The state of New Mexico is aptly nicknamed The Land of Enchantment.
Drive an hour or so in any direction from any point in the state and you can watch the topography change. Coming from the southeast corner of the state and heading north on highway 285, then hooking a left onto US 70 will lead you to the mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Elevation: 6,920 ft
Ruidoso is a village nestled near the base of Sierra Blanca, or White Mountain, and is located near Mescalero Apache tribal land. Around 1885 with just a general store, a post office, a blacksmith, and some cabins along the Rio Ruidoso, the village originated.
Did you know? Ruidoso means “noisy creek”
A popular tourist destination, Ruidoso offers miles and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, shopping throughout Midtown, ball golf and disc golf courses, lakes for fishing, skiing in the winter at Ski Apache, water play at Grindstone Lake in the summer with the Wibit, and so much more.
60% of homes are vacation homes
Ruidoso can be explored as a day trip since it is a short drive from Artesia or enjoyed as a weekend adventure close to home. With a plethora of cabins to rent, hotels, resorts, RV, and camping options, you will be sure to find something that works for you and your budget. Years ago, I went with my Girl Scout troop, and we rented a cabin along the Rio Ruidoso (highly recommended!). Recently, my family and I stayed with a friend.
Population full time: 10,000
Population seasonally: 25,000
Average number of tourists annually: 1.9 million
Whether traveling with kids, solo, or with your partner, Ruidoso has plenty to offer for entertainment. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, as is indoor fun. With my Girl Scout troop, we traversed Adventure Mountain which is an indoor and outdoor family entertainment center. The weather was a bit rainy, so the indoor activities of Bazooka Ball, Galactic Golf, and flip bumper cars were a great choice.
For outdoor fun when the weather was holding out, we set off to Pillow’s Funtrackers for a few runs on the go kart tracks, the mountain maze, and some VR (virtual reality). Wingfield Park is another great outdoor spot that hosts activities throughout the year. It is worth a visit to the Official Tourism Website for Ruidoso at www.discoverruidoso.com for full details on upcoming events when planning a visit.
Actor Neil Patrick Harris grew up in Ruidoso
Our recent family trip to Ruidoso over Spring Break was a memorable experience. We attended a concert at Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM which is a short drive from Ruidoso. We saw Orianthi, an incredible Australian guitarist. Because of the concert, the Inn was a busy place, making the casino floor very popular. The food court at the Inn is open late so we enjoyed some late-night cuisine after the concert, which was handy since many eateries in Ruidoso close before 10 pm.
Some of our favorite stops in Midtown:
- Roots Ruidoso
- Old Barrel Tea Company
- Ruidoso Natural Remedies
- The Soap Store
- Lost Hiker Brewing Co
The following day we returned to Inn of the Mountain Gods for lunch and to ride the Apache Eagle Ziprider. While I may be a bit nervous when it comes to heights, my girls had wanted to do a zipline for quite some time. In spite of my fear, it was absolutely worth it. I can attest to the adage that growth most often occurs when we are taken out of our comfort zone.
The ride up to the zipline was a muddy adventure in a purple Jeep. When we arrived, the view of the resort was spectacular. My nerves calmed a bit when I saw that we were safely strapped into a seat of sorts for the ride back to the Inn. Even though the ride ended quickly, it was a spectacular experience. I gained confidence for the next time we decide to zipline across a lake. In the meantime, we can check that activity off the bucket list!
This little mountain town offers so much for visitors, including close encounters with the wildlife. Unique animals can be found all around so it is best to stay alert when driving; the native wildlife share the road. You never know when you will see a herd of elk or deer or where you will meet the wild ponies that roam the village.
Other favorite places:
- Noisy Water Winery
- Mama Lucy’s Cafe
- Grindstone Lake
- Alto Lake
For fun, relaxation, time in nature, new experiences, and making memories with your travel partners, be sure to check out Ruidoso. The Land of Enchantment offers countless adventures and ways to explore and relax in your local paradise.
