The Most Charming River Towns In New Mexico
The mountainous state of New Mexico boasts a stunning landscape that is appealing to nature lovers and adventurers alike. "The Land of Enchantment" is also home to some of the most remarkable rivers in the U.S. The towns that are incorporated along their banks exude a charm and rustic environment that should put them on any traveler's radar.
It is more than just the natural beauty that makes these towns so desirable. It is also the local districts, many of them historic, that draw visitors in. These river hamlets offer a pleasant blend of outdoor and indoor activities and venues, making them unbeatable. Here are the most charming river towns in New Mexico.
Abiquiu
Abiquiu, located on the Rio Chama River, is a sparsely populated community situated slightly north of Santa Fe. It was famously home to the renowned American painter Georgia O'Keeffe, who visited the area in 1931 and made it her permanent home two decades later. The O'Keeffe Home and Studio is now a popular museum, and Ghost Ranch, where she once resided, is a multipurpose destination with event rentals, camping, and more.
Art is still prevalent in this riverside town and is celebrated with many festivals, including the annual Abiquiu Studio Tour, where guests can explore exhibits through a self-guided river tour held every October. Booking a room at the Abiquiu Inn is a unique way to immerse yourself in the river town. The rustic inn and cafe is on the Rio Chama and features garden terraces, adobe architecture, and cozy fireplaces.
Truth or Consequences
Truth or Consequences got its unique name in the early 1950s when a radio program issued a challenge: any town that changed its name to match the show would host an annual program and fiesta in the area. The quirky town is situated on the famous Rio Grande, and the community offers River Trips that start at the Rotary Park and begin on May 31.
Other fun outdoor activities include spending the day at Riverbend Hot Springs, the only hot spring located on the banks of the Rio Grande. The hot springs, located on Austin Street, have a rich Native American history, where the Apache and Mimbres tribes would use the natural pools to rejuvenate, and they remain available to the public today. Main Avenue is home to the Geronimo Hot Springs Museum, Sierra County's oldest, which offers another fascinating glimpse at regional history.
Taos
Taos is a stunning river town situated along the Rio Grande. There are many things to explore, including the landmark Taos Pueblo. The National Historic Landmark is the only living Native American community designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see attraction for any visitor to the area. Several museums showcase the regional culture and heritage, such as the Taos Art Museum at the Fechin House.
The museum is housed in traditional Pueblo architecture and features local exhibits. Its coffee house is also framed by beautiful gardens. Do not miss an opportunity to visit the oldest museum in Taos, Kit Carson House and Museum. The exhibits transport visitors to the 1850s and feature articles and exhibits from the Kit Carson estate, offering a unique glimpse into the town's past.
Red River
Red River, named after the river on which it is situated, is for the adventurous. It is renowned for its rainbow trout fishing, hiking trails, and towering peaks, perfect for photo opportunities. Walking down Main Street is reminiscent of the Old West, the period during which the town was settled, and provides an excellent opportunity to meet the friendly locals. Now, the district is full of boutiques and unique finds, such as Artistic Funk, Main Street Mercantile, and The Candy Crate.
To soak in the unique atmosphere of this former mining town, book a guided horseback riding tour through the Carson National Forest, featuring jaw-dropping views at every turn. After a day of exploration, stop at one of the many downtown restaurants to refuel and spend a charming evening reliving the day's activities. Enjoy casual fare at Capo's Red River or Red River Brewing Company and Distillery. Or, wind down at wineries like Sheehan Winery or Noisy Water Winery and Cellars.
Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs, on the banks of the river of the same name, is a stunning retreat along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. The village is known for its hot springs, outdoor adventure, and immersive history and culture. Spence Hot Springs, located near Soda Dam, McCauley Hot Springs, and Battleship Rock in the Santa Fe National Forest, make this town a hiker's paradise, offering hikers the chance to experience waterfalls and scenic beauty.
The town proper is just as charming, with a vibrant art and culture scene at galleries such as the Jemez Fine Art Gallery and Mission Street Arts. The latter fosters a sense of community by offering workshops and gallery tours to the public. Do not miss the Jemez Historical Site, featuring stone ruins dating back at least 500 years, along with a 1,400-foot interpretive trail that explores the rich history of the Native Americans.
Mesilla
Located on the Rio Grande, historic Mesilla is a charming community rich in history. The Gadsden Purchase was signed here in 1854, a pivotal moment in American history that shaped the future of the American Southwest. Billy the Kid was tried for murder in the Mesilla courthouse, cementing the town's Old West legacy. Today, the hamlet is renowned for its historic architecture, which embodies the region, and for its vibrant cultural scene.
Tangible remnants of this period can be seen in the landmark Basilica of San Albino, built of adobe in 1855, and the 1850 Barela-Reynolds House, one of the oldest and most significant in town. Visitors, especially food enthusiasts, should visit La Posta de Mesilla. It has been a community icon since 1939, serving bold flavors to townspeople and celebrities such as Sam Elliot and Val Kilmer.
Chama
You will find the charming town of Chama near the Rio Chama, a tributary of the Rio Grande. It is at the base of the Southern Rockies and is known for its fun and adventurous community and attractions. September is a unique time to visit, when the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam trains depart from the Chama depot from Memorial Day through October, shedding light on the town's historical significance.
The historic downtown is fun to explore on foot and offers many shopping opportunities that add a cultural flair to shops, including Cornerstone Shops at Chama and the Monarch Mercantile. There is lodging downtown, so you are always within walking distance of the popular shops, including the Iron Rail Inn and the Chama Station Inn. The latter hotel is ideal for history and locomotive buffs.
Pilar
Pilar, located along the banks of the Rio Grande, is a top whitewater rafting destination and is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The mighty river flows through the Rio Grande Gorge, an 800-foot gorge that offers epic whitewater rafting opportunities, for which the town has become famous. The village, situated on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, has a rich history of Native American and Spanish colonization, with remnants of these periods visible throughout the village.
The Orila Verde Recreation Area is a significant draw for many outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and a diverse array of plant life. It is located near the Scenic River and the Rio Grande Wild, and features numerous photo opportunities alongside the gentle waters and natural scenery. It is one of the best places in New Mexico to experience the abundant wildlife that makes this state so unique.
Corrales
The village of Corrales was settled by the Tiquex Pueblo for agricultural purposes, with the abundant Rio Grande providing fresh water. Agriculture led to the cultivation of grapes at the beginning of the 20th century, making Corrales an established wine destination today. Corrales Winery is a family-operated vineyard that has been in operation since 2000, featuring the best of New Mexico's varietals along the relaxing National Scenic and Historic Byway for those seeking to experience this part of New Mexico's heritage.
The small village is rich in culture, which can be experienced through the community's numerous festivals and events. These include the annual Garden Tour, the Corrales Art Studio Tour, and the Harvest Festival, and are among the best times to visit. The events showcase the best of the community, from its vibrant creative side to its sense of small-town charm, where everybody knows each other and welcomes guests with warm smiles, making Corrales a standout in this region.
These remarkable river towns in New Mexico embrace the best of "river life" with friendly communities and a diverse mix of fun things to do. There is a significant portion of history to match the fun spirit, adding another layer of charm to these areas. Native American history is prominent throughout the region, evident in the pueblo architecture and historic sites, such as the one in Jemez Springs.
These towns are also a dream for outdoor enthusiasts: ample hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning natural beauty. The cultural side of these small villages is equally captivating, especially in towns like Taos. Whether it is vibrant art scenes or quiet solitude in nature, these river towns have it all. Numerous lodging and dining options add a layer of modernity to complement the historical and natural aspects of these charming river towns.
