler display for a more modern aesthetic.
Tailgate
With a press of a button on the key fob, dashboard, or trunk door, the trunk will lift or close. It will sense obstructions and stop before hitting anything. A camera in the back will sense if you are backing up into an object and beep to warn you.
Image from Acura.com licensed via CC BY 2.0
4 Best Restaurants for Ribs in El Paso
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.
Tips for Hot Weather Shopping Trips
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.
Acura’s 5 Most Luxurious Cars
Looking for your next luxury car? Acura has some beautiful high-end vehicles. Check out one of these five models offering incredible style, comfort, and power.
2018 Acura MDX
Want a luxury ride but also need extra space and utility for your daily commutes? Go with the Acura MDX. This luxury vehicle offers a comfortable ride and lush interior, and its fuel economy is solid for its class — the MDX gets 18-20 miles per gallon in the city and 26-27 on the highway. The 2018 model received an updated infotainment system and many new luxurious standard features, such as a leather-trimmed interior and Jewel Eye LED headlights.
The MDX runs on either a 3.0-liter or a 3.5-liter engine, providing up to 321 horsepower.
2018 Acura TLX
The 2018 Acura TLX is a midsize car known for its excellent starting features and newly updated infotainment system, and the 2018 model has added the A-Spec trim as an optional upgrade. The TLX runs on either a 2.4-liter Inline-4 engine or a 3.5-liter V-6, with the latter option delivering 290 horsepower. The A-Spec package adds a suite of slick exterior features and gives drivers the option of either black Alcantara or red leather seats, among other bonuses.
2018 Acura RLX
The RLX is pricier and sportier than the TLX, but it comes with lots of upgrades and exciting features. For example, the sport hybrid configuration of this vehicle runs on a 3.5-liter engine that gets 377 horsepower without sacrificing much in the way of fuel efficiency. It’s rated at 287 miles per gallon in the city, 29 on the highway, and 28 combined. Other highlights include the 3-Motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, idle stop technology, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
2018 Acura RDX
The 2018 Acura RDX is another option if you crave utility but don’t want to compromise on interior conveniences, safety features, and power. This luxury crossover SUV runs on a V-6 engine that provides 279 horsepower, and it gets 20 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway, and 23 combined. You can build yours as either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, and both run on a six-speed automatic transmission.
2018 Acura NSX
The 2018 Acura NSX is the cream of the crop when it comes to the manufacturer’s power-focused options. This incredible vehicle runs on a 3.5-liter V-6 that pushes out 573 horsepower. It’s also outfitted with some flashy exterior features, such as a body color rear decklid, rear spoiler, or carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler. Drivers building an NSX have many other customization options to consider, from the paint job to additional packages and accessories such as illuminated door sill trim.
Acura has an impressive lineup of 2018 luxury vehicles. From astounding power to ample space and utility, you can find an option sure to turn heads and keep you comfortable on the road. Check one out at a local dealership for more information.
Image by damien_p58 licensed by CC BY 2.0
5 Best Street Art Locations in El Segundo Barrio
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
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