Morningside Heights - El Paso, TX Area Guide

Morningside Heights has a 400-year multicultural past. In 1581, the Spanish arrived, and later, in 1680, New Mexico’s Pueblo Indians revolted against the Spanish, forcing Spanish settlers and missionaries back down to El Paso. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, and two years later, Juan Maria Ponce de Leon was granted land now making up the city of El Paso. After the Mexican-American War, El Paso became part of the United States. The “Post Opposite of El Paso,” now known as Fort Bliss was built, and development of the areas population quickly grew with arrival of the railroad in 1881. By the early 20th century, stately high-rises sprung up in the downtown area. Morningside Heights, an ethnically diverse area due to high concentration of enlisted military families, has numerous historic sites and landmarks. "Viva El Paso," a live musical presenting El Paso's history, is held each summer.

Whether you’re hankering for sizzling fajitas, succulent barbecue, spicy Mexican, or a perfectly grilled steak, Morningside Heights has what you crave. What makes the food here special is the blending of cultures, drawing from the original Native Americans, the Spanish colonists with their added Arabic background, the settlers from back east, and the whole catalog of worldwide modern cuisine.

Nestled on a mountainside near the northeast's border with the rest of the city, The Great American Land & Cattle Company welcomes visitors to the neighborhood. The atmosphere is rustic and inviting, and the views of the Franklin Mountains from the dining room are fantastic. Smokey and juicy barbecued sausage bite appetizers pair perfectly with a cold Corona, and tender chicken breasts are served up grilled, Cajun, barbecue, beer-battered or chicken fried. Seafood lovers find menu options such as cold-water lobster tail served with drawn butter or a whole pound of shrimp served grilled, deep-fried in beer batter or sautéed in garlic butter with a touch of Parmesan. Live entertainment, a lively atmosphere, a friendly staff and reasonable prices add up to an unforgettable dining experience.

Sorrento Italian Restaurant, features dim lighting, checkered tablecloths and a dizzying number of wax-dripped Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling. For romantic evenings and a strong menu of traditional Italian fare combined with a solid wine list, Sorrento's accommodates. Classic choices such as fresh mozzarella with sliced tomatoes, spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant Parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo, and tiramisu are prepared traditionally with simple and fresh ingredients.

Nearby central El Paso serves up plenty of nightlife opportunities. The Cincinnati Entertainment District on Cincinnati Avenue between Mesa and Stanton streets features hip bars and restaurants that attract students and professionals after work. The area around Union Plaza near Abraham Chavez Theater and El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center has attracted new restaurants and nightclubs, reinforcing El Paso's reputation as a great place to visit, live, work and play.

The Morningside Heights/El Paso area has minimal traffic congestion on major thoroughfares and interstates and dozens of streets with bicycle lanes. The Sun Metro provides safe, reliable, clean bus driven service throughout town by a professional coach operator. El Paso International Airport (ELP) has abundant land (nearly 7,100 acres) and beautiful flying weather. The gateway to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico, ELP provides airline passenger services, air cargo, and general aviation services. The Airport is located 6 miles east of downtown El Paso and 1.7 miles north of Interstate 10 Exit 25 (Airway Blvd). Be sure to check out sculptor John Houser’s depiction of Onate at the El Paso International Airport. At 42 feet, it is one of the world’s largest equestrian statues. Plenty of cheap and free public parking options are available and calling or catching a cab as well as services from Uber are also available for those looking to catch a ride.

El Paso isn't called the Sun City for nothing, and its inviting weather, nearby mountains, and beautiful public lands beckon runners, hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, wildlife watchers, photographers, and all who just love to get outside. Needless to say, it gets hot here, so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and plan accordingly. Here are just a few of the area’s outdoor attractions to explore.

Birding in the Morningside Heights area will likely involve a visit to the Franklin Mountains. El Paso's natural flyway brings a large variety of bird species to the region. McKellington Canyon, Located within Franklin Mountains State Park, is a great canyon for rock climbing and bouldering. This 37-square-mile public land has numerous trails ready to explore.

Astronomy, bird-watching, rock-climbing, and other organized activities are available at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Situated 32 miles northeast of El Paso. This 860-acre historic site holds cultural significance to many Native Americans.

Northeast Regional Park, located at McCombs Road and North Gateway Boulevard, includes 54 acres of recreational area with four lit softball fields, four lit soccer fields, six unlit soccer fields, walking trails, a playground, a children's garden and maze, a skate park, concessions and restrooms.

The cost of living in Morningside Heights runs slightly lower than the city average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs around $475. Getting to and from the city via public transportation will normally cost about $7 round trip, and filling up your gas tank usually runs 15 percent below national prices.

Pub crawling or just a pint or two of beer to unwind with at dinner will not break the bank. Happy hour specials can be found for almost any hour of the day making your tab anywhere from $1 to $5 per drink.

Dyer Street, named for prominent turn-of-the-20th-century El Paso attorney John Dyer, is the main street of Morningside Heights, with the lion's share of its retail stores.

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso ensures that you can always grab a bargain. More than 90 name-brand stores have prices 20 percent to 65 percent off department store prices.

Xicali Imports brings the best in home décor, event accessories, and sports merchandise. Carrying thousands of gift ideas, and with new items coming in weekly, Xicali Imports will never be the same store twice. Entire families can spend hours seeking out items for the home, kitchen, and office in styles ranging from rustic to modern.

A large Western store with factory-outlet prices, Interstate 10 Flea Market & Fair, known more commonly as Cowtown Boots’ deluxe swap meet, has vendor booths, 1,400 parking spaces, a community stage, rides for kids and restrooms. This extravaganza includes many vendor and food options for visitors who come from all over the Southwest.

Grocery shopping can be accomplished at chain's such as Walmart or at smaller markets such as Luna & Sons Grocery and Meat Market, and Amigo Market, as well as Ben's Grocery Market.