7 Prettiest Main Streetscapes In New Mexico
New Mexico is a state with stunning desert landscapes, vibrant artistic communities scattered throughout, and profound Native American and Spanish heritage and history. The state is home to communities whose streetscapes are alluring and full of life. These streetscapes feature local shops, businesses, and restaurants that bring these delightful towns to life, not to mention the history and stories that make each town unique, creating a memorable experience in the "Land of Enchantment."
Taos
Situated near the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the desert town of Taos. The community is renowned for its arts and cultural scene, outdoor recreation, and is nicknamed the "Soul of the Southwest." The streetscape in downtown is stunning, with shops, hotels, and restaurants to indulge in. Hotel La Fonda de Taos is in the center of the action in Taos Plaza, providing its guests with attractive rooms and is the perfect place for meetings and special events, thanks to its location. Right next to the hotel is the Gorge Bar and Grill, which is an incredible spot to unwind for the day, enjoy incredibly tasty meals, drinks, and local events.
Taos Plaza provides access to State Route 68/U.S. Route 64 and Kit Carson Road, where people can visit the Kit Carson House and Museum, which was built around 1825, and highlights life in the 19th century, has numerous artifacts, and timely exhibits. Another unique place to spend the night or weekend in town is the La Doña Luz Inn, a bed and breakfast across the street from the Kit Carson House, providing its guests with peaceful and tranquil rooms, and is next to Chinchar Maloney, a store that sells handcrafted jewelry, making for a unique and memorable experience.
Raton
Right on Interstate 25 and just minutes away from the Colorado State line is the city of Raton. Although 'Raton' translates to mouse or rodent, don’t let the name dissuade you. The Main Street in the city is 2nd Street, which is full of unique local shops, theaters, restaurants, and businesses, adding to the charm. The Shuler Theater is the place to be for watching local plays, musicals, and performances in a unique and historic setting with eight gorgeous murals in the lobby. Across the street is the Los Chanquis Mexican and Seafood Restaurant, which serves traditional Mexican cuisine for everyone to enjoy. Further down the street is the Raton Museum, which has regional artifacts and exhibits associated with coal mining, ranching, railroads, and pioneer life for current generations to learn about the city's past.
Silver City
On the southwestern end of the state is Silver City, which serves as a gateway to the Gila National Forest, has a rich silver mining history, and an arts and cultural scene. Bullard Street is the Main Street in town, where people can find amazing local businesses, shops, and restaurants. The Historic Palace Hotel is on the intersection of Bullard Street and Broadway Street, and provides guests with a lush and historic setting, cozy and comfortable rooms, and is within walking distance of everything this lovely town has to offer. Just across from the hotel is the Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery, where patrons are treated to incredible tap rooms, locally crafted beers, tasty meals, and exciting local events.
Further up on Bullard Street, which looks like a modern wild west town, is the Grant County Art Guild Gallery, where people can create their own unique art in the studio, enjoy the art on display throughout the galleries, and attend art shows and other local events held at the gallery. Just up the block from the gallery is El Sol Theater (also known as the Virus Theater), where residents and visitors can enjoy local and original ensembles, memorable shows, and musicals for everyone to enjoy.
Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas (not to be confused with the famous Las Vegas in Nevada) is renowned as a historic Santa Fe Trail stop, featuring Victorian and Old West Architecture. It is a unique hidden gem to visit in the state. The Main Streets in town are Bridge Street and National Avenue, showcasing the city's immaculate charm and beauty. The Historic Plaza Hotel is within walking distance of Bridge Street and is a local icon. The rooms are stunning and historic, the Plaza Grill is in the lobby, and it is a wonderful place to host an event and wedding.
On Bridge Street, residents and visitors can stroll around and enjoy places like El Rialto Restaurant, where people can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and live music in a lovely spot in the community. At the end of Bridge Street is Gallinas River Park, where people can enjoy a lush escape into nature and take in the scenic Gallinas Creek flowing through the community.
Madrid
Miles apart and between Albuquerque and Santa Fe is the census-designated place of Madrid, a historic mining town that is an art haven and a community surrounded by vast nature. The Main Street in Madrid is Highway 14. In the center of town is the Java Junction, which is the best spot in town for a freshly brewed cup of coffee, homemade pastries, and offers lodging for travelers to unwind for the night in the upstairs bedroom. Across the street are three art galleries: the Jezebel Gallery, which displays and sells glassware and lights, Belle of the West, which sells and displays Southwestern art, turquoise jewelry, and various gifts, and the Indigo Gallery, which sells and displays paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
Just down the street is the Mine Shaft Tavern and Cantina, where patrons are treated to mouth-watering meals, incredible drinks, and live music. Nearby is the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum, where visitors can learn more about the town's mining history, see historic mining buildings, and view an old locomotive on display.
Mesilla
Just next to Las Cruces is the town of Mesilla, a historic Old Western town full of well-preserved 19th-century buildings and history throughout. The Main Street in town is Avenida de Mesilla, which gives people access to numerous shops, restaurants, and local businesses. The Bean of Mesilla is a local coffee shop serving freshly brewed coffee, tea, and homemade breakfast sandwiches to begin the morning. Just down the street is the Indigo Mermaid of Mesilla, where people can find unique gifts such as stones, crystals, jewelry, and mystical books. The Spotted Dog Brewery is an alluring place to enjoy locally crafted beers, tasty meals, and local merchandise not found in larger cities, making for some memorable stories. Not too far from Avenida de Mesilla is the Getaway Guesthouse, where people can enjoy a cozy Airbnb in a traditional Hispanic-style home with modern amenities, and it is pet-friendly for those who bring their furry companions.
Roswell
In the southeastern end of the state is the iconic city of Roswell, which became famous for the extraterrestrial 1947 Roswell Incident, which led to a massive tourism boom in the region, arts and culture, and some unique history. Main Street is where the action is, as people can visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop, which teaches about the 1947 Roswell Incident and UFO research. Visitors can also explore the gift shop and purchase some extraterrestrial gifts for friends and loved ones. Keeping the space alien theme is the candy store UFO Fizz, which is across the street from the museum, and sells unique and local soda pops and candy that can be out of this world.
The Gallery at Main Street Arts can be a nice break from the space and UFOs, as it features artwork made by local artists, ranging from watercolor paintings, oil paintings, handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, and much more. For those wanting more interstellar in town, Stellar Coffee Co. is the place to begin the morning journey, with freshly brewed coffee, Italian sodas, fruit smoothies, and breakfast and lunch items to keep the day fresh.
Breathtaking Main Streets in the "Land of Enchantment"
Each of these amazing and unique communities showcases its history through its welcoming yet whimsical streetscapes, whether it's Roswell and its connection to UFOs or Madrid with its mining history and arts scene. New Mexico boasts breathtaking city vistas and memorable landmarks for visitors to enjoy from far and wide. The adventure on these unique Main Streets can take people on journeys of discovery, from art galleries and theaters to local restaurants and museums, making for quite the beautiful adventure in the "Land of Enchantment!"
