The Historic Small Town That Every New Mexican Should Visit At Least Once
Zooming by New Mexico’s towns on the highway, it’s surprisingly easy to blink and miss a good number of them. However, you are definitely missing out if you don’t stop to visit at least once. Each is filled with its own personalities that can only be experienced first hand by walking its historic streets, grabbing a bite in their diners, or trekking nearby trails.
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Socorro is one example of can seem like a dusty little town that seems easy to pass up on the highway.
The first mission was established around that time, as well as mines, but was abandoned during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The area sat dormant for over 130 years until it was resettled in 1815.
The oldest surviving building in Socorro is the San Miguel Church, which was constructed shortly after the town was resettled.
Through the rest of Socorro, you'll find a mixture of historic Territorial buildings that date back to the town's early days.
One example is the Juan Jose Baca House. Built in 1870 as a store and home for the town's second mayor, the building has survived the years as other businesses, such as a pizza parlor and brewery.
Other historic buildings include the Garcia Opera House, built in 1884. While it never seemed to actually host operas, it did serve as a community cultural center through the decades.
The town also has several small museums dedicated to detailing Socorro's history.
Among them is the Hammel Museum which was originally an early brewery. These days, the museum houses collections that showcase the brewery's history, as well as items from the town's early days.
Another can't-miss stop is the Socorro Heritage Museum. Here, you'll find a museum that houses collections of Socorro's long history and simultaneously acts as the town visitor center.
Plus, those natural views surrounding Socorro are sights you won't want to miss.
The town is flanked by the Rio Grande and the Magdalena Mountains, so hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful. Within a short drive, you'll find wildlife refuges like the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the Socorro Nature Area.
And, when you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from.
One example is the El Camino Restaurant & Lounge, a landmark family-style diner that serves a little bit of everything. Other notable places to grab a meal include the Owl Bar Cafe, Bodega Burger, and Jackson Ranch Steakhouse.
Socorro is located in central New Mexico, approximately one hour south of Albuquerque via Interstate 25.
Socorro is located in central New Mexico, approximately one hour south of Albuquerque via Interstate 25. You can find additional information about the historic town by visiting its website or Facebook page.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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