New Mexico has terrain reminiscent of the Wild West, from the arid Chihuahuan Desert to the rough Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The little villages that adorn this Southwest state are so beloved that many Hollywood productions capturing this era—even silent Westerns from the early 20th century—are produced there.
New Mexico, which only joined the USA in 1912, is home to a sizable Hispanic population, mining communities built by explorers and prospectors, and historic remnants of the original people who formerly roamed this area freely.
1. Chimayo
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| 5 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico |
El Santuario de Chimayó, this town's excellent church, is arguably most recognized for it. This early 19th-century Roman Catholic shrine includes a distinctive combination of adobe and European timber elements.
It has been asserted that this church is one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage locations in the United States and is known for its purported "healing dirt." In actuality, the week leading up to Easter sees close to 30,000 visits. In addition to having a 300-year-old family recipe for chili, Chimayó is renowned for its extensive weaving heritage in the Spanish Colonial style.
2. Taos
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| 5 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico |
The Taos Pueblo, one of the country's oldest continually inhabited villages, is a famous feature of the town of Taos. The location of the adobe structures goes back to either the eleventh or the middle of the fifteenth century and was inhabited by the Tiwa tribe of Native Americans.
But Taos' present form originates from when it was established as a Spanish colony in 1661. With its many historic structures, the Taos Downtown Historic District is proof of that. The Taos art colony has seen artists come and go, like the painter Georgia O'Keeffe and even the author D.H. Lawrence. However, this town is also about current history.
3. Las Vegas
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| 5 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico |
Las Vegas, New Mexico, which should not be mistaken with the same-named desert enclave in Nevada, got its start when the Mexican government awarded immigrants land in 1835. This charming town is full of historic structures, including the opulent Plaza Hotel from the 1880s. The Las Vegas Museum offers further information about the town's past as well as the Rough Riders of the Spanish-American War (1898).
Easy Rider, No Country for Old Men, and episodes of House of Cards are just a few of the movies and television shows that have been filmed in and around Las Vegas. For leisure by the lake and water activities, travel outside of town to Storrie Lake State Park.
4. Silver City
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| 5 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico |
After the American Civil War, someone discovered silver here, and a sizable tent city sprang, where there had formerly been an Apache campground and Spanish copper mining operations. So the city is called Silver City.
The Silver City Museum offers information on current history, but there is also a certain old interest close by. A short drive from town lies the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which was constructed between 1275 and 1300 AD by the Mimbres Mogollon civilization.
A variety of festivals are held throughout the year, such as the Southwest Festival of the Written Word, which promotes the arts, and the restored 1920s Silco Theater in Silver City hosts movie screenings.
5. Ruidoso
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| 5 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico |
The area around Ruidoso is quite active. The Lincoln National Forest, with all of its scenic waterfalls and hiking trails, is located to the south. The Lincoln Historic Site, located to the north, has 19th-century adobe and stone structures. The Noisy Water Winery offers tours and tastings.
There are several outdoor pursuits to master at Grindstone Lake. Go-karting, miniature golf, and other family-friendly activities are available at Pillow's Funtrackers. Snow tubing is a lot of fun at Ruidoso Winter Park. All of these and much more are present.