This New Mexico Downtown Is Made For Strolling
If looking for a place to sightsee and walk around, look no further than New Mexico's Silver City. Surrounded by mountains and scenic landscapes, Silver City has a compact and colorful downtown area. While walking around, visitors can browse art galleries, historic buildings, restaurants, and shops, all within easy walking distance. The downtown in Silver City has a lively atmosphere and a unique character with its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, over 50 murals, and a variety of festivals hosted throughout the year. From admiring the local art to trying the local cuisine at a charming cafe, there is a lot to see and do in Silver City. Here, we explore some of the best sights to see on your stroll through the downtown area.
Head to Big Ditch Park
One of the best spots to start your walking tour of Silver City is at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center. Here, you can gather maps and brochures to help guide your walk through Silver City's downtown. Just a short walk from the Murray Ryan Visitor Center is one of New Mexico's most unique parks, Big Ditch Park. You will find the park on Market Street, just five minutes away northwest of the visitor's Center. What makes the park unique is that it was once the town's Main Street. However, due to severe flooding in the late 19th century, the old Main Street was transformed into a ditch. Today, the park has a creek, walking trails, green space, and shaded areas, making it a great spot to relax with friends and family. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or someone just looking for a spot to relax, this park is a great local landmark to visit on your walking tour of the downtown.
Art Galleries and Shops on Bullard Street
Just around the corner from Big Ditch Park is Silver City's colorful Main Street, Bullard Street. North Bullard Street is only a 5-minute walk from Big Ditch Park. Turn right off of East Market Street to find North Bullard Street. On your way from the park to Bullard Street, stop at some of the shops along the way. Book lovers will enjoy browsing the wide selection at SWAG Books and More. Once you get to Bullard Street, take some time to walk around exploring the local businesses, restaurants and galleries. There is also plenty about the downtown for art lovers to appreciate, from the vibrant buildings to the numerous galleries.
Just a five-minute walk southwest from SWAG Books and More is a welcoming art gallery, the Light Art Space. This beautiful art space hosts exhibits by various artists and showcases artworks across media, from pottery to paintings. This gallery makes a great first stop to exploring Silver City's art scene. From there, visitors can walk for one minute down the street to the Southwest Women's Fiber Arts Collective. The collective celebrates fibre arts, and its website has details about sales, exhibits, and member social gatherings.
Admire History
Near many of the art galleries, there are also many historical buildings that reflect the town's mining past and Victorian architecture. While strolling along the downtown streets, take some time to notice these beautiful buildings, each of which has its own story to tell. The Palace Hotel is right across the street from the Southwest Women's Fibre Arts Collective. The historic building dates back to 1881 and features a distinctive architectural style. The hotel was once a hub for travelers. Just under a five-minute walk north of the Palace Hotel is another historic gem, the Gila Theater. The theater opened in the 1920s and was once a center for entertainment and community events. While the theater is closed today, walking by you can see its character and imagine its popularity.
Just a few doors down from the Gila Theater is The Silco Theater, the modern-day spot in Silver City to go for some evening fun. The beautifully restored Art Deco-style theater has a rich past in the town. It began its life as the Airdome in the mid-1900s and became the Princess in 1914. At one point, the theater even closed down and became the Union Furniture Store. In 2006, the theatre was restored to its former 1920 glory. If you are looking to stop somewhere to rest your feet and enjoy a movie in Silver City, this historic theatre is a must-see. History buffs will want to walk over to N Pinos Altos Road, just a one-minute walk southeast from the Silco Theatre. Here, you will find the Silver City Museum. The museum is located in a 1881 Victorian-style McCray building and tells the story of the town's past through a series of unique artifacts and displays.
Explore Dining Options
Strolling through Silver City's downtown, you will want to stop for some tasty local cuisine. Silver City's downtown area offers a variety of dining options, with many excellent restaurants located right on Main Street. If you need a caffeine fix to start your day, Tranquilbuzz Coffee House is the place to go. The cozy cafe has pastries and coffee, of course, and even hosts community events on occasion, such as poetry readings and open mic nights. The cafe is at the intersection of Arizona and Yankee Street, a short walk from Bullard Street. It is only a two-minute walk from Silver City Museum, making it a great stop after exploring Silver City's history. For a hearty meal, check out La Familia Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant is on Hudson Street and is roughly a six-minute walk north from Tranquilbuzz Coffee House, making it an easy spot to get to from the heart of Silver City's downtown.
Keep Travelling Through New Mexico
Once you have explored Silver City, you might want to continue your travels in New Mexico. Luckily, there are many cute small towns surrounding Silver City, making it easy to continue your travels. Arenas Valley is just under six miles away and is a great place to explore New Mexico's outdoors. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the trails in the Gila National Forest, which showcase New Mexico's diverse landscapes and wildlife. In the heart of the town, Arenas Valley has art galleries, historical landmarks, and farmers' markets to enjoy browsing. Like Silver City, the town has a vibrant art scene. While it might not have as many art galleries as Silver City, the artist spirit is felt throughout the town.
Another town with a vibrant downtown like Silver City is Taos. Downtown Taos is a culturally rich area with historical sites such as the Kit Carson Home and Museum, local art galleries, and delicious restaurants featuring New Mexican cuisine. While Taos is a bit further from Silver City, nearly seven hours by car, if you have time, the visit is worth the drive.
A Trip to Remember
Overall, Silver City has one of New Mexico's best downtowns for walking around. The combination of rich history, artistic culture, and beautiful natural surroundings makes it a wonderful place to visit. Once you arrive in Silver City, the streets downtown will captivate you with their historic buildings and cute shops, making you want to stay and explore. Strolling through the streets downtown is sure to be a memorable experience. You will want to have your camera ready to capture the unique surroundings. So what are you waiting for? Start planning and packing a trip to Silver City, New Mexico and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime.
