6 Most Eccentric Towns in New Mexico
The beautiful Southwestern state of New Mexico is steeped in dazzling desert and mountain landscapes, unique customs and traditions, and a rich history dating back to its earliest inhabitants, including the Apache and Puebloan. New Mexico's landscape and history are diverse, and its small towns are eccentric and different from those you will find in many other states. Whether you crave a vacation filled with exciting outdoor adventures or a relaxing respite filled with cultural attractions, you will uncover it in New Mexico's one-of-a-kind hometowns. From the Chile Capital of the World to Pie Town and a UFO hot spot, uncover the most eccentric towns in New Mexico, worthy of exploring during your next getaway.
Taos
Situated in northern New Mexico's breathtaking high desert region, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, charming Taos is the ideal getaway for travelers craving a one-of-a-kind experience. Some say that upon entering this charming town, you can hear the "Taos Hum," an unexplained low-frequency sound phenomenon. As if that isn't mysterious enough, you can also check out the community of "Earthships," a group of highly sustainable homes constructed from all recycled and natural materials, a bit outside of town.
History lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Taos Pueblo, a major historical site in the center of Taos. These adobe structures were the ancestral homes of the Puebloan Tribe and draw in visitors from all over today. The Taos region also offers world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities at places such as the Taos Ski Valley Resort and the Red River Ski Area.
Hatch
Known as the "Chile Capital of the World," the spicy small town of Hatch is famous for growing the tasty Hatch chili peppers, which are distributed worldwide. The green chili peppers are revered for their slightly smoky and spicy flavor, which you can sample at local eateries such as the Pepper Pot and Sparkys Burgers & BBQ. Another thing that makes this eccentric town along the Rio Grande River stand out is the Hatch Chili Festival, which takes place every Labor Day weekend.
Visitors participate in family-friendly events, including recipe contests, chili roasting, and parades. No matter what time of year you are in town, check out the Hatch Village Museum, which showcases early life in the community via artifacts and pictures. If you love nature, get out and experience the area's pretty desert terrain at Hatch Valley Park.
Pie Town
Another quirky New Mexico town recognized for its food contributions, pretty Pie Town adopted its name from a local bakery known for making apple pies in the 1920s. Today, this small desert town near the Continental Divide Trail is anything but traditional, as it has a rural, non-governed culture. If you are lucky enough to visit this warm and welcoming community in September, don't miss the Pie Town Pie Festival, where you can taste a variety of locally made baked goods featuring flaky crusts.
Upon arriving in town, sample some of the town's namesake desserts at Pie-O-Neer Pies or at the Gatherin' Place. If you want to stay a night, week, or more, check out the Pie Town RV Park and Campground.
Roswell
Perhaps the most eccentric town in New Mexico, Roswell has long been synonymous with all things alien and supernatural, which adds to its allure. The small town's mysterious aura began in 1947, when an unidentified flying object supposedly landed on a ranch nearby. This occurrence started speculation that aliens landed at the location, cementing Roswell's reputation as a supernatural and UFO hot spot, which continues today.
The best destination to begin your exploration of this town is at the one-of-a-kind UFO Museum and Research Center, where you can tour interactive displays, crop circle research, UFO eyewitness accounts, and personal Area 51 stories. Nature lovers can spend time at the Bottomless Lakes State Park, a sanctuary featuring hiking trails, swimming sites, and 17- to 90-foot sinkholes.
Chimayo
Just a 30-mile drive from the bustling city of Sante Fe, the charming town of Chimayo draws in tourists all by itself due to its rich history, spirituality, and beautiful natural surroundings. Chimayo is nestled in the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountain foothills, and is best known for the Santuario de Chimayo, a famous adobe chapel. This Roman Catholic church attracts almost 300,000 annual visitors who want to experience its supposed healing powers.
Every year during Holy Week, a large number of people make a pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo. The town is also known for its beautiful weavings and other fine arts and crafts, which you can check out at Centinela Traditional Weaving Arts and Ortega's Weaving Shop.
Truth or Consequences
Last but certainly not least, of most eccentric towns in New Mexico, Truth or Consequences stands out for more than just its unique name, which it acquired as a result of a popular radio quiz show. The town began with the name Hot Springs, and the relaxing natural attractions still play a big role in the community's identity. Truth or Consequences is home to several bubbling geothermal springs, which you can experience yourself at bathhouses and spas such as Blackstone Hotsprings, Charles Motel & Hotsprings, Hot Springs Glamp Camp, and Indian Springs. Other local attractions worth checking out include the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway Visitor Center and the Geronimo Springs Museum.
New Mexico has a long history of being a special destination to visit, whether you crave a luxurious mountain respite or to dive into all things supernatural. Make yourself at home in one of the state's small, eccentric towns and set out to explore everything from bubbling hot springs to festivals centering around delicious local cuisine. No matter if you are a history buff or a nature lover, you will find something to enjoy in offbeat New Mexico.
