Set high amid the forested peaks of the Sacramento Mountains,
the year round playground that is Ruidoso New Mexico is great little
vacation spot for outdoor adventure and tourist town amenities.
Visitors can pop in the shops at Jackalope Square or The Two Bears Trading
Post, which has all kinds of out door gear along with rugged mountain-man
style décor. The Three Coyotes Gift Shop can provide nick-knacks,
souvenirs and post cards, but Books Etcetera is the place to get some
reading material for long ski lift rides.
Ruidoso is known for its great “great outdoors”. Skiing
and snowboarding is excellent at Ruidoso’s Ski Apache, with nicely
groomed powder, lots of shops for the latest ski gear and the largest
lift capacity in New Mexico. Lincoln National Forest has 2 camping areas
and ample space for hiking, camping, horseback riding and bird watching.
Nearby Cloudcroft will be the day-trip of choice for mountain-biking
enthusiasts thanks to its nationally rated top-10 trail. Kids and couples
will get a kick out of sleigh and carriage rides through town.
For a little cowboy history visitors should check out the Hubbard Museum
of the American West, featuring over 10,000 authentic items. The kids
will have a blast at the Flying J Ranch western village just north of
town, where there are stage-shows, a chuck wagon dinner and random “show-downs”
between the resident white and black hats.
Adult entertainment and activities are plentiful as well. The Ruidoso
Downs is the place for serious horse racing. Fishermen and women have
several streams to choose from, most of which are well stocked with
trout. Golfers will be in paradise in Ruidoso’s beautiful and
challenging courses, like the Cree Meadows course or the Inn of the
Mountain Gods. Relax after a hard day’s play with a Broadway show
at the state of the art Spencer Theater
Dinnertime is a good time in Ruidoso. Rib lovers should try the Mesquite
BBQ at the Alto Café. For home-style Mexican cooking Disco Taco
is the place to go. Upscale appetites will be please with the 4-star
menu at The Greenhouse Café, but should remember to make a reservation.
There are countless cool places to stay in Ruidoso. The Ruidoso Lodge
Cabins are quaint yet comfortable and set scenically on the river. Bed
& Breakfast aficionados should be pleased with the Victorian farmhouse
charm at the Monjeau Shadows Inn.
