8 Main Streets Where New Mexico Comes Alive

America's fifth-largest state is filled with natural wonders, from mountains to dense forests to vast expanses of desert. It is also loaded with fun and quirky small towns where the Main Streets come alive. These are the areas where you go to get to know the community, from quaint eateries to exciting festivals. Main Street, no matter the name, is generally the heartbeat of the town and the best place ot immerse yourself in the regional culture and heritage that makes that area so unique.

Another interesting thing about New Mexico is its diversity, from cultural attractions that include aliens to eclectic dining options to open expanses. There is also quite a bit of Old West and mining history in the state, and this is on full display in historic mining towns like Silver City. Whether looking for a lively festival or just a fun weekend near the desert, New Mexico has it all.

Chimayo

The small town of Chimayo is named for a local landmark, Tsi Mayoh Hill, by the Tewa. It is famous for its therapeutic properties, primarily in the four holy hills in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that tower toward the skyline. Its charming historic district has elegant adobe architecture, including the famous El Santuario De Chimayo that attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the U.S.

Visitors should not miss the historic neighborhood, Plaza del Cerro, which includes a museum with rare artifacts and vintage photographs. Just down the road from the neighborhood is Ortega's Weaving Shop, which traces its roots to the 18th century and includes nine generations of creative weaving. No trip is complete without dinner at Restaurante Rancho de Chimayó, a hallmark of the town, which has been open since 1965.

Silver City

Historic Silver City retains its historic mining town charm, combined with modern amenities in the foothills of the Pinos Altos Mountains. The downtown historic district is famous for its art scene at galleries like the Silver City Art Association and Mimbres Region Arts Council. Another cultural landmark is the Silco Theater, as well as the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House. The theater is an Art Deco treasure that still maintains its original glory when it was opened in 1926. The opera and steak house has been operating since 1863, an incredible feat even for a historic town. Even if you do not take in a show, at least one dinner here should be required of all visitors, for its deep connection to Silver City's past and present.

Taos

Taos is a vibrant town with an incredible artistic vibe, making its downtown district one of the best in the state. Taos Plaza and downtown have been the center of the historic district since 1796. It is also a foodie's paradise, with eclectic cuisine, including authentic New Mexican fare at Antonio's Taste of Mexico. Downtown attractions include the Carson House and Museum. The museum was built in 1825 and has been considered a historic landmark since 1963. It is housed in traditional adobe architecture and has aimed to interpret regional history since the early 19th century. The Taos Art Museum at Fechin House features some of the finest exhibits around, and also showcases the artistic prominence of the Fechin family, who moved to Taos in the 1920s to showcase the region's creative talents.

Farmington

Downtown Farmington is part of the Main Street Accredited Program due to its clean streetscapes, notable architecture, and various points of interest. The Arts and Culture District overlaps with Main Street and Broadway, and features over 100 buildings framing a city park. Landmark attractions include the Museum of Navajo Art and Culture. The museum features authentic Navajo rugs and textiles from the early 20th century to today, providing an elegant glimpse into this important culture.

Antique connoisseurs will enjoy the Dusty Attic, A Beautiful Mess, and other unique finds on Main Street. The traditional brick storefronts come alive to the pedestrians and window shoppers in this unique New Mexican town, and it should be at the top of any travel itinerary.

Roswell

Roswell is most famous as being the home to an infamous UFO crash in the 1940s, and much of its quirky historic downtown district reflects this culture. Main Street Roswell comprises shops, restaurants, and unique finds, many of them with a UFO theme. Attractions include Space Port Roswell and the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The research center interprets the famous 1947 supposed UFO crash and other relevant history that makes Roswell so renowned. The UFO House is a unique lodging option that was famously featured in the 1947 edition of the Roswell Daily Record, revealing the evidence of a UFO crash. This kitschy area is simply fun to discover, and visitors may leave with a different viewpoint of aliens after visiting.

Gallup

Gallup's downtown is traditionally New Mexican and filled with Native American trading posts and family-friendly attractions along Route 66. The top trading post, according to TripAdvisor, is Perry Null Trading, founded in 1939, and includes handmade jewelry and art. Other options include the Gallup Trading Company and the Nizhoni Trading Company.

Culture meets culinary in Gallup, and there are more than a few mouthwatering options, including Anthony's A Taste of the Southwest. Featuring the famous red and green chilis from this region, this eatery is renowned for its stuffed sopapilla with beef, prepared Christmas-style (using both red and green chilis).

Los Alamos

Downtown Los Alamos is an award-winning district featuring a creative spirit and a shrouded history dating to World War II. The district is a short walk from three distinct outdoor adventures, including Tsankawi, a sacred village of the Pueblo of San Ildefonso. The Los Alamos History Museum explores the town's fascinating history, including the Manhattan Project, which includes the 1918 Los Alamos Ranch School, the oldest building in the city.

Shopping and cultural attractions are two other reasons to visit downtown Los Alamos. The Karen Wray Gallery is just one of the eclectic options in this unique town. Stop in at the visitor's center for a walking map of the main attractions downtown so that you can leave with a complete understanding of the fascinating history of this once-secretive town.

Las Vegas

Although Las Vegas may not be as famous as the other one in Nevada, it is worth a stop in its many historic districts. Among the many historic structures to explore are the 1840 Wesche-Dole Building, the Veeder Buildings (1880-1908), and the 1882 Plaza Hotel. The Wesche-Dole Building is a beautiful Greek Revival housing Our Lady of Sorrows, providing a unique glimpse into the town's architectural history.

The Vedeer Buildings on Plaza offer a collection of styles, including Tudor, Moorish, and Italianate. The hotel is a spectacular brick Renaissance Revival example featuring a grand pedimented Baroque cornice at the top. A self-guided historic tour brings this history to life, encompassing all 900 historic structures. The tour is unique as it provides a tangible link to Las Vegas's elaborate history, making the town stand out in a state filled with unique destinations.

Main Street Exploration In New Mexico

From historic mining towns to alien landing sites, these New Mexico towns are built to impress. The Main Street areas come alive with community events and nightlife, perfect for a fun weekend getaway. History also comes alive here, wandering the same dusty roads miners and cowboys did in the 19th century. The Spanish architecture is stunning and adds a pleasant backdrop to the fun things to do in town.

The eclectic art, culture, and heritage in each of these towns is enough to make visitors plan another trip before they leave. Planning trips around cultural events is a fantastic way to meet the community and have a fun day in town. Whether it's extraterrestrial landing sites or stunning historic mines, these eight Main Street areas come alive.