Things To Do in Ruidoso and the Mescalero Reservation
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Ruidoso and the Mescalero Reservation Attractions
Gallery Hopping
Many noted artists -- among them Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, and Gordon Snidow -- made their homes in Ruidoso and the surrounding Lincoln County. Dozens of other art-world hopefuls have followed them here, resulting in a proliferation of galleries in town. Most are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, except where noted. Among my favorites are De Carol Designs, 2616 Sudderth Dr. (tel. 575/257-5024); McGary Studios, a bronze foundry at 2002 Sudderth Dr. (tel. 575/257-1000); and Hurd-La Rinconada (tel. 575/653-4331), in San Patricio, 20 miles east of Ruidoso on US 70, open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Ruidoso's best shopping is at 2801 Sudderth Dr., where a cluster of shops fulfill many desires. Slip on sassy sandals and other contemporary shoes at Steppin' Out (tel. 575/257-5924). Next door, tots and teens can find upscale duds at Klassy Kids (tel. 575/257-3857). Meanwhile, wine lovers may want to sample the grape and artisanal cheeses at End of the Vine (tel. 575/630-WINE). And finally, foodies will like the kitchen selection at House of Kelham (tel. 575/257-2492).
Ruidoso Downs
In a stunning setting surrounded by green grass and pine trees, the famous Ruidoso Downs racetrack and Billy the Kid Casino (tel. 575/378-4431; www.ruidosodownsracing.com), 2 miles east of Ruidoso on US 70, is home to the world's richest quarter-horse race, the $2 million All American Futurity, run each year on Labor Day. Many other days of quarter-horse and thoroughbred racing lead up to the big one, beginning in May and running to Labor Day. Post time is 1pm Thursday through Sunday. Grandstand admission is free; call about reserved seating prices, which range from $5 to $42.
The on-site casino has all the neon, noise, and smoke gamblers love. Though you'll find only slots at this casino (for more variety, head to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino), bonuses here include simulcast racing on big-screen TVs in the bar and a well-priced buffet with tables overlooking the track. It's open Saturday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, and Friday from noon to midnight.
Family Fun
Families enjoy the excitement at Funtrackers Family Fun Center, 101 Carrizo Canyon Rd. (tel. 575/257-3275), which offers go-kart courses, bumper boats, bull riding, and miniature golf. Beware: It can be crammed with people midsummer. It's open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10am to 10pm; from September to May it's open weekends only, with limited hours.
Ruidoso and the Mescalero Reservation Shopping
If you're enchanted with New Mexico and want to take some of the state home with you, head to Viva New Mexico, 2811 Sudderth Dr. (tel. 575/257-VIVA), to choose from a range of New Mexico products. You'll find New Mexico Piñon Coffee from Albuquerque, and Indian Summer Salsa from Laguna Pueblo. Most notably, the shop sells 13 different wine labels. If you want to take home treats for loved ones, pick up one of the elaborate gift baskets, offering a sampling of many products.
Ruidoso and the Mescalero Reservation Nightlife
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
The dream of Alto, New Mexico, residents Dr. A. N. and Jackie Spencer, the 514-seat Spencer Theater, on Sierra Blanca Airport Hwy. 220, 4 1/2 miles east of NM 48 (tel. 888/818-7872 or 575/336-4800; www.spencertheater.com), is a model performance space that cost more than $20 million to construct. Opened in 1997, the theater has drawn such talents as Ottmar Liebert and Chuck Mangione. Free tours are offered at 10am Tuesday and Thursday. Performances take place weekends and weekdays. The theater runs two seasons year-round, and tickets cost from $30 to $70.
