Where in the World is TravelGumbo #488
It's Saturday morning and time for The Farmers & Crafts Markets of Las Cruces. The Market, set up along seven blocks of Main Street, opens at 8:30. I appreciate arts and crafts, and I'm anxious to see what is available. I am not disappointed.
Finding a place to park just a half block from Main Street is easy. I can hear music playing and the aroma of coffee in the breeze. It's time to get down to business.
I peruse the fruits, vegetables, and food stalls, but it's the arts and crafts I take my time to examine. All of the artwork sold here are handmade and local. Doña Ana County residents are everything from weavers, jewelry makers, and artists to hair ornamentation crafters.
In 1971, a few local farmers gathered to sell their produce. The Market has been going strong ever since. When the Market celebrated its 40th anniversary, it was honored by being named "Number One Large Farmers Market in the Nation" in America's Farmland Trust's 2011 prestigious nationwide poll.
It takes place every Saturday and, on a smaller scale, Wednesday; the Market is open all year round; rain or shine, from 8:30 to 1:30 on both days.
I start to my right. One of the first stalls I visit is selling macramé wall hangings and purses with macramé designs. Next, I buy a pair of New Mexico-styled earrings. My purchases mount. It's a good thing I brought my backpack. By the end of the morning, my backpack is full of beautiful purchases, including earrings, a bracelet, a hand-decorated hair comb, a purse, a napkin holder, a miniature painting, a wall hanging, and a dream catcher.
If your travels take you to this beautiful city in New Mexico, schedule your arrival so you can enjoy the Market.
And congratulations to George G, who solved this really difficult puzzle!
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