Posted in New Mexico
November 08, 2016
These 12 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In New Mexico Are Delightful
Many New Mexicans grow up in small towns, where the pace of life is slower and everyone knows your name. But you don’t have to be a resident to appreciate the picturesque nature of these special places. Some are surrounded by beautiful scenery, while others have become culinary or artistic havens. The following 12 small towns all have charm to spare:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This tiny town has been the site of turquoise mining for hundreds of years. In the 1950s, Hollywood bigwigs discovered Cerrillos and found the town so appealing that it was used as a movie location. “Young Guns” was the best-known movie shot here. The town also boasts a state park and the attractive St. Joseph’s Church.
This town of 101 people, located next to the Arizona border, is a hidden gem. Surrounded by views of the Chiricahua Mountains, visitors to Rodeo can explore the Chiricahua Desert Museum, the adorable art gallery (pictured), and savor a well-seasoned steak at Rodeo Tavern and Grill.
Mesilla is a quintessential small New Mexican town, with an impressive plaza, traditional architecture, and great restaurants. Strolling these streets is like stepping inside a postcard. Mesilla is also the site of historic events such as the formalization of the Gadsden Purchase.
This diamond in the rough is charming both day and night. During the daytime, the brick facades of this mining town are quaint, and at night, the low levels of light pollution make it ideal for viewing a wonderland of stars.
Eagle Nest is situated in one of the most alluring settings in New Mexico. Visit Eagle Nest Lake State Park to admire the dark blue waters of the lake and to watch for wildlife.
This old mining town in the Black Range is dripping with charm. For an overload of cuteness, stop in at the dinky Hillsboro General Store and Café.
Nestled in the scenic Capitan Mountains, this small town is famous because the bear cub, which became the symbol for fire safety, was rescued here during the 1950 Capitan Gap Fire. Visit Smokey Bear Historical Park then grab a burger at Smokey Bear Restaurant.
Fort Sumner has played a significant role in New Mexican history. It was part of the Goodnight-Loving Trail and the place where Billy the Kid met his maker. For the Navajo and Mescalero Apache imprisoned here, Fort Sumner was a place of great suffering. Learn more about this chapter in history at the Bosque Redondo Memorial.
La Luz lies in the Tularosa Basin, near Alamogordo. This pretty little place has a reputation for growing fruit and pistachios.
Penasco is one of the stops on the High Road to Taos. This town boasts several galleries, along with the Penasco Theatre (pictured), and Sugar Nymphs Bistro. The scenic location makes the town especially picturesque.
Chama is famous for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Part of the railroad’s popularity stems from the perspective it provides on the beautiful landscapes surrounding Chama. This cute town offers several good restaurants, such as JV’s Place, Elk Horn Café, and the High Country Restaurant and Saloon.
Vintage signs and colorful murals lend character to Cuba, a town close to the remote Ojito Wilderness.
What’s your favorite small town in New Mexico? Don’t see it here? It might be featured in part one of this article: Here Are The 10 Most Charming Small Towns In New Mexico.
