Cowboy Cooking At Flying J Ranch
At Flying J Ranch, enjoy cowboy cooking chuckwagon style, western gunfights, music shows with western fiddle, guitar, and banjo picking, western swing, and family fun. When the dinner bell rings, line up for sliced beef or chicken in unique Flying J sauce, a baked potato, cowboy beans, homemade buttered biscuits, spice cake, and chunky applesauce served with cowboy coffee, iced tea, and lemonade.
Billy The Kid Scenic Byway Loop
The Billy the Kid Scenic Byway Loop provides a view of the past and a little bit of the present and it exudes the aura of the legendary West.
Start your trip at the Billy The Kid Interpretive Center where you can get some maps and travel brochures.
Near the center is The Hubbard Museum of the American West, which includes exhibits of antique firearms, collections of bridles, saddles, and Native American art.
Next up on the route is the famous racetrack Ruidoso Downs and the Spencer Theatre which hosts several diverse performances.
The Mescalero Apache Lands are situated nearby, boasting perfect winter and summer recreation opportunities. The road will take you to Fort Stanton, home to many popular figures like Kit Carson and John J. âBlackjackâ Pershing.
Stop also at the conservation area to explore an important scientific and archeological site, the Snowy River Cave System.
Other must-visits include Capitan, home to the Smokey Bear Museum and Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Hike Near Grindstone Lake
With its location so close to other attractions, even if you dont want to picnic its worth a quick stop just to see. Or make an afternoon of it and go for a beautiful hike after your picnic. There are miles of trails to explore.
Ruidoso is also really close to a number of incredible national parks and landmarks like White Sands National Monument, the Valley of Fires, and Fort Stanton Historical Site. There are a ton of great attraction options if you want to get outside during summer months .
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Get A Ticket To Ride At Ski Apache
Ski Apache is one of the top places to ski in New Mexico. Summer or winter, ride in an eight-passenger gondola the only one in New Mexico. Take in the views of White Sands National Park and Valley of Fires Recreation Area, named for when it was covered in hot lava.
Ride the world’s highest and third longest zipline from a starting height above 11,500 feet. Apache Wind Rider ZipTour is almost 9,000 feet long, and whisks you through the mountain air at 60 miles per hour. Equipped with parallel cables, thrill seekers can ride side by side.
Not a fan of ziplining? Enjoy a rousing game of disc golf. Hike or jump on a mountain bike to explore miles of trails. Ski and snowboard during the winter. Ski Apache is owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache.
Official site: skiapache.com
Change Up Winter Activities At Ruidoso Winter Park
Like the traditional combo of horse and carriage, or skiing paired with a chalet, Ruidoso Winter Park offers a pairing with a twist for visitors who want to play in the snow. Treat the family to a full day of tubing while warming up and enjoying s’mores in a 12 x 12-foot canvas “igloo.” The VIP igloo package is popular, so book a reservation. Ruidoso Winter Park also offers summertime tubing.
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Stay At The Inn Of The Mountain Gods
Are you looking for a unique hotel to spend the night in Ruidoso?
Book a stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.
While it might be on the pricy side, it will certainly be worth the splurge.
The place boasts gorgeous views of the Southern Rocky Mountains and is a paradise of fun.
Want to go zip lining, kayaking, or hiking?
Or, do you want to go mountain biking in the rugged landscape?
The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort is the ultimate place for those seeking to do all these things.
Play The Slots At Three Ruidoso Casinos
Nearby Mescalaros Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino offers a premier, full-service casino featuring the only live dealers in town. Youll find gaming options, including blackjack, roulette, craps, a poker room, bingo, a wide variety of slot machines, and other table games.
Billy the Kid Casino, adjacent to Ruidoso Downs, boasts over 300 slots with rotating jackpots, membership awards, a restaurant, live music, and a gift shop.
Located on Highway 70 in Mescalero, Casino Apache Travel Center, a full-service truck stop and car wash, offers favorite games, from slots and video poker to blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker.
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Visit Smokey Bear Historical Park
And speaking of bears, you might as well take some time out of your day to visit the Smokey Bear, Historical Park. It is the actual place where the famous Smokey Bear actually died. This park was established to honor this little bear cub that was found with its burned paws in a forest fire in 1950. After he lived in the National Zoo in Washington DC for 26 years, he passed away and he was brought to be buried here.
Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Adventure Mountain
For a family outing or a romantic date, Adventure Mountain has a variety of exciting activities to choose from.
Visitors of all ages may safely participate in various fun activities indoors and outdoors at this famous tourist destination.
Outside, the park features a rock-climbing wall, batting cages, and a ropes course 12 feet above the ground.
The park also features a Bazooka ball, a laser tag, and a paintball mix.
There’s also a mirror labyrinth and bumper cars to enjoy when you’re stuck indoors.
You’ll also be able to enjoy yourself at the park’s arcade, which is packed with games.
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Try Everything Made With Green Chiles In Ruidoso
Green chiles are everywhere in New Mexico, and the locals are not afraid to use them!
You are missing out if you dont partake in some of the fun and unique food and drinks that Ruidoso, NM establishments have created with the green chile.
We found green chile cheeseburgers, green chile soups, green chile enchiladas, and even green chile apple pie during our time in Ruidoso!
One of my personal favorites was the Hatch Chile wine that Noisy Water Winery serves up. This is a must-try during your time in Ruidoso, NM!
If you want to buy some to take home, you can check out the seasonal roadside stands that are found in Ruidoso Downs, or you can head to The Hatch Chile Store year-round.
Experience The Flavors Of Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room
“Traveling with a friend from Texas and decided to make a stop in Ruidoso to check out the views. We found this cute little spot! It seemed like it would be average food but boy were we surprised. Highly recommend the beef stew and turkey sandwich! They’re garden salad was also very fresh and delicious. I saw the burgers and they looked amazing too! Only reason I didn’t give a full 5 stars was because it was a little dark inside but still cute! A fun little fact: they brew their own rootbeer and ginger ale. 5 stars!!!!”
$Inexpensive
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Th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race And Green Chile Cookoff
When: Saturday, June 4th
Where: Sudderth Drive and Wingfield Park, Ruidoso
Wake up early and head to Midtown Ruidoso for the 4th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race and Green Chile Cookoff. All of the excitement starts at 9 am with a parade of costumed beds, culminating in a bed race between teams. After the bed race, a green chile cookoff and games will be had at Wingfield Park. All proceeds benefit the High Mountain Youth Project.
Go Shopping In Midtown Ruidoso
There is a full range of shopping stores in midtown Ruidoso NM, so bring a bit of extra cash to explore this midtown area. Here you will find candle shops, gift shops, fashion stores, jewelry stores, local bars and restaurants, wine tasting adventures, western stores, and even nightlife including live music. You can get a full list of shops to visit here.
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Explore More Of Ruidoso New Mexico
Whether youre looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture, or family-friendly fun, Ruidoso provides the perfect destination for an action-packed vacation. To learn more about visiting Ruidoso including where to find a great vacation rental to serve as your home base check out our vacation-made-easy guide to Ruidoso.
Take A Day Trip To White Sands National Park
Just one hour outside of Ruidosos city limits lies one of New Mexicos most popular destinations: White Sands National Park. This sprawling natural wonderland features 275 square miles of white gypsum sand dunes that are sure to make your jaw drop. The pristine park offers more than just an out-of-this-world landscape: theres also plenty of outdoor activity and educational opportunities in every season.
The desert phenomenon is a hot spot for family fun, with hiking, sand sledding, and scenic drives waiting around every turn. Any kiddos in your crew will love participating in , while nature fanatics will be first in line for walks and talks with Park Rangers.
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Visit Fort Stantons National Conservation Area
The land around Fort Stanton is awesome to explore also. The longest cave in New Mexico and the United States is on the property, the Fort Stanton Cave, a part of the Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area. This cave includes more than 31-miles of caverns!
You can explore the cave formations on a guided tour and are also welcome to go mountain biking or hiking on the trails.
Stay At The Escape Resort
Harrison and I got to stay at a beautiful Casita at the Escape Resort in Ruidoso.
I highly recommend this place if youre looking for luxurious lodging at a good price in Ruidoso.
You get a living room, dining room, and kitchen in addition to your bedroom and bathroom- literally a Casita, or a little house in Spanish.
With a Jacuzzi tub and a gigantic shower with three different shower heads, our Casita completely exceeded our expectations.
We learned that Stan, the owner of the Escape Resort and the A-Frame Ski Rentals next door, actually designed the Casitas.
Theyre beautiful, impeccably decorated, and in a great location in Ruidoso.
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Embark On An Adventure In Grindstone Lake
Ruidoso is one of the most picturesque destinations and boasts many beautiful lakes.
One such lake is the splendid Grindstone Lake, which is gifted with all sorts of beautiful aspects.
You can take part in any sort of adventure around the lake for there are a lot of hiking trails.
The location is pretty as a painting and is perfect for your social media feed.
Grindstone Lake is filled with some of the best fishes.
You can also go kayaking on the smooth waters of the lake.
The Inn Of The Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
The Inn Of The Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in beautiful Mescalero boasts luxurious rooms and suites with lake views, Las Vegas-style gaming with dealers and tables, plus thrilling slots and more. The resort activities will keep you busy: luxury spa services, upscale golf, Apache Eagle zip lining, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Enjoy stand-up comedy and national concerts on site.
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The Hubbard Museum Of The American West
26301 Hwy 70 West, Ruidoso Downs, NM
All right now, tell me. Have you cranked up an American Western film soundtrack yet? You might The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, the Silverado Soundtrack, my favorite The Last of the Mohicans, or Round-Up.
Listening to a bit of this will get you in the mood to visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West. This is a fun museum for kids and adults alike, although with kids you may have to move a bit quicker than if you were on your own! Be sure to see the horse statues at the top of the hill.
A tour of this place is sure to bring out your inner cowboy, and if youre like me youll start saying, Im your huckleberry in a southern accent to all friends and family. Or to that random person who meets your eyes in the museum. Just kidding.
Best Things To Do In Alto New Mexico
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at Alto.
Alto may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. Alto is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Alto.
If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Alto should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Alto and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
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Don’t Miss The Hubbard Museum
Located a half-mile from the racetrack, make like a lizard in the sun and soak up all the art, culture, and history of the American West that you can handle at the Hubbard Museum.
Before you set foot inside, though, check out the welcome brigade. Free Spirits at Noisy Water have been galloping through the imagination of visitors since they were installed in 1995. Admire the artistry of Dave McGary’s bronze sculpture, and marvel at the engineering feat of balancing eight horses on nine hooves. One of the largest and heaviest equine monuments in the world, each of the seven American breeds weighs 3,000 to 5,000 tons in an exhibit that is 255 feet long.
Among the 9,000 items awaiting you inside the museum, the biggest are stagecoaches, buggies, and a horse-drawn hearse. You could easily be overwhelmed in this world of saddles and spurs, baskets and kachina dolls, so pick and choose. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the lives of pioneers and invaders Anglo, Native American, and Hispanic who were here long before you.
Prepare to be dazzled by exhibits of fine jewelry by Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Santo Domingo master craftsmen: Squash blossom necklaces, clasp bracelets inlaid with precious turquoise, and strands of liquid silver beads.
Outdoor Activities At Ski Apache
Where: 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto
Contact: 575-464-3600
Looking for outdoor thrills? Ski Apache is the place for you! Ski Apache is New Mexicos premier summer-time destination. Located in the Sierra Blanca mountains of Alto, New Mexico, Ski Apache offers biking and hiking trails, bike rentals, gondola rides, and one of the worlds longest ziptours, the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour!
Ski Apache is home to three hiking trails that will suit hikers of most ages. The Lookout Trail hike takes just 10-15 minutes before you reach a viewing area that features 360-degree views of Ski Apache. Sierra Blanca Trail and Crest Trail are each over 2 miles long and take hikers 1900 feet in elevation for truly magnificent alpine views.
Find out more details and how to plan your adventure here. Learn more about our lodging near Ski Apache. Want more New Mexico hiking opportunities? See our list of the best Mescalero and Ruidoso hiking trails.
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Hubbard Museum Of The American West
Have an educational immersion into the diverse portals of the past at the Hubbard Museum of the American West.
The museum is a tribute to the old times, housing famous art collections as well as Native American, Hispanic, and Pioneer culture antiquities. It was founded in 1992 and originated from Anne C. Stradlingâs Museum of the Horse.
The historic Western museum focuses on collecting and preserving the history, arts, and culture of the American West from the beginning of human habitation up to the present day.
It includes one main room on the lower floor displaying various means of transportations of the past and six large rooms packed with antique relics. It also hosts educational programs, exhibits, and events for visitors who are interested in the early US settlers moving west.
Things To Do In Alto New Mexico
Downtown Alto has a great collection of barber shops to choose from if you want to take a little off the top, get a clean shave or to trim your moustache or beard. Take a moment to consider buying some styling gel, beard oil or wax and always tip well.
Downtown Alto hosts several events per year for your listening enjoyment but visit your piano shop to learn how to play and possibly purchase your grand, upright or digital piano. Don’t forget the specialty work involved such as tuning and moving which are performed by skilled technicians.
Downtown Alto gives several options to find the right piece of art as it takes time and a diligent effort to get just the right piece. Shopping for art downtown is the best way to locate your next purchase.
Downtown Alto brings smiles by way of doughnuts and pastries made fresh daily for your enjoyment. Everyone has their favorite of course but having a variety of bakeries is what makes downtown so special. Fritters, scones and pies oh my!
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