8 Most Hospitable Towns In New Mexico
The "Land of Enchantment" is known for its picturesque landscapes, wide open spaces, and friendly people. If you’re looking for the eight most hospitable towns in New Mexico, this article will ensure you find smiling faces and fun activities, too. Whether fishing the Rio Grande or watching the skies for a hot air balloon passing by, there are many reasons to visit this southern state. Before you hit the road, grab your map and plot a course for these warm and welcoming stops you won’t want to miss.
Cloudcroft
Nestled in the cool pines of the Sacramento Mountains, Cloudcroft is home to just over 700 residents. It's too small for a stop light, but it's home to a bustling main street with ample opportunities for shopping and dining.
The village lives up to its motto of being “9,000 feet above stress level” with its laid-back vibe and welcoming locals. Be sure to check out the Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail, former pathway of the railroad that ends at the breathtaking Mexican Canyon Trestle viewing area.
Golfers can enjoy 18 holes at the state’s oldest (and arguably most scenic) golf course located at The Lodge at Cloudcroft. Forgot your clubs? Play a round of disc golf at Zenith Park or grab your innertube for a fun day at the Cloudcroft Ski Area. Winter visitors can also enjoy the ice-skating rink in the middle of town. In the summer, time your visit to enjoy an evening street dance where traffic through Burro Street shuts down so the bands can start up.
Ruidoso
Just an hour’s drive from Cloudcroft is the gorgeous mountain town of Ruidoso. It’s 7,000+ local residents agree it’s one of New Mexico’s best kept secrets. Downtown Ruidoso is home to dozens of quirky shops, restaurants, and bars orchestrated in an extremely walkable style.
Just behind the main strip burbles the majestic Rio Ruidoso, its picturesque banks a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. If you love to fish, Grindstone Lake sits nestled among the pine trees and offers fishing, kayaking, and fun all summer long.
In the winter, visitors take advantage of Ski Apache for tubing and slopes. Risktakers won’t want to miss the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, home to the “World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race” and the Billy the Kid Casino.
Hatch
Take advantage of your opportunity to visit the Chile Capital of the World in Hatch. Locals can’t wait to tell you everything there is to know about their prize crop.
Every shop is laden with vibrant chile ristras and you’ll be hard pressed to find a restaurant without green chile cheeseburgers, red chile enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired cuisine loaded with the spicy fruit. Grab a bite at Sparky’s Burgers, beloved for its quirky statues and tasty grub.
Afterward, the Hatch Chile Store has everything you need to take a piece of the Southwest home with you. On your way out of town, swing into the historic Lake Valley Townsite, a “ghost town” that flourished and faded during the late-1800s silver boom.
Jemez Springs
One of the most spectacular regions of New Mexico is the Jemez Mountains. Towering pine trees give way to precipitous valleys of stark red rock that tumble into the fast-flowing waters of the Rio Guadalupe. In the heart of the mountains lies the unassuming town of Jemez Springs.
Its narrow streets are lined with humble homes and surprisingly luxurious lodging for visitors seeking the town’s main attraction: hot springs. The healing waters of the Jemez hot springs are one of northern New Mexico’s most underrated points of interest. Whether you stay at the Jemez Hot Springs Hotel or hike into one of the area's many warm springs, you’re sure to find relaxation and tranquility amid the trees and river valleys.
The Gilman Tunnels, just outside of Jemez Springs, were blasted out of solid rock and overlook a stunning river valley. The tunnels have been featured in films like 3:10 to Yuma and The Lone Ranger. Don’t miss Bandelier National Monument, a protected part of the ancestral and traditional lands of at least 23 tribal nations. Visitors can view petroglyphs and explore dwellings carved directly into rock cliff faces.
Artesia
What Artesia lacks in scenic beauty it makes up for in hospitality. The town’s 12,000 residents are likely to work in the oil and gas industry and refer to the town’s unique, gassy aroma as “the smell of money.” Mainstreet is dotted with bronze statues memorializing the city’s history. A walking tour offered by the Artesia Chamber of Commerce offers historical insights and abundant shopping and dining options.
Many of the local hotspots like the beloved Wellhead Restaurant and Brew Pub fill with oilmen and rig hands after 5 p.m. but there’s never any shortage of ale or steaks. The Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center is a great place to explore Southwestern history through photographs, farm and ranch displays, and Native American artifacts.
Taos
Toas captures the spirit of New Mexico through its diverse landscapes and rich cultural legacy. For a taste of hospitality, stop by the Greater World Earthship Community. A proud homeowner might greet you, eager to show off their unique homestead.
Visitors can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding in The Enchanted Circle, featuring the Taos Ski Valley, the Red River Ski Area, Angel Fire Ski Resort, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, and the Enchanted Forest Cross Ski Area.
For those more interested in culture than crushing the slopes, the Toas Pueblo is a living Native American community that’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. The area has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. The nearby Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the fifth highest bridge in the United States and it’s wildly Instagram-able. You may recognize it from such films as "Natural Born Killers," "Paul," and "Terminator Salvation."
Mesilla
Locals lovingly call this charming town “Old Mesilla” due to its vibrant history and Mexican heritage. It's been a growing cultural center since the mid 1800s.
It played a pivotal role in the Civil War and grew to attract businessmen and outlaws alike. Mesilla is where famed outlaw Billy the Kid was tried and ultimately sentenced to death by hanging in 1881.
Today, visitors enjoy strolling through The Old Mesilla Plaza featuring the Basilica of San Albino, The Fountain Theatre, and the historic Double Eagle Restaurant. Those searching for turquoise and silver jewelry or Southwestern-style art will have plenty of jewelers and galleries from which to choose.
Roswell
If you’re looking for a welcoming crowd, you can’t beat the small town of Roswell. Shop owners and long-time residents are eager to discuss the town’s otherworldly history and invite you to tour their unusual shops and unique art installations.
The International UFO Museum & Research Center is a great first stop, offering rare insights into the 1947 “Roswell Incident” and other UFO-related phenomena. If aliens aren’t your thing, check out the Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum for amazing dollhouses and unusual miniatures of immense variety. During hot summer months, check out Bottomless Lakes State Park for boating, swimming, camping, and miles of hiking trails.
If your drive through Historic Route 66 takes you through the Land of Enchantment, roll down your windows and be sure to wave at your fellow drivers-it’s customary in this part of the world. The weather is temperate, the food is spicy, and the locals are typically friendly. If you’re seeking New Mexican hospitality, these eight towns should be at the top of your list.
