Southern Playworld
From Thanksgiving through Easter, the Wild West playground of Ruidoso becomes a ski-boot scootin’ winter wonderland.
Situated equidistant from Albuquerque and El Paso, Ruidoso (
www.ruidosoattractions.com) is a magnet for snow sports enthusiasts from around the Southwest. Skiiers and snowboarders from New Mexico, west Texas and northern Mexico are drawn to the unpretentious value of this resort town that offers families the chance to stay longer, play more and spend less — while enjoying the laid-back charm of Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Despite the fact that the 5000-square-mile area surrounding Ruidoso boasts a grand total of only eight stoplights, the charm of this hidden gem is far from primitive. Here you will find plenty of fine dining opportunities including one of the best ribeyes in southern New Mexico, tongue-scorching Mexican fare and award-winning green chile cheeseburger joints, along with plenty of great shopping, galleries and entertainment.
Sudderth Drive runs through the heart of “downtown” Ruidoso and is packed with unique shops, galleries, clubs and restaurants, including Grace O’Malley’s, a new Irish Pub that promises to become a centerpiece of life on Sudderth.
www.comfortinnruidoso.com | www.hotelruidoso.net
The Winter Park Recreation Area features snow tubing on the shaded north slopes of the canyon. With its automated lifts, night tubing events and emphasis on thrill without skill (no classes or equipment required), the area has become a huge draw for families.
For a bit of history, Ruidoso/Lincoln County is ground zero for many of the historic sites associated with the legend of Billy the Kid. The Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs also offers an extensive array of Native American and Cowboy artifacts.
Bringing a little bit of high culture to the Wild West feel of the area is the 514-seat Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. This landmark venue brings world-class performances to south-central New Mexico residents and visitors, and is also home to four major Dale Chihuly glass installations.
With Ruidoso’s great weather, you can ski in the morning and enjoy golf, horseback riding, and hiking in the afternoon.
