8 New Mexico Towns That Rival Europe's Best
The United States has some fine towns, but Europe is where the cherry shines. European architecture is unforgettable, and in most cases, each building in town tells its own story. Plus, European towns are authentic, have a personality, and are often more walkable. This makes the cities more cozy and quiet, meaning you can enjoy a much more intimate experience. Chances are, you do not have the wallet power to regularly fly to Europe, unless you are a celebrity jet-setter. Fortunately, New Mexico is beautifully pockmarked with small, charming towns, some of which can make you feel like you are somewhere in Southern France. For specific recommendations, discover below the 8 New Mexico Towns That Rival Europe's Best.
Silver City
Silver City is old, artsy, and incredibly charming. It was founded in the 1870s and has the distinction of being New Mexico's oldest incorporated community. With its historic districts, eastern-style Victorian manors, and quiet, tree-lined streets, Silver City’s appearance easily rivals some of Europe’s best. You will enjoy strolling Bullard Street and popping inside the cute little stores and inviting restaurants that line it, including Jalisco Cafe, an unpretentious joint adorned with beautiful Mexican details. It serves red and green chilli sauces and other New Mexican delights. You can turn back the wheels of time at the Silver City Museum, which houses local history exhibits in a circa-1881 Italianate home. There is Gough Park, which has silky smooth grass, and the Western New Mexico University, whose beautiful campus hosts the highly rated Western New Mexico University Museum.
Chimayo
Española
Española is a small city in Rio Arriba County, approximately an hour north of Santa Fe. Like many European cities, it sits on the banks of a river, the formidable Rio Grande, making it pass for a small river town in Spain or Portugal. Other European elements include the town's historic Spanish Colonial heritage, including the missions and the centuries-old churches. Stop by the City of Española Visitor Center to get a quick rundown of what to expect, then head to the New Mexico Fiber Arts Center to learn about both traditional and modern Native and Spanish weaving. The centre features a nice retail store full of creations made by local artists. Meanwhile, the Bond House Museum tells the story of the Española Valley through interesting displays, while La Puebla Trail is a nice 2.9-mile loop near Española that provides stunning views of the mountains and the city.
Mountainair
Mountainair is just over an hour from Albuquerque, and styles itself as “Gateway to Ancient Cities,” a reference to the three parts of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. It offers an adventure into times past, outdoor attractions, art, rodeos, annual festivals, and a modest culinary scene. The Shaffer Hotel, one of Mountainair's most unforgettable landmarks, was built by a local folk artist in the 1920s. The hotel's garden walls and sidewalks feature quirky rock mosaics, while its spacious lobby, with its ornate touches and detailed woodwork, may pass for an alpine inn or a small European boutique hotel. You can spend the whole day at the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, exploring its three famous sites—Abo, Quarai, and Gran Quivira, or escape the heat with a Mountain Berry Smoothie at Last Chance Food Shack. Alternatively, grab a filling burger at Alpine Alley, a cute little roadside cafe with lots of healthy food choices, including vegetarian options. To a certain extent, Mountainair’s offbeat and historic charm parallels small-town Europe, where unique old hotels anchor the town.
Truth or Consequences
With its hot springs and thermal bath culture, Truth or Consequences immediately transports the mind to spa towns in Central Europe, like those in Hungary, Austria, or Germany. Blackstone Hotsprings is a kitschy hotel with a hot spring bath, and is among the landmarks that give “T or C” a whimsical, artsy flair common in European spa resorts. The town itself is incredibly charming, especially with its fun, little museums, restaurants, and unique outdoor attractions. Elephant Butte Lake, just east of town, is a beautiful desert oasis that doubles up as New Mexico’s most popular venue for watersports. So, bring your kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Keep in mind that “T or C” also serves as the gateway to the 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest. In town, you can browse the Geronimo Springs Museum, a cool venue with fossils, arrowheads, and some interesting Apache artefacts. Check out the Don Quixote Mural on Broadway Street, and then sit down to some delicious enchiladas at El Faro.
Aztec
With its plaza-centered core and layout that mirrors Spanish and Mediterranean towns, Aztec is among the New Mexico towns that effortlessly transport the mind to Europe. Plus, it is compact, historic, and has a river flowing right in the middle. Aztec Ruins National Monument, a World Heritage site preserving crucial Pueblo architectural and engineering achievements, is the largest Ancestral Pueblo community in the Animas River Valley. It gives the town a palpable Old World feel reminiscent of fabled European cities. Of course, it is always amazing to stand in a place that was built almost a thousand years ago. Nab a chair at Rubia's Fine Mexican Dining for some decadent tacos, then head to Florence Park to rest and people-watch. You may also want to check out the Aztec Water Park, especially if tagging kids along.
Farmington
European towns are known for their focus on parks and green spaces. London, for example, although it swallows Farmington many times over, has over 3,000 parks. Farmington has more than 50 parks, and you don't find that often in New Mexico. The Animas River also flows through the town and gives it an additional layer of rustic charm, as do the Danube, Seine, and Tiber for several small and big European towns. The Riverside Nature Center is a unique place to mingle with wildlife or learn about local flora and fauna, while Berg Park, with its verdant, tranquil surroundings, has beautiful paths along a river to walk and enjoy the scenery. It has ducks, geese, deer, and the occasional raccoon. If travelling with little ones, E3 Children's Museum & Science Center has hands-on science-related exhibits to explore. Farmington Museum is also cool, especially the dinosaur and gas exhibits.
Lincoln
From the exploits of Charlemagne to those of notorious outlaws like Jack the Ripper, many European towns are locations where great men and naughty characters once did their stuff, whether good or bad. Lincoln is mostly known for Billy the Kid, who, in the 1800s, escaped the local courthouse, murdered two deputies, and then rode out of town on a stolen horse. Later, other famous (and infamous) Wild West characters regularly strolled the town’s only street, which President Rutherford B. Hayes once declared “the most dangerous street in America.” You will find a few bed and breakfasts in period houses, a decent number of inviting restaurants and cafes ( check out Annie's little sure shot for delicious homemade cookies), and the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, an evocative spot for some gasp-inducing Wild West history, including the story of Billy the Kid. Bonito Valley Brewing Company, housed in a building that dates back to the 19th century, has a nice outdoor area with a BBQ food truck.
Chimayó is in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just 40 minutes from Santa Fe. The road that leads to Chimayó, the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, is a destination and attraction by itself. But the highlight is the town, which is framed by beautiful wild hills, like you would find in a southern European city. Centinela Traditional Arts, which is rated 5 stars on Google, is run by award-winning weavers whose work has been displayed in museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian. To have a hand-woven piece from Centinela and from the Trujillo family is like having a piece of New Mexico's history in your home. From here, the Chimayo Museum is a natural sequel. It keeps interesting local heritage exhibits, including those related to the town's weaving tradition. When hunger pangs begin to set in, work your way to Rancho de Chimayó, a Pueblo-style restaurant offering traditional New Mexican dishes and comfortable patio seating. It has a nostalgic feel and makes patrons feel like they are stepping into a time capsule from 30 or 40 years ago.
Enjoy Flashes of Europe in New Mexico
Scattered across New Mexico's valleys and riverbanks are small, beautiful towns with Wild West history and rich heritage. Some have tales of outlaws and gaudy saloons, some of spa culture and thermal springs, yet others of interesting Spanish Colonial heritage. That said, a decent number of New Mexico towns look so European that they can easily pass off for some old, charming village along the Seine or the Danube. If in doubt, lace up for Mountainair, Silver City, or any of the highlighted spots.
