Where to Shop in El Paso, TX
Nov 28, 2022 at 7:00 AM in Where to Shop
One of the biggest reasons that travel is so popular is that it exposes us to vastly differing cultures. Without getting too romantic about it, we can agree that traveling is so fun because we take ourselves from our typical environment and plop ourselves in a new place. This brings a beautiful sense of wonder when you open yourself to the opportunity of having fun and living in the moment.
Some of the best and coolest places are the ones that allow folks to really be themselves. Some locations give you a taste of different cultures while also being in a different location. A specific example is how you get amazing Cuban food in Florida. You get a hint of Cuban culture while being in a different physical location than Cuba.
The specific location I’m truly imploring you to explore is even more unique due to the geographic location. I want you to experience El Paso.
Because of the location in Texas, there are the typical American city vibes. The proximity to Mexico gives a crazy mix of cultures that can’t be found anywhere else. And the best way to do this is by visiting the shops and talking to people. Here are the best places to go to really experience El Paso in all its glory.
Outdoor Shopping at its Best
It’s not always the most incredible idea to be outside all the time in Texas. But when you’re on a shopping extravaganza, it’s totally acceptable to explore the outdoor mall that is The Fountains at Farah. More common chain restaurants ease you into the mindset of exploring department stores. Once you hit up all the normal spots, you can venture to the more unique regional boutiques and special restaurants you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The Fountains at Farah is the best way to get a taste of Mexican culture married with the Native American influence and the unique Texas culture that’s unique from any state in the United States.
A Massive Shopping Venue
Almost 65 acres of land hosts some of, if not the best shopping in all of El Paso. West Towne Marketplace is a beautiful open-air market that is easily walkable from end to end via the lovely walking paths. Even though Texas can get pretty toasty during the summer months, the stores and restaurants are perfectly spaced to allow the AC to fuel your shopping to maximize your adventure. But if you get too hot while walking around, you can take time to cool off at the theater watching a movie or exploring Cabela’s, which is most well known for the fudge (and that was indeed a joke but only kind of because it’s so delicious).
Photo courtesy of shopbassettplace.com
El Paso’s Premiere Entertainment District
When you’re in El Paso, there is a ton of cool stuff to do; however, there is only one location where you can truly get a taste of all of it. That is Bassett Place. When you make your way to Bassett Place, you will be privy to some of the best entertainment that El Paso has to offer. This is the premiere location for El Paso entertainment, hints the classification as an entertainment district. There are bars and restaurants to keep you fueled up and having a great time. Since 1962 when it opened, Bassett Place has been home to the best El Paso has to offer in terms of shopping, dining, and events. There are great shops at Bassett Place. The typical department stores can be found in many places, but there are many specialized shops that can only be found in Bassett Place in El Paso. Which makes this a shopping location unlike any other. The food hilights the Mexican influence with Tex-Amex offerings unlike any other. Then, of course, the events are great fun for everyone. There are many art markets, music, and craft activities for anyone. Make sure to stay in the loop by following Bassett Place on all the social media outlets.
Photo courtesy of facebook.com/toothandveiloddities
Shop for the Weird and Macabre
Finding the oddest of shopping experiences is a hard task in today’s day and age. It seems that just about anything can be found with a quick Google search in your location. Then there are some places that are so unique, so unlike anything you’ve ever seen before that you just have to spread the word. That’s the case with Tooth and Veil Oddities and Macabre Shop on North Mesa Street in El Paso. Even if you’re not really into owning strange objects, Tooth and Veil is worth visiting simply for the experience of visiting there. It’s a shop full of the strangest objects that will surely give you something to tell your friends about when you get done visiting El Paso.
King of All Gift Shops
A lot of times, gift shops get written off because they’re expected to be full of overpriced trinkets that aren’t worth the price of the receipt paper they are printed on. Then you get to check out Ysleta Mission Gift Shop and learn that not all gift shops sell cheap junk. Ysleta is truly the most perfect location to get a blend of all the cultures that make up the unique history of El Paso. With gifts that pay homage to the Native American culture that first began in El Paso, as well as that of the Texan and Mexican culture mixing of Vaqueros, you are sure to get at least a little taste of the cultural history of El Paso.