8 Towns in New Mexico With Thriving Local Businesses
New Mexico is home to several charming towns filled with wonder and excitement. Despite having fewer residents than cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico's small towns have many thriving local businesses to explore. Browse antique shops in Taos, dine at popular eateries in Silver City, tour a cheese factory in Tucumcari, explore a dispensary in Madrid, stop at a nostalgic candy in Red River, shop at a weaving store in Chimayo, visit a brewery in Española, and enjoy a spa day in Truth or Consequences. This list of New Mexico towns will interest you if you want to support local businesses when visiting each.
Taos
Taos is a small town well known for its distinct local shops and unique art scene. Within Taos' historic district is John Dunn Shops, a local pedestrian mall named after John Dunn, a prominent figure in Taos' history. It houses several boutique stores, galleries, and a few eateries. Shop at the Ammann Gallery for Native American jewelry and pottery, MODA for fashionable womenswear, or Op.Cit. Books for a selection of new, used, and collectible books. It is also the perfect place to enjoy a coffee at Café Sagrado or a pleasant meal at Bent Street Grille. Taos Plaza is another place to support local businesses, as several boutiques, antique shops, craft stores, and casual and fine-dining restaurants are there. Stop by the family-owned Cid's Food Market to shop for produce and other items. The same owners also own The Cellar, a superb store selling the finest wine, beer, and spirits.
Silver City
Silver City, a town in Grant County, is nestled in the southwestern part of New Mexico. It is home to many local eateries, coffeehouses, breweries, boutiques, and antique shops. Diane's has been in business for over 15 years and has won several awards for its excellent cuisine, extensive wine list, and elegant atmosphere. Another successful business is Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, known for its craft beers, pub fare, and live entertainment. Silver City also has many coffeehouses, from Tranquilbuzz Coffee House to Javalina Coffee House, where you can sip your favorite beverage, relax, and unwind in a peaceful, inviting environment. Silver City's Main Street is the perfect place for shopping with local boutiques like Birdwell's Little Quail Boutique and antique shops like Silver City Trading Company. You can also check out the weekly Silver City Farmers' Market for fresh produce and homemade goods.
Tucumcari
Tucumcari in Quay County has several successful local businesses. Tucumcari Ranch Supply is a popular place to shop and eat. A few blocks from historic Route 66, this family-run establishment, which has been a general retail store and gift shop for nearly 40 years, also houses Watson's BBQ, which offers smoked meats and affordable lunch specials. Stop by Loretta's Burrito Hut or La Cita Restaurant if you want authentic Mexican food. Other popular local eateries include Del's Restaurant, Golden Dragon, and Kix On 66. Several souvenir shops and boutique stores are located within the town, too. Visit the Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop for Route 66 merchandise, keepsakes, and vintage items. The Desert Rose Center is another popular business in Tucumcari, where you can browse a selection of fabrics and consignment items made by local craftspeople.
Madrid
Located in Santa Fe County, Madrid is a charming town with fascinating galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes. Calliope, a fine art and craft gallery, features paintings, outdoor sculptures, ceramics, mixed media, glass art, recycled art, and jewelry from local artists. Alchemy Studio is another gallery that is worth checking out. Go shopping at 10 PM Steampunk for handmade steampunk art, sculptures, and accessories, or stop by Moonbow for herbal teas and other items. Local eateries include The Mine Shaft Tavern, a bar and grill establishment with draft beers, elevated pub fare, and live music. There is also the breakfast and lunch spot Refinery 14 and Java Junction, which has coffees and pastries, merchandise, and a bed and breakfast on the second floor. Madrid is also home to the wellness center The Lotus and dispensaries like Mad Reefer and Tru Luv Bud.
Red River
Many people visit Red River to explore the great outdoors with recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Local places to eat and drink include Shotgun Willie's Cafe, a long-standing restaurant serving barbecue and fresh burgers; Main Street Pizzeria, known for its homemade pizza in a casual atmosphere; Bearly Awake, which has quickly become one of the best coffee shops in Red River; and Bull O' the Woods Saloon, a popular hangout to grab a craft beer and listen to live music. In Red River, many local stores sell everything from cowboy boots and Western clothing to fine art and handmade items. A trip to Der Markt Food Store will satisfy all your supermarket needs. It offers produce, grocery items, and a selection of beer, wine, and liquor. The Candy Crate is also famous for nostalgic candy and unique gift items.
Chimayo
Chimayo, located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is known for its excellent local businesses. Rancho de Chimayo, an award-winning restaurant in business for 50 years, is a favorite among locals and tourists. The restaurant's owner has contributed to bringing authentic New Mexican cuisine into the spotlight. Chimayo is also known for weaving shops, so Trujillo's Weaving Shop and Ortega's Weaving Shop are worth visiting. Another local business to support is the El Potrero Trading Post, which sells dried red and green chile, pine nuts, produce, and artwork. Chimayo is also home to the Oviedo Carvings and Bronze Gallery, which has wood-carved and bronze sculptures.
Española
Located between Santa Fe and Taos, Española is a small town thriving with many eateries, breweries, attractions, and shopping. Local restaurants include Mexican favorites El Paragua and La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant and Ken'z Cuisine, which serves Italian, steak, and seafood dishes. Española is also home to Blue Heron Brewing, New Mexico's oldest female-owned and operated brewery. Chile Line Foods is a family farm known for growing everything from green chile and blue corn to pinto beans and tomatoes. The business also sells cookbooks and offers private cooking lessons using seasonal ingredients. One of the many attractions in Española is the New Mexico Wildlife Center. This affordable outing costs only $7 per adult and $5 per child. The Española Valley Fiber Arts Center and Chimayo Rocks are also local businesses to visit.
Truth or Consequences
Truth or Consequences (or T or C, as locals like to call it) has long been a spa and wellness tourism destination. But it is much more than that. This town features a variety of local restaurants, shops, and galleries. Los Arcos Steak & Lobster, which has been in business for over 50 years, is a thriving restaurant with an incredible dining experience. The menu features succulent steaks, prime rib, lobster, fresh seafood, and chicken dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, a full bar, and an outdoor patio. Other places to eat in Truth or Consequences include Outer Edge Pizzeria, Passion Pie Cafe, A & B Drive-In, and Sidekixx Bar & Kitchen. Visit local stores and businesses like Bullock's Grocery for grocery items, Hot Springs Frame & Art Supply for arts and craft supplies, Michele's Salon & Spa for massages and facials, One Of A Kind Gifts & Treasures for antiques and unique gifts, and 303 Gallery for a collection of fine art. The city also has several events where vendors showcase homemade items and products.
New Mexico is a true treasure because of its charming towns that offer locals and visitors a little bit of everything. Even though these towns are less populated than Albuquerque and Santa Fe, they are still packed with local gems worth exploring. Whether you want to dine at an authentic local restaurant, visit a mom-and-pop boutique, or grab a cappuccino at a quaint coffee shop, there are several thriving businesses that you can support in these eight towns in New Mexico.
