Heading west from El Paso our journey took us to the historic Pancho Villa State Park.This is a place we have visited before close to the Pink Store which we wanted to visit again.
Pancho Villa State Park is located in the border town of Columbus and this state park is a historical gem. They have a nice on-site museum, where exhibits tell the story of the infamous 1916 raid by Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The park's natural setting, dotted with artifacts and memorials, offers a cool glimpse into a bygone era.The RV sites are spacious and nicely landscaped. It was also entertaining to see an occasional roadrunner scurry around as well as hundreds of Sandhill Cranes nearby.
The Pink Store is a renowned establishment located in Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico, just across the border from Columbus, New Mexico, in the United States. This distinctive store has become a popular destination for tourists, drawing visitors from both sides of the border.
We visited years ago and were looking forward to shopping there once again. We noticed right away that things had changed. It wasn’t as clearly marked in how to get across the border but were finally able to figure it out.
One of the most distinctive features of The Pink Store is its vibrant exterior. The entire building is painted in shades of pink, making it easily recognizable and a unique landmark in the region thus becoming an integral part of its identity.
Like last time the Pink Store offered a wide range of items for sale, including Mexican handicrafts, pottery, textiles, clothing, jewelry, and home décor. However, we noticed that the wares were significantly more upscale with less “trinkets” (and had none of baskets Sharon wanted).
Prices were definitely higher at the Pink Store. We can certainly see why people still visit as the store actively collaborates with local artisans and vendors offering up some unique Mexican art pieces and pottery.
Not seeing anything that we wanted to purchase (or could afford if we did want it) we visited the bar/restaurant, Known for serving traditional Mexican cuisine we weren’t planning on eating as we were unimpressed the last time we ate there. However, we did enjoy some chips and salsas along with a couple of Mexican beers.
When leaving Las Palomas we found even less signage describing how to return to the USA. However, unlike past trips across the border we found the border agents on both sides very friendly and helpful.
After a few days hiking and birding in and around Pancho Villa State Park we moved further west to Benson AZ to escape a cold front. We didn’t do much in Benson other than short hikes in the area but we did make a trip down to Tombstone for a walk around and to reconnect with RV friends Dan and Merlene over a cold craft beer at Tombstone Brewing Company.
One of the things we love about our lifestyle is visiting with all the great people we have met all over the USA. Reconnecting with them is like seeing old friends once again.
I know change is inevitable, but it's so disappointing to return to a favorite place and find it less enjoyable than in the past. Great pic of the two of you! Since that looks like a New Year's toast to me, I'll take the opportunity to extend best wishes to both of you for a year full of grand and glorious adventures in 2024!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! May your adventures be safe and grand as well.
DeleteWe have not been to the Pink Store, so certainly enjoyed your visit.
ReplyDeleteWe saw, what looked like, a few Bullethead Ducks on Mission Bay yesterday. Do they do salt water?
Yes, often they are seen in coastal areas during the winter months, as are Hooded Mergansers that look somewhat similar.
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