Tucumcari is a small town in New Mexico that you can find if you are driving the historic Route 66. Located close to the New Mexico/Texas border, Tucumcari is actually a small city with a population of just over 5,000 people.
Tucumcari first began as a construction camp, but was soon renamed after the nearby Tucumcari Mountain. However, before it was renamed, it was often called Six Shooter Siding and was considered the true Wild West.
Many of the restaurants, hotels, and motels that were built in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s still stand today, giving the city of Tucumcari a retro feel. There's nothing quite like spending the night in one of these classic motels during a long roadtrip!
There are also plenty of restaurants in Tucumcari that are worth stopping by. Watson's BBQ, serves up classics like brisket, spare ribs, and Old School Frito Pie, and Kix on 66 is a classic diner where you can find dishes like the "66 Eggstravaganza," the New Mexican Quesadilla, and the Runnin' Burrito.
The city of Tucumcari is one of those small American cities that is just filled with charm. The neon signs and diners will remind you of the decades of the past and makes for a great weekend retreat! Be sure to let us know what your favorite part of Tucumcari is.
Throughout the Land of Enchantment, you'll encounter charming small towns no matter what part of the state you're traveling through. Taos is perhaps one of the best-known small towns in New Mexico, but there's also Ruidoso, Red River, Mesilla, Jemez Springs, and Cloudcroft. While each of these small communities is a great destination for a weekend getaway, if you only have one day to visit, what are the best things to do and attractions to see? Well, today I will tell you about the community of Chama and what you should absolutely see and do if you only have one day. Are you ready?
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The Village of Chama is located in the Southern Rocky Mountains to the north of Santa Fe and sits at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. Known for its scenery due to its location in the mountains as well as the Rio Chama, everyone who comes here is utterly charmed by its beauty.
Coal-fired, narrow-gauge, steam engine pulls a train for tourists. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is America’s longest and highest narrow-gauge railway still in operation.
If there's one thing you must do while in Chama, it's to take a train excursion with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. A National Historic Landmark, this 64-mile steam train ride will provide you with a memorable experience no matter which excursion you choose. Rides are given between Memorial Day weekend in May and late October, but if you come to Chama in the fall, you can check out the foliage from aboard the train. Depending on the train ride you book, set aside 3-6 hours.
This wool and yarn shop is so much more than a store in in Chama. It's also where you can learn the heritage of weaving in around the Rio Grande. You can also learn about hand-dyeing and how fiber is spun into yarn. While you're here, you can also take home some yarn or a handwoven blanket.
For those who would love nothing more than to explore the great outdoors of Chama, head to the Edward Sargent WMA for a hike. If you're looking for a short, easy hike, try the 0.9-mile Elk Interpretive Trail. This out-and-back trail will lead you through gorgeous scenery that makes Chama such a wonderful day trip destination.
Have you taken a day trip to Chama, New Mexico yet? If so, what were the highlights for you? Let us know! If you happen to have more than a day to stay in Chama and need a place to spend the night, make a reservation a the Chama River Bend Lodge located on the banks of the Chama River.
Tucked in northern New Mexico, bordered by two National Forests, is the tranquil village of Dixon. With deep Native American and Spanish beginnings, the area has evolved into a community of writers, artists, organic farmers, and winemakers. The combination of atmosphere, food, wine, and galleries makes a day in Dixon a prime adventure, especially as the season turns toward fall. Read on to learn more about the magic of Dixon, New Mexico.
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The Dixon area has a long history beginning with the Picuris Pueblo people. Later, in 1725, Spanish settlers were granted the land and took up farming. Originally called El Puerto del Embudo de Nuestro Señor San Antonio, (later shortened to Embudo), this area got its name from the shape of the land that funnels the Embudo River through the valley. Embudo is Spanish for funnel.
In the early 1900s, when a post office was established, the town was renamed Dixon after local resident, Collins Dixon. By the way, "Dixon" is one of the few American town names in northern New Mexico. Most town names come from Spanish or Native American words.
A lot of Dixon residents can trace their roots to the Embudo Land Grant settlers. However, in the 1960s, artists and craftspeople began moving to the area. Though smaller and less well-known than places like Santa Fe and Taos, the Dixon of today is a solid and respectable arts community.
Rift Gallery, a few minutes away, in Rinconada, shows many of the artists who live and work in the Embudo Valley.
As well as a thriving arts community, the city has a schedule of seasonal events, from a fireman's pancake breakfast to a farmer's market that runs from June to October.
In late August it's time for the Fiestas de Santa Rosa. This beloved community event comes complete with a parade, music, and local food.
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The biggest event of the year is the Dixon Studio Tour. During this two-day event that takes place the first full weekend in November, the local artists spruce up their studios and invite the public to visit.
Even businesses and farms invite visitors to wander through and pursue the wide array of fine arts and crafts. A fall tradition for more than 30 years, the
Dixon Studio Tour is the oldest continuously run studio tour in the state.
Due to its productive farmland, the Embudo Valley is dense with organic farms. Plus, there are two wineries, La Chiripada Winery & Vineyard and Vivac Winery.
The family-run La Chiripada Winery has been producing award-winning wines for more than 35 years, making it the oldest winery in New Mexico. Vivác Winery, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the wine business. Run by two brothers from Dixon and their wives, Vivac's wines have received raves in the wine community. Both wineries have tasting rooms.
There are dining options in Dixon too. Among the favorites is Zuly's Cafe. This spot serves up all types of food, from omelets to wings, but it is their authentic New Mexican dishes that really shine.
Their breakfast burritos have people from around the state making long drives for breakfast and their burgers get top marks too.
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After all the food, wine, merriment and art, you might just decide to stay in Dixon overnight. The closest traditional hotel is 30 minutes away, in Taos, but several vacation rentals are available in the Valley. From riverfront cabins to casitas, most folks will find lodging that suits their style.
You can even stay in a tower guesthouse on an organic garlic farm. Once used as a writing studio, the Tower Guest House is a mile and a half from the center of Dixon. This cute little abode is equipped with WiFi, and a TV and DVD player and more. The beauty of the farm is just a bonus.
If You Go: Dixon is located in Rio Arriba County on New Mexico Highway 75, just east of New Mexico Highway 68 in the north-central part of the state.
Have you been to Dixon, New Mexico? Ever shopped at their long-running studio tour? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below. And if you're searching for more autumn fun, check out these 12 fall day trips in New Mexico:
