WHERE TO LIVE:

We lived in northeast El Paso - there are several new communities being built in that area plus it was always quiet and easy to get to-and -from Fort Bliss.

EAT AND DRINK:

Brunch - Crave is the best place for brunch but it's always, and I mean ALWAYS, busy. So get there early or be mentally prepared to wait.

Pizza - Ardivino's is THE BEST - we always got the Woody - red sauce, provolone, pesto, roasted red peppers and garlic with fresh basil on top. To say it was perfection is an understatement. Don't forget to try their antipasto plate as an appetizer, so good!

Wings - I'm a girl who loves her wings and Wing Daddy's knows how to do it. They have a sports bar feel with several dry rubs and sauces to choose from and if you dine outside, you can bring your pet!

Sushi - Sunny's Sushi is delicious, the best in the area. It can be a little pricey but a great option for date night.

Local Brewery - Tinman, hands down, we loved this place! There are several locations - went to the one in Northeast El Paso, right next to Wing Daddy's. Since they don't offer food, we would stop by Wing Daddy's, grab the wings to-go and dine at Tinman - they best sangria and a wide variety of local beers (and ask about their free glasses!).

Steak - Edge of Texas has a great surf and turf option. It can be a bit of a drive if you don't live in the northeast but it is well worth it.

WHERE TO GROCERY SHOP:

Commissary - This is the best commissary we've been to! The workers are always going through the produce and shelf items and clearing out "bad stuff". The produce was always fresh and you can't beat the price!

Albertsons - We would go here if we didn't want to drive 15 minutes to the commissary. It has good options but like I said, the commissary is where it's at.

EXPLORING THE AREA:

Hiking - The Franklin Mountains offer several hiking trails and most are pet friendly. Our favorite trail was the Tin Mines trail - our dogs loved it! If you're looking for an easier hike or an uphill run, check out McKelligon Canyon - it offers great views of the Franklin Mountains and it pet friendly.

Parks - Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park is a great place for kids to play or a great start to several mountain biking trails.

White Sands National Park - This was my favorite adventure - it was like a whole different world! Grab a sled or some cardboard and get ready to slide down the sand dunes like it's snow! Make sure you pack some food too, there are several picnic tables and nothing beats a picnic surrounded by mounds of white sand. Oh - and dogs are allowed!

Escape the heat - Ski Cloudcroft is a great place to ski or snowboard and only 1.5 hours from El Paso. This sits near the town of Cloudcroft - an adorable small town with delicious apple pie.

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