Northwest
Farmington
Way up in the Northwest corner of the state is the busy community of Farmington. A hub for shopping and entertainment in the Four Corners area, the downtown is home to unique stores, galleries, a great local brewery and exciting events throughout the year.
Gallup
Located in the far west of the state on Route 66 as it heads into Arizona, you will find Gallup, the heart of the Native American arts and crafts industry. Gallup boasts a strong multicultural identity forged of its remarkable history as a mining and railroad boomtown. With strong foundations in art, both visual and performing, this community is filled with opportunities to explore.
North
Las Vegas
The warmth of a strong Hispanic heritage welcomes you to a place that is rich with cultural influence. Start in the tree-filled, grassy central plaza and work your way through the cluster of shops, studios and galleries that line the streets till you reach the historic railroad district — Las Vegas awaits your discovery. Las Vegas’ rich architectural legacy was built by the fortunes earned on the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad boom of the 1880’s.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos, meaning “the Cottonwoods” in Spanish, is a grassy, pedestrian-friendly community that feels more like a university campus than a small town. Science and history intertwine and the creative district offers you opportunities to taste their unique Atomic roots through public art, parks, galleries and museums.
Mora
A quiet community found in a valley nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Mora speaks to times gone by with beautiful farmlands, an alpaca ranch, and a great cluster of historic buildings. Step back in time as you visit the Mora Valley Spinning Mill and see the way yarn has been spun for decades in this beautiful town.
Taos
It is said that Taos is a visitors’ paradise, rich in history, culture and scenic beauty. The Native American, Spanish colonists and Anglo adventurers who settled here, have all added to the enchanted Taos culture found fascinating by artists, poets and lovers. At nearby Taos Ski Valley, Taos offers the best skiing in New Mexico renowned for its legendary powder snow and awesome vistas. The strong tourist economy also has fostered some remarkable restaurants and dining experiences, making Taos a culinary adventure.
Northeast
Clayton
Where the wild meets the west, the community of Clayton is a ranch town that holds a lot of history. Wide-open skies and spaces, and people with an independent spirit, are all part of this little cowboy town. The Eklund Hotel and Luna Theater are well-preserved, evoking the spirit of statehood aspirations of a century past.
Harding County
Raton
Raton is where the romance of wagons gone west isn’t just lore, but bona fide history. You can sense that history as you stroll through galleries, museums and shops located along the rails that still stop for passengers in this quaint mountain town. Be sure and visit the newly refurbished Raton Museum and the legendary Shuler Theater, two of the finest cultural institutions in the state.
West
Grants
On Route 66 going west from Albuquerque is Grants — a diverse community rich in culture, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. With two National Monuments, a National Forest and several Pueblos in close proximity, this city is a gateway to culture and outdoor exploration.
Zuni
Central
Albuquerque:
Barelas, Downtown ABQ, Nob Hill, South Valley
Albuquerque is located in the center of the state and spans the Rio Grande River. It also happens to be the largest city in New Mexico. A blend of urban and rural, art and culture, history and modernism; every neighborhood in the city has a different flavor.
Belen
A quiet bedroom community south of Albuquerque, this little railroad town has some great claims to fame. From the Harvey House – currently a museum – to the plaza, Belen has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood movies making it a great place to explore.
Corrales
Just north of Albuquerque, take a turn into Corrales and you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Corrales is proud of its rural flavor and the shops and restaurants are delightful in this close-knit community. Don’t hesitate to take your pet alpaca for a walk along the acequia while you are there!
East
Clovis
Located on the eastern side of the state, Clovis is a growing community with a small town feel. Residents and visitors can enjoy antique shops, three historic theaters and a museum that celebrates the Clovis sound – a 1950’s style of music created by Norman Petty and made popular by artists like Buddy Holly and the Firebirds.
Portales
Tucumcari
On Route 66, Tucumcari is the eastern gateway to New Mexico. A small town with big appeal, the community has amazing examples of retro motels, gas stations and neon signs. With over 25 murals around town, a dinosaur museum and great dining, visit Tucumcari tonight!
Southwest
Deming
Just west of Las Cruces, the streets of Deming salute their ties to the Mimbres culture and the pottery that has been found in the area with a Mimbres Museum and large pots painted in the Mimbres style in the streets.
Silver City
Off the beaten path and perched at the gateway to the Gila Wilderness, Silver City is an eclectic creative hub, chock full of adventure seekers, artists and downright friendly folks! Panoramic Grant County has spectacular scenery and some of the cleanest air on the planet. The picturesque setting of Silver City, straddling the Gila River and sprawling up hillsides and canyons, offers many memorable vistas for artists and photographers. Historic Victorian architecture is well-preserved and charming.
Truth or Consequences
In 1950 the town changed its name from Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences to win a contest sponsored by a popular radio game show. This exemplifies the quirky, artistic spirit of the community that is also known for the popular mineral springs sprinkled throughout the downtown district and is located just west of the popular boaters haven Elephant Butte.
South
Alamogordo
Alamogordo is 68 miles northeast from Las Cruces. It’s near the Holloman Air Force Base, the Sacramento Mountains, White Sands National Park, and the Museum of Space History.
Las Cruces
The city of “three crosses,” Las Cruces is the second largest city in the state of New Mexico. Today Las Cruces enjoys a dynamic border economy of farming, tourism, nearby White Sands missle range, and retirees who have discovered its gracious lifestyle. New Mexico State University and the village of Mesilla add many attractions to the visitor experience. Downtown Las Cruces is enjoying a resurgence led by the restored Rio Grande Theater.
Southeast
Artesia
From the collection of bronze statues lining the streets, to the brand new library featuring a 15×46 foot mural by Peter Hurd this small town has big appeal. Its not just about the oil derricks that surround the town, there is a rich tradition of arts, culture and community in Artesia. Artesia’s two impressive theaters, the Land of the Sun and the Ocotillo form the core of an emerging arts district downtown.
Carlsbad
While most people have heard of the Carlsbad Caverns, there is so much more to see and do in Carlsbad. The Pecos River winds its way through town and the courthouse square is surrounded by fine dining, a boutique hotel, and shops with a little something for everyone.
Lovington
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Lovington is a small town with big ideas. Farming, ranching and the oil and gas industry are all interwoven into the fabric of Lovington and activity in the downtown centers around the Lea County Courthouse.
Roswell
Since the aliens landed in Roswell, things just haven’t been the same. This bustling town is packed with events and fun for the whole family. The downtown district has museums, restaurants and all things alien for the terrestrial traveler. Roswell offers outstanding city art museums at the Roswell Museum and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.