2023-05-18 07:00:00
New Mexico is known as “the Land of Enchantment” due to its mesmerizing desert landscapes, stunning snow capped mountains, and incredible national parks and monuments. Located in the American Southwest, New Mexico is a great place to commune with nature, explore history, and visit small towns with spectacular main streets. Although New Mexico is often overlooked by vacationers, the state’s small towns offer great escapes for history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
With its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, New Mexico’s charming towns provide culturally diverse experiences along with vibrant communities, rich history, and delicious cuisine. From the historic town of Taos in the north to Silver City in the southwest, there are several small towns in New Mexico with the best main streets. These main streets offer New Mexican hospitality, old-world charm, and some of the best restaurants for local cuisine. Let us take a look at eight towns in New Mexico that have the best main streets.
Taos
Buildings in Taos, which is the last stop before entering Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
If you are looking for a community that offers unique art, rich history, and outdoor activities, look no further than Taos. Located in New Mexico’s high desert, visitors can stroll through boutique shops and art galleries at Taos Plaza along the town’s historic main street. For history buffs, a visit to Taos Pueblo, the oldest living Native American community that is both a World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, is a must. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy hitting the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. Located in the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is the perfect place to ski and snowboard. During warmer months, the mountains provide several hiking trails. Taos even has a hiking trail to the highest peak in New Mexico, the 13,167-foot Wheeler Peak. Taos is also located near the Rio Grande River, which provides stunning waters for fishing and rafting.
Silver City
Old historic building in ghost town of Silver City in New Mexico
Located in southwestern New Mexico, Silver City is a hidden gem that fuses the history of the Old West with a vibrant art community. In fact, the town’s main street boasts several art galleries, including the Grant County Art Guild Gallery, which features works by more than 35 local artists. For those looking to relax, you can easily do so in the historic area at one of the local shops and restaurants, such as Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery. Visitors can also learn more regarding the town’s history at the Silver City Museum. For nature lovers, the town is on the edge of Gila National Forest, a 3.3 million-acre preserve of mountain views, majestic waterfalls, and hiking trails. Plus, the town offers many trailheads downtown, such as San Vincente Creek Trailhead, and is part of the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail that spans from Mexico to Canada.
Las Vegas
Historic Plaza Hotel, built 1881 in Italianate style was called The Belle of the Southwest, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, via Underawesternsky / Shutterstock.com
Although Las Vegas, Nevada is better known than Las Vegas, New Mexico, this enchanting town also offers a great vacation getaway. History buffs can step back in time by visiting the five historic districts along the town’s main street. In fact, Las Vegas boasts more than 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings are in various styles and include California Mission Revival, adobe, Italianate, and Greek Revival architecture. The historic district is also home to several local art galleries and eateries, such as The Skillet, a funky gastropub with unique and authentic New Mexican food. Another place to visit in town is the Cinder Road River Walk, a great path for walking or biking along Gallinas Creek, a tributary of the Pecos River. If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, you can camp, boat, fish, and windsurf at Storrie Lake State Park.
Truth or Consequences
Peloncillo Mountains near Truth or Consequences New Mexico along highway 10 east
Located in southwestern New Mexico, Truth or Consequences is known for its hot springs and healing waters. In fact, the town was called Hot Springs until it changed its name to Truth or Consequences in 1950 during a radio challenge. Along with its unique name, a walk along the town’s main street provides visitors with several incredible adventures. You can dine at delicious restaurants and cafes, visit eclectic art galleries, or take a soak in an ancient hot spring. The town also offers other outdoor adventures, such as floating or fishing in the Rio Grande. Just outside of town is the state’s largest park, Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The park provides beautiful sandy beaches, several hiking trails, multiple campgrounds, and bountiful fishing and water activities in the lake.
Poplars
Morning view of the Ashley Pond Park at Los Alamos, New Mexico
Established as a secret city during World War II, Los Alamos is known for its scientific research and nuclear history. Today, the charming town is the perfect place to escape. The town’s main street is not only lined with incredible restaurants and local shops but is also home to annual events, such as ScienceFest and the Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo Parade. For history buffs, the Los Alamos History Museum, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, and Bradley Science Museum are must-see attractions to learn how the atomic bomb was built here in the 1940s. A site for both history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts is the Bandelier National Monument. The 33,000-acre monument protects breathtaking canyons and mesa country, and features human settlements from 11,000 years ago. You can also hike along scenic trails in the Santa Fe National Forest and at the Los Alamos Canyon Dam & Reservoir.
Raton
North America, United States, New Mexico, county of Colfax, town of Raton, building facade
Located in northeastern New Mexico near the Colorado border is the scenic town of Raton. Along the town’s main street is Ripley Park, boutique stores, and local restaurants, such as Los Chanquis Mexican & Seafood which serves traditional Mexican food. Since the town is nestled among the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town offers many outdoor activities. Near the historic downtown district is Climax County Park, the perfect place for nature lovers to hike and view nature. Sugarite Canyon State Park is also a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers ample fishing in Alice Lake and Lake Maloya, horseback riding along equestrian trails, hiking and mountain biking along twenty miles of trails, and plenty of wildlife viewing.
Side table
Street in Mesilla, New Mexico
Located roughly 50 miles north of the Mexico border is the historic town of Mesilla. The town offers old-warm charm along its main street, which showcases historic adobe buildings and annual events at Mesilla Plaza, such as the town’s weekly Summer Music Series, the Jazz and Blues Festival, and the Native American Art Show in the fall. Mesilla’s main street is also lined with local shops and restaurants, including Don Felix Café of Old Mesilla, a popular brunch and lunch destination. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic views of the Rio Grande River.
Gallup
Aerial View of Gallup, New Mexico on Interstate 40
Gallup is a quaint town known for its rich Native American history and culture. Located along historic Route 66 near the Arizona state border, Gallup offers attractions for history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor explorers. The town’s main street features local shops and restaurants, including the Route 66 Diner. Since the town is steeped in Native American tradition, Gallup is also home to over 1,000 Native American artisans and their trading posts. For nature lovers, Red Rock Park offers breathtaking views of the town, along with stunning red rock cliffs. Visitors can camp, hike, and even catch a rodeo at the park. If you visit in December, be sure to check out the Red Rock Balloon Rally, the second largest hot air balloon rally in the United States. For a more rugged outdoor adventure, outdoor enthusiasts can climb two mountain peaks in Gallup, Pyramid Park and Navajo Church.
These small towns in New Mexico have the best main streets for exploring history, cultural attractions, and great authentic New Mexican cuisine. Whether you are looking to learn regarding the history of the atomic bomb in World War II or celebrate Native American culture, these small towns have a lot to offer. From exploring historic Route 66 and ancient dwellings from 10,000 years ago to climbing the highest mountain peak in New Mexico, these eight charming towns offer something for everyone.
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