Giveaway: Free AMEX Gift Cards from National Car Rental.

By Posted in - Travel Giveaway on August 6th, 2013 El Paso, Texas postcard.

Aside from the Grateful Dead’s cover of the Marty Robbin’s classic “El Paso” and stories Beth has told me about how the city was a favorite of her Uncle Ralph’s during his days as a trainer for the Baltimore Orioles, I don’t know much about the town, which is why we need your help!

We’ve teamed up with National Car Rental to showcase some of El Paso’s best spots. So, we want your best tips for El Paso! We’ll pick our five favorites and those will then be featured on the National Foursquare page for travelers heading to the city. But that’s not all! The five winners will also receive a pretty kickin’ travel prize pack from National Car!

Prizes:

5 winners will receive the follow prize pack

  • $50 AMEX gift card
  • National Extreme Sport Duffel
  • National Ultimate Privacy Luggage Tag
  • National 14oz Striped Coffee Tumbler

How To Enter:

Leave a tip about El Paso, Texas in one of the two ways below:

1. Leave your tip as a comment in this post

-or-

2. Tweet your tip but be sure to mention @BeersandBeans AND the hashtag #NationalUOT – this way we can track the entries. (If you enter via Twitter, you must also follow @BeersandBeans, so we can direct message you if you win.)

You may leave as many tips as you’d like, but each one must be a real travel tip for El Paso. We will be picking our five favorites, of which National will then use on its Foursquare page: National Pro Foursquare.

Need Ideas?

Tip ideas can include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Dining
  • Sports/Activities
  • Bars/Nightlife
  • Outdoors/Park/Public Facilities
  • Arts/Films/Theater
  • Historical/Famous Landmarks

-or-

Any other tip about El Paso as long as it can be pinpointed on a map! We can’t wait to hear all of your suggestions!

So, what is your best tip for El Paso, Texas?

Entries must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m on Tuesday, August 12. Beth and I will choose the winners.

Note: All winners must have a U.S. mailing address.

Disclosure: National Car Rental is hosting this giveaway and supplying all of the prizes for this contest.

(52) awesome folk have had something to say...

  • Mami2jcn -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:06 am

    El Paso’s Franklin Mountains State Park is the country’s largest urban park. The Wyler Aerial Tramway takes people on a four-minute ride on an aerial cable car to the apex of Ranger Peak on the mountains’ east side. The peak provides views spanning 7,000 square miles. Pretty incredible.

  • Mami2jcn -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:09 am

    Scenic Drive is the best place to show off the city. If you go to the lookout point on a clear day, you can see for miles, straight down the United States-Mexico border. And if you go at night, you can see the lights of downtown El Paso and Juarez, Mexico.

  • Mami2jcn -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Visit the El Paso Museum of Art and see American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 1700s and 1800s.

  • Mami2jcn -

    August 6, 2013 at 7:25 am

    Check out the Ysleta Mission, about 15 minutes drive east of the El Paso Airport. The mission site has been active since 1680 and Ysleta claims to be the oldest town in Texas. The church is very ornate, with quite a few statues, frescos, and other religious art.

  • Mami2jcn -

    August 6, 2013 at 7:38 am

    Although small, the El Paso Holocaust Museum is free and very well put together. The stories are very personal and moving.

  • Tanya -

    August 6, 2013 at 7:45 am

    The Plaza Theatre in El Paso, is a grand theater that has recently been restored to its original appearance from 1930. It is one of the few remaining theaters remaining of its kind. I’m sure it would make for some great shots!

  • Ryan -

    August 6, 2013 at 7:47 am

    All the locals eat at Chico’s Tacos – it’s a must-do for any visitor who wants a real taste of El Paso!

  • Jason Hussong -

    August 6, 2013 at 9:30 am

    I’ve never done El Paso myself, but I know there are a few great places nearby – Carlsbad Caverns, the Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend NP, Ft. Davis, Marfa light, etc. So I’d say that while I’m sure El Paso is great, take some time to get out and see the region. There are a lot of awesome adventures to be had down there.

  • deb dench -

    August 6, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    when i lived in El Paso in the 80’s, my favorite entertainment was an El Paso Diablos game. great minor league team, great music and fireworks, and the food was great– especially the grilled sausages!

  • deb dench -

    August 6, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    back in the 80′ s my favorite spot for breakfast (and a margarita) after a 12 hr night shift was The Taco Cabana. mexican food and a margarita for breakfast. I miss you Taco Cabana.
    another great place for food, dinner this time, is Cattleman’s Steakhouse. out in the middle of nowhere after a scenic drive, Cattleman’s Steakhouse has great steaks and barbeque, a fantastic, welcoming staff.

  • Suz -

    August 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    One of the best things in El Paso is Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss. This year, on August 21st. Blues Traveler will be entertaining. My grandson is stationed there and I’m going to visit in Sept. Hope there will be some good shows while I’m there.

  • Kelly D -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Check out the El Paso Zoo to see rare examples of critically endanged animals: the Amur leopard — seen in only 36 zoos around the world! — Sumatran orangutan, Baja California Pronghorn, Mexican grey wolves, and Przewalski’s wild horse.

  • Kelly D -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    Find the time to hike the 1,000 Steps Trail for a great view of El Paso. And don’t forget to pack water.

  • Kelly D -

    August 6, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    The Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso is a free museum with knowledgeable volunteers. You can learn a lot about railroad history at this museum.

  • Kenin Bassart -

    August 7, 2013 at 6:16 am

    We’ve been to El Paso several times in our travels but haven’t spent any real time there. . All I can tell you are three things. 1. It’s the start of one of the longest drives of my life. I-10 through Texas is crazy long and boring 2. Going to the border and looking into Ciudad Juarez at night is absolutely beautiful. The mountains and city lights make an incredible combination. 3. Avoid anyone on the street that randomly approaches you and utters any of the following words: “quick border crossing for money” ,”mule”, or “donkey show” 🙂

  • Lita Sanchez -

    August 7, 2013 at 7:40 am

    Eat at Carlos & Mickey’s (by Bassett Mall/behind car dealerships) – best chimichangas! For great tortilla soup, try Julio’s on the Far East Side of town.
    Avoid Cielo Vista Mall and shop at Sunland Park Mall -less people there.
    Chico Tacos is disgusting!! DO NOT EAT THAT CRAP! Please don’t think that crap is Mexican/TexMex food – it’s a waste of money and time.
    Drive over Transmountain to see gorgeous vistas and park on Scienic Drive at night – just gorgeous.
    If you can, visit Ft Bliss/Biggs Field and/or White Sands Missile Range – go to the museums and learn about the history of the military in the southwest.

  • rachel -

    August 7, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Get a taste of Asia in El Paso at Teaze Boba Tea. Boba (aka bubble tea) is delicious and a treat to find in the southwest!

  • rachel -

    August 7, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Hit up “Little Bit of Texas” for dancing and fun! It’s on Doniphan Rd. But there’s a great nightlife scene anyway in El Paso.

  • krista -

    August 7, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Take a day trip to Guadalupe National Park. On the way is the Salt Flats and picnic areas. El Caption mountain can be seen from the Salt Flats. The Salt Flats use to be under water. Great place to visit.

  • Dora -

    August 7, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Best thing about El Paso is the shopping! I don’t mean the malls either. Downtown is the best place to go.

    There’s a small store – literally a stones throw from the border- that you can get name brand jeans for $10.00 a pair! You’d be crazy not to stock up.

  • Kimmy -

    August 7, 2013 at 10:57 am

    Check out the Hoppy Monk (4141 N. Mesa) it has a huge selection on tap and a nice patio. They have some regional brews, I recommend trying Santa Fe Brewing’s Happy Camper IPA. Hope & Anchor (4012 N. Mesa) is another good one, it has a fun patio space and they are always mixing up new cocktails.

    Depending on the timing of your trip: La Parada (501 Texas Ave.) puts on an event the first Friday of every month with art and music and usually lots of dancing; the Downtown Melt is the last Saturday of every month which is basically an evening of bar hopping with live music. There’s an Artists Market downtown (in Union Plaza) every Saturday that’s kinda small but has some great local artists. Otherwise pick up a What’s Up El Paso for free and check out whats going on for the week.

    Just outside of El Paso, past Sunland Park on I-10 heading West, there is an antiques mall called The Whoopee Bowl. You can’t miss it, there is a metal dinosaur out front. It’s a huge space, stuffed full of interesting, just great to wander around.

    Also, if you are doing any traveling in the region go to White Sands. It’s about an hour away , but worth the drive. Take some sleds, you’ll want them. And if you can watch the sunset, it sets high in the sky behind the mountains so vivid and colorful. Depending on when you visit, they do a full moon night that is spectacular. The moonlight bounces off the sand and viewing the stars from the desert is just one of those things you can’t describe.

  • Jo Beth Gipson -

    August 7, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Don’t miss the Mountain Pass that connects the two sides of El Paso. You drive right through the mountains and it is an awe-inspiring drive. There are are several places to stop off and let the atmosphere just soak into your bones. It is well-worth a trip. You will be refreshed.

  • Dawn` -

    August 7, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    El Paso, let me count the ways. Here’s to get you started: Scenic Drive for the view, Doniphan Dr to check out interesting shops, the Greenery at Sunland Park Mall for brunch, St. Patrick’s Cathedral for awe, Transmountain for more views, the Northeast for best Korean food, Arodovino’s pizza or House of Pizza in Central, Utep’s Chihuahan Desert Garden, El Paso Museum of Art, Casa Jurado for best Mexican and lots of great people to meet!

  • Susan -

    August 7, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    Tonight I was talking to some friends who have relatives in El Paso. The tip they gave me was to try as many restaurants as possible,
    El Paso has lots of great restaurants…

  • Natasha -

    August 8, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    My grandmother lives in El Paso and the Mexican food is unbelievable! My favorite spots to hit are H&H Cafe and Car Wash and L&J Cafe – those are two that you can’t miss!

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Since my husband and I enjoy visiting local wineries all over the country, we enjoyed visiting the Zin Valle Winery . You can sit on the winery’s patio and enjoy a beautiful view of the Franklin mountains . Sometimes they even have special events like music on the patio, wine dinners and outdoor dinners.

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    My husband is very interested in anything to do with WWII and military aviation, so he particularly enjoyed the War Eagles Air Museum. There are displays about WWII and Korean Conflict era aircraft and highlights the history of U.S. military aviation and the role that airplanes, pilots and their crew played in these wars. Even I found it very interesting.

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    The Tigua Indian Cultural Center is a fun place. You can experience Native American dances, traditional songs, guided Pueblo tours, bread baking demonstrations, a museum, gift shops and lots more here.

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    The Café Mayapán was one restaurant we found interesting as well as delicious. It is both a restaurant and a nonprofit organization that provides job training in South-Central El Paso. The food there seems to be very authentic!

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    I enjoyed shopping at the Placita Santa Fe. It had art shops, designer clothing shops, jewelry shops and various other unique shops.

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    There is a Bed & Breakfast in El Paso called The Rest of Texas which we enjoyed. You get home-baked cookies when you arrive and breakfast is prepared to order when you are ready to eat. You tell them what you like and they will make it for you! It is a fully furnished private guest house.

  • Carolsue -

    August 8, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Last but not least, is the White Sands National Monument, one of the world’s great natural wonders. We got a whole different perspective when we joined a park ranger for a “full moon hike” as well as a sunset walk. There are approximately 275 total square miles of dune fields, with 115 square miles located within the park itself.

  • LAMusing -

    August 8, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Check out the National Border Patrol Museum if you’re a fan of the offbeat!

  • LAMusing -

    August 8, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Check out the National Border Patrol Museum if you’re a fan of the offbeat!

  • LAMusing -

    August 8, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    If you’re a fan of the offbeat, check out the National Border Patrol Museum!

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    They have meerkats at the El Paso Zoo; if you don’t love meerkats there is something wrong with you: http://www.elpasozoo.org/Africa-Meerkats.php Plus they are tiny so I don’t think they mind living in a zoo.

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    The oldest locomotive in the West is at the Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso: http://www.elpasorails.org/ which is a very cool place to train-geek.

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Have a steak at a real working cattle ranch: http://www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com/ Voted the Manliest Steakhouse in America, 2012 by Men’s Health magazine

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Visit Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hueco-tanks and see real rock paintings from Archaic hunters and foragers of thousands of years ago and from the relatively recent Mescalero Apaches.

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Go to H & H Car Wash and have terrific Huevos rancheros and coffee while getting your car washed; both are wonderful (the wash and the food that is); much prized by locals.
    http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60768-d265513-Reviews-H_H_Car_Wash_and_Coffee_Shop-El_Paso_Texas.html

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    Visit the Magoffin Home State Historic Site which was built in 1875 by El Paso pioneer Joseph Magoffin and is right downtown. It a fantastic (and well restored and preserved) adobe historic home though it has Victorian-era décor and furniture, authentic artifacts, outbuildings and gardens and is deeply cool. It could inspire your own home decor.

    http://www.visitmagoffinhome.com/index.aspx?page=13

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    For a touch of the decidedly odd and self-serious try the Border Patrol Museum: http://www.borderpatrolmuseum.com/ with exhibits of the weaponry, uniforms and badges of the United States Border Patrol from its establishment in 1924. This is actually a bit more interesting than it might on the face of it seem to be; plus the shop has some surprisingly cool stuff.

  • Margot C -

    August 9, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Head to Ranger Peak where at 5,632 feet above sea level on a clear day you can see over 7,000 square miles and parts of three states and two nations. You don’t have to climb; you can take one of those neat Swiss made trams: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/wyler-aerial-tramway

  • Ashley H -

    August 9, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    Sleep Inn University is minutes away from the University of Texas at El Paso and is also near attractions such as the White Sands Missile Range, Sunland Park Mall and Bridge of the Americas. Pets are allowed to stay at the Sleep Inn University for a fee.

  • Chanel at LaViajeraMorena -

    August 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    Try L&J Cafe (3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903) for some great Mexican food!

  • meredith -

    August 11, 2013 at 4:59 am

    Since there are 300 sunny days a year, take advantage of all the outdoor activities and go for a hike or climb – bring lots of water though it gets hot

  • meredith -

    August 11, 2013 at 5:00 am

    Since there are 300 sunny days a year, take advantage of all the outdoor activities and go for a hike or climb – bring lots of water though it gets hot

  • meredith -

    August 11, 2013 at 5:02 am

    I know its a while away but dont forget about The Mardi Gras celebration in Kern Place on Fat Tuesday to Get showered with beads while enjoying good food, live outdoor music, and drink specials.

  • meredith -

    August 11, 2013 at 5:06 am

    If you love food as much as I do – make plans to visit A Taste of El Paso and the Chihuahuan Desert festival in September

  • meredith -

    August 11, 2013 at 5:09 am

    I also have to mention the Amigo Airsho is one of El Paso’s premier is one of the top ten air shows in the country. You can see Franklin’s Flying Circus, where performers walk on the wings of an airborne plane. and you can look at the Jet Powered School Bus.

  • Michelle -

    August 11, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Some of my earliest memories include sitting in the Charcoaler (http://www.yelp.com/biz/charcoaler-drive-in-el-paso) parking lot, listening to my Mom tell stories of HER days as a high school student sitting in that very same parking lot. Apparently, the then owner Mr. Cox forbade kids from being outside of their cars–so running from car to car without getting caught was a Friday night event. I can’t say that I’ve ever participated in that game, but every time I go home, I hit up Charcoaler for a #11, french fries and a large lemon Dr. Pepper with heavy ice. The total is somewhere under $6….and though the taste is not to be missed, talking to the person in the seat next to you is where some of the real memories are made.