I'm in dancing Aggie. Any thoughts you want to share for passing the time in Las Cruces that weekend? I used to live in Denver and part of my sales territory included NM, but it's been too long to remember any "must see's/must do's'. And how about recommendations for Mexican food? No honkey mouth Mexican, but real green chili Mexican.
I wish I could make this trip -- work won't allow this year. It's been a long time since my folks lived in Dona Ana, County, but I loved visiting Cruces. I found the desert beautiful and the people are friendly.
If you're looking for something to do within driving distance I recommend a visit to the Organ Mountains at sunrise or sunset. Lots of wildlife. White Sands isn't too far either. There was an open air market in the downtown area -- one week day and Saturday morning as I recall. Local produce and handcrafted items.
In terms of eats, you could probably find something decent in Old Mesilla, but I recommend heading out of town to Chope's in LaMesa. I assume that it's still owned by the Benavidez family. Chope was a very nice man and his place was a must stop for any Democrat seeking votes in that part of New Mexico. Lots of pol photos on the walls when I went there in the 1980s/90s. They served the best rellenos I've ever eaten. Authentic food made in the family kitchen when I was going there. The hours were limited -- just a couple hours at lunch and in the evening. it was always packed.
If you're around El Paso at lunch or dinner time, you could go to the Cattleman's Steakhouse. Quite an experience.