Top Ten Off the Road Places to Visit in New Mexico

Summer is just around the corner, and that means traveling and road trips. There are tons of places to visit in the United States. New Mexico is one state that has plenty to see. From camping to theater to horse races, New Mexico offers hundreds of entertaining destinations. Here are the top off-the-road places in New Mexico that are sure to bring joy and fun to your next family trip this summer.

1. Ruidoso

Ruidoso is located in the southeastern part of the state. The beautiful Monjeau Peak overlooks the Sacramento Mountains, and at Bonito Lake and Rio Bonito, fishing for rainbow trout is a huge part of summer activities. There are the races at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, which is home to the richest Quarter Horse Race in the US. High on Sierra Blanca, there's a majestic gondola ride during the summer. Both the adults and kids in your family will have the time of their lives.

2. Capitan

Just 20 miles north of Ruidoso is the small village of Capitan. Home of Smokey Bear and the Capitan Gap where he was found, this quaint village is a must-see during any visit to New Mexico. Smokey Bear Stampede in the summer offers a parade for Independence Day, a four-day rodeo, and a gathering of jewelry makers and artists from all over the state.

3. Rio Chama

Located in northern New Mexico, Rio Chama offers a myriad of outdoor adventures. Camping is a big pastime in these mountains. Also, the river rapids are open for water rafting just past the canyons. It's a beautiful mountain oasis among the enchanting deserts. 

4. Carlsbad

Southeast New Mexico is an area of the state full of off-the-road destinations. Carlsbad is a plains city with a "hidden" maze. The Carlsbad Caverns are just outside the city and are the largest natural made caves in North American. Walking the trails through the caves is quite majestic, and reading about the age of the formations is mind-blowing.

5. Navajo Lake

Heading to the northern part of the state, there is the crystal-clear Navajo Lake. Based at the southern portion of the reservoir, Navajo Lake offers fishing, kayaking, and boating. After a day of fishing, find a cool covering under which to set up camp and grill the day's rewards. 

6. St. Clair Winery

About 40 miles west of Deming, in the southwestern part of New Mexico, lies the St. Clair Winery. It was established in 1981 and offers tours of the vineyard as well as the tasty St. Clair Bistro, which provides live music during most evenings. It's a beautiful place to sample local wine - and local musicians.
Please drink responsibly and use a designated driver, as your RoamRight policy does not cover loss resulting from or caused by being under the influence of alcohol.

7. Lincoln

Returning to southeastern New Mexico, there is the tiny village of Lincoln. Known most famously for Billy the Kid, the town hosts Lincoln Days, a parade featuring a reenactment of Billy's Great Escape, delicious New Mexican food, homemade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind artistic creations. Lincoln is great for taking in some New Mexican history.

8. White Oaks

Staying with history, White Oaks is full of the past. Once a booming town, it's now just a few residence and a tavern. But the No Scum Allowed Bar is a great venue in which to hear many new and old musicians play the blues. And what a perfect setting, in a New Mexico town with an old Western feel

9. San Antonio

Not to be mistaken with the huge city in Texas, San Antonio, New Mexico, is a small town in the midst of interstate and highway intersections. What makes this town worthy of this list is the famous Owl Café. It's the home of the world-famous Green Chile Cheeseburger, which many people add a few miles and minutes to their trip just to enjoy.

10. Hatch

Hatch is the home of the world-famous New Mexico green chile. The red and green chile farms in this region are the only farms producing the succulent fruit that makes New Mexico known. From green chile wine to green chile jam, this pepper is worth the trip. 

The summer is sure to hold plenty of adventures. The whole family wants something new and fun, and New Mexico offers just that. Camping escapes, fishing trips, and exploring the majestic deserts, mountains, rivers, and lakes of New Mexico are sure to make everyone happy. Visiting New Mexico leaves no questions as to why the state is truly The Land of Enchantment!

Lorena Brockman is a young and upcoming blogger. She writes for JennsBlahBlahBlog.com and has a wide variety of interests. Lorena writes how-to's, product reviews, original recipes, and fitness tips among many other subjects. She has traveled much of the United States and spent some time in Europe. Lorena attended Eastern New Mexico University as well as New Mexico State University with focuses on Education and Finance. Lorena loves life and focuses on everything like food, fitness, family, and fun. Head to JennsBlahBlahBlog.com to read Lorena's items and learn more about her.

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