8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in New Mexico
Despite having fewer residents than cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico's charming small towns offer something beyond the norm. Visit quirky UFO-themed stops in Roswell, attend cultural celebrations in Taos, dive into the weaving culture in Chimayó, explore a souvenir shop themed after a popular movie in Madrid, check out the oldest antique shop in Las Vegas, discover the eclectic art scene in Truth or Consequences, stroll through a Route 66 gift store in Tucumcari, or see a film at a restored Art Deco cinema in Silver City. This list of whimsical towns in New Mexico will make you want to uncover everything.
Roswell
Roswell is one of the most quirky towns in New Mexico. Its eccentric alien-themed attractions keep visitors coming back for more. Discover many exhibits centered on the history of UFO encounters when you visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Another popular tourist destination in Roswell is Bricktown: Alien Attack, which features interactive LEGO® displays, scavenger hunts, and a souvenir shop. A virtual reality excursion to Spaceport Roswell is the perfect way to have an extraordinary experience. The Roswell UFO Spacewalk, an alien art show with a vintage feel, is worth seeing, too. Roswell also hosts an annual UFO festival in the heart of Roswell's downtown historic district. It's the perfect setting as the downtown area has an alien theme with paintings, signs, and light posts styled like alien heads.
Taos
The striking Fechin House, home of the Taos Art Museum, is a gateway to the rich history of Taos. Inside this treasured museum, you will find beautifully carved furniture and woodwork, soft adobe walls, and some of the best Taos artworks ever produced. Learn about the history of frontiersman Kit Carson at the Kit Carson Home & Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tour of his home and other fascinating parts of the museum. Within the John Dunn Shops, see intricate paintings at Las Comadres Gallery, shop for eco-friendly items at Seconds Eco Store, or grab local-made coffees from Café Sagrado. Taos Plaza in the downtown historic district is another place to visit in this town. Locals and visitors can enjoy farmers' markets and live music events while strolling through unique stores and galleries. Taos brings the community together with the vibrant and colorful annual Las Fiestas de Taos celebration, which honors Spanish culture and traditions.
Chimayó
In this small Pueblo village, weaving has been part of its culture for quite some time, and you can expect to see much of that there. Explore weaving shops like Ortega's Weaving Shop and Trujillo's Weaving Shop, which have distinctive items that showcase the town's style. In addition to weaving, Chimayó is known for religious paintings, wood-carved sculptures, and tin smithing, the art of blackening tin and etching it with a nail, which can be found in many art galleries and museums. The modest, well-preserved Roman Catholic church, the El Santuario de Chimayó, is one of Chimayó's most iconic landmarks.
Madrid
Madrid has an exciting art scene, unique stores, and quaint cafes worth exploring. Calliope, a gallery dedicated to fine arts and crafts, features paintings, outdoor sculptures, mixed-media pieces, glass art, jewelry made from recycled materials, and ceramics. Another gallery worth seeing is Alchemy Studio. Many offbeat landmarks that you will come across include the Jezebel Soda Fountain & Cafe, a fine art gallery where you can eat and sip on specialty beverages; Connie's Photo Park, with dozens of life-size face-in-a-hole signs that offer the perfect photo opportunities; and Maggies Diner, a souvenir shop themed after the 2007 movie "Wild Hogs." After a day of exploration, grab a bit to eat at Refinery 14 or Mine Shaft Tavern. Java Junction is also a popular place that offers shopping, coffee and pastries, and a bed and breakfast on the second floor.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a historic town with nearly 900 structures, including Mission Revival architecture and Victorian and adobe buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its distinctive past. The town is also known for unique art murals, ranging from beautiful Native American imagery at Hot Springs Chapel to the Calumet Says Howdy mural from the 1980s movie "Red Dawn." The large-scale People's Mural of El Norte is a must-see as it depicts the history of Northern New Mexico. Las Vegas is also home to the Fort Union Drive-in, a historic drive-in that has been open since 1958. It's open on the weekends from April through October and shows mainstream movies on a single screen, making it the perfect outing from the spring to fall. Plan to visit Plaza Antiques, the town's oldest antique store with a selection of fine antiques, furniture, intricate collectibles, jewelry, art, and Native American pottery.
Truth or Consequences
Truth or Consequences is a small town hub for art and culture in New Mexico. There are many art galleries to discover. Start at The Center Gallery Fine Art to see authentic and original artwork from talented New Mexico artists, then move over to Truth or Consequences Contemporary to check out textiles, jewelry, sculptures, and paintings from the gallery's owners and other artists. For more art exploration, visit Artist Abbey, a gallery and art space with contemporary and performance art. Another town staple is Xochis Bookstore & Gallery, a vintage bookstore selling rare books about the Southwest and Latin America, artifacts, and art for over 30 years. The Truth or Consequences Art Hop, which takes place on the second Saturday of the month, offers an evening of art exhibitions, live music, and performances.
Tucumcari
Tucumcari is another eccentric town in New Mexico, and it has become a popular stop for travelers traveling along Interstate 40. Explore the town with a visit to the Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop, where you can shop for antiques, unique gifts, and other merchandise to make your trip more memorable. Tucumcari is also a great place to seek out local spots like Watson's BBQ near Tucumcari Ranch Supply. To dive into the town's rich history and culture, plan a trip to museums like the Tucumcari Railroad Museum and the Tucumcari Historical Museum. From the vibrant and colorful Love Tucumcari mural in downtown Tucumcari to the Mother Road and Elvis & Cadillac murals at Motel Safari, Tucumcari is full of exciting art all around town. The Odeon Theater, a notable Art Deco structure, is another part of Tucumcari's history.
Silver City
Silver City may be a gateway to abundant wilderness, but this town has so much more to see. Visit the Silver City Museum to learn about Silver City's history. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the extensive collection of artifacts from the past, exhibits, and the gift shop, which sells southern New Mexico souvenirs, local history books, and crafts from the area. Western New Mexico University also has a museum if you want to learn more about the diverse history and culture of Southwest New Mexico. Walk downtown through Gough Park to see colorful murals and the iconic "Aurora" sculpture. More of the town's art scene can be discovered at Jean-Robert P. Béffort's gallery and studio, which features creative contemporary artwork from local artists. Art shows, exhibitions, and performances also take place there. Silver City is also home to Silco Theater, a beautifully restored Art Deco cinema built in 1923 that shows the newest films and classics and hosts community events and film festivals.
Why New Mexico’s Small Towns Are Worth Exploring
As you can see, New Mexico is full of lesser-known communities that offer plenty of wonder, mystery, and exploration. Whether you want to visit alien-themed attractions, go on an art mural tour, or shop at the oldest antique store, these eight unusual towns in New Mexico are worth traveling to.
