Sights & Attractions in Southwestern New Mexico

Southwestern New Mexico Sights

The Rio Grande flows through the fertile Mesilla Valley, known for its plump green chile peppers and acres of thick, shaded pecan groves. Try leaving Interstate 10 and following the green agriculture fields along NM 28, which begins just north of El Paso and ends at Old Mesilla. The shops and restaurants in Old Mesilla's historic plaza make for an easy, leisurely afternoon of wandering. The adobe buildings are virtually unchanged from the way they appeared a century ago. From Las Cruces, take NM 185 north through the farm valley on the route that leads to Hatch, where you might want to stop for lunch and dinner to sample some of the famed chile. During the fall harvest this whole valley takes on the rich scent of roasting chiles. The annual Chile Fest happens on Labor Day weekend every year.

You could easily spend several days (or weeks) exploring the old, but still lively, mining town of Silver City and the vast Gila National Forest, which surrounds it. New Mexico's largest lake, Elephant Butte, begins at the hot springs haven of Truth or Consequences and tracks north for miles alongside Interstate 25. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro provides a haven for countless species of birds. Heading west at Socorro on U.S. 60 to explore tiny rural villages such as Magdalena and Datil will show you more of New Mexico's charm. On the Plains of San Augustin, look for the awesome array of giant, gleaming, white radio antennae that are part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

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