8 Coziest Small Towns in New Mexico

Welcome to the land of enchantment. Any photo of the endless horizons in New Mexico demonstrates why this is the state’s official nickname. It makes sense. New Mexicans get it. The big cities offer fair slices of enchantment to tourists. The cozy New Mexican small towns, however, are where the magic is hidden. Find enchantment aplenty amongst the yucca blossoms of New Mexico, where humans have walked since 23,000 years ago.

Lordsburg

Saddle forth into Lordsburg and beeline for Verla’s Western Wear. Verla ensures that everyone new to New Mexico moves about in style. The first must-stop gift shop is the Bowlins Continental Divide Trading Post. The trading post has an impressive selection of Native American crafts, including the intricate rugs travelers seek out from all over. The town of Lordsburg is just south of the Gila National Forest. The Shakespeare Ghost Town is an additional activity that's well worth a visit. Daily tour times run from 10:00 am to noon and 3:00 pm and cost $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Socorro

First and foremost, when visiting Socorro, check out an evening of live music at the Capital Bar and Brewery. The Brewery has been a house of good times since 1896 when it operated as the Biavaschi Saloon. Register for an official visit to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, where scientists collate data from the Very Large Array. A wonderful local activity would be seeing a show with the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series (NMTPAS). The NMTPAS has a mission to present “excellent, innovative and engaging multicultural performances and events that strengthen and educate our vibrant and diverse community,” according to their website. The historic Kittrel Park has beautiful sights and birds as well. Find more exotic species of birds with a day trip along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway.

Española

The New Mexico Fiber Arts Center in Española offers an opportunity to delve into the world of wonder through weaving. Tourists in the area cannot stay away from the architectural marvel that is Holy Cross Catholic Church. Sample the finest pottery, jewelry, and fine art in the region at Chimayo Trading Post. The trading post is a must-stop for history buffs as its location is over 250 years old and is next to the notoriously beautiful San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. Española’s endless horizon is cut by the Rio Grande from north-south and the Santa Cruz River east-west. Those who are interested in learning more about the town’s history can visit the Bond House Museum, housed in an impressive adobe domicile. The construction of Bond House was completed in 1910, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Carlsbad

Welcome to a community carved by the Pecos River. Following the Pecos to the west will eventually lead to Brantley Lake, and Diving Rock is a must-see along the way. When heading east, one will discover Lake Avalon. Another worthwhile stop is at the Pecos River Antique Mall and Henry J’s Indoor Flea Market, where the next one-of-a-kind find awaits. Carlsbad’s vibrant culture is built around a sea of wildlife and natural wonder. Just north of town sits the Carlsbad National Wildlife Refuge. Carlsbad residents have transcendence at their fingertips thanks to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Natural assets such as these are why the town, and New Mexico at large, remains an inspiration for artists. Many artists stumble into the land of enchantment only to find that they must follow their hearts and stay put. Carlsbad is known for the bat caves that house the crucial pollinators of New Mexico’s flora.

Truth or Consequences

Those who choose to follow the Rio Grande to where it fills the Elephant Butte Reservoir will eventually step into the paradise of Truth or Consequences. Truth or Consequences draws tourists with its natural hot springs. The temperatures range from 98-115 degrees, has trace elements of 38 minerals, and has a neutral pH. Residents routinely check into the Riverbed Hotsprings or Blackstone Hotsprings to unwind tired muscles for a relaxing, romantic weekend. There are delicious tastes to sample at Truth’s terroir at the Truth and Consequences Brewery. The taproom opens at 2:00 pm every day (noon on weekends) and closes at 10:00 pm. Those interested in history can see the Hispanic and Apache artifacts at the Geronimo Springs Museum.

Aztec

Welcome to Aztec, New Mexico, where green spaces bloom outward along the circuitous route of the Animas River. Tourists usually find their way to Aztec for the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Locals have carved a haven of fun out of the landscape. Whitewater rafting, trampolining, and car racing are all afternoon options in Aztec. Beautiful art is to be discovered at the Feet of Clay Art Gallery. To experience how life was lived closer to the land, visit the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village. Gaze upon an enormous sculpture carved by the wind and the passing of thousands of years at the Cox Canyon Arch landmark.

Ruidoso

The terroir of the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range can be found at Ruidoso’s Noisy Water Winery. Ruidoso comes alive in the winter thanks to the nearby Apache Ski Resort. Those looking for a thrill can find it at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. For pieces worthy of a permanent collection, visit the Adobe Fine Art Gallery. Adobe offers contemporary paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and giclée reproductions of well-known works for sale. Stop into the taproom at the Lost Hiker Brewing Company for a pint and a slice of pizza from Pizza for Good. A portion of the proceeds from Pizza for Good goes to local charities.

Roswell

Anyone who ‘wants to believe’ will love Roswell. The town has grown steadily as a word-of-mouth tourist destination since the alleged crash of a UFO in 1947. Regardless of where the Truth lies, Roswell has become a perfect destination to watch the skies with amateur astronomers. When it’s cloudy, there is always the Roswell UFO Spacewalk Planetarium. There is a lot of inspiration at the Roswell Museum and Art Center. Some of the works showcased at the Museum have benefited from classes that the Art Center provides. Lastly, the International UFO Museum and Research Center is open daily and has entrance fees below the $10 mark, making it an informative and affordable option.

The land of enchantment needs love to stay alive. The Navajo word for New Mexico is phonetically expressed as Yootó Hahoodzo. Please remember that it is the living generation’s responsibility to correct the legacy of colonialism as much as possible. Purchase products from Native American-owned businesses as often as possible. Pick up trash left at state park visits and follow expert instructions when sighting invasive plant or insect species. Instructions can be found on the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department of New Mexico’s website. A directory of Native American businesses in the state can be found on the American Indian Chamber of Commerce’s website.