This drive starts in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and ends in Truth or Consequences. It covers about 150 miles and takes 2 ¼ hours without stopping, which of course you will.
These Around New Mexico highlights include Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, with incredible bird watching. It’s imperative to catch Bosque del Apache at dawn or dusk when the sandhill cranes are flying in or out en masse. The main draws of Truth or Consequences (T-or-C), founded in 1950 and named after a popular radio show, are its natural hot springs, art galleries, and space exploration.
Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, New Mexico 1, San Antonio, NM, USA
The Original Owl Bar & Cafe, U.S. 380, San Antonio, NM, USA
Buckhorn Tavern, U.S. 380, San Antonio, NM, USA
Main Street Gallery, Main Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Geronimo Springs Museum, Main Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Grapes Gallery, Main Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Studio de La Luz, South Pershing Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Spaceport America, County Road A021, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Los Arcos Steak & Lobster, North Date Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Outer Edge Pizzeria, Main Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Riverbend Hot Springs, Austin Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Blackstone Hotsprings, Austin Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Hoosier Hot Springs, Austin Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Passion Pie Cafe, Main Avenue, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa, McAdoo Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Around New Mexico
The Owl Bar & Café
This historic restaurant in San Antonio, near the entrance of Bosque del Apache, is known for green chile cheeseburgers and hearty breakfast burritos, and classic American breakfast plates.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Around New Mexico
Bosque del Apache
The Bosque – with more than 57,000 acres of wetlands, fields, and forests – is home to over 350 species of birds, including sandhill cranes, snow geese, and various waterfowl. During the fall and winter months, thousands of birds migrate to the refuge, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. There are also hiking trails, scenic drives, historic sites and interpretive exhibits providing insight into the area’s rich cultural and natural history.
Best Places for Lunch in Around New Mexico
Buckhorn Tavern
If you didn’t already have green chili for breakfast, this local landmark in the speck-of-a-village-of-San Antonio is also known for its classic green chile cheeseburgers, topped with fiery New Mexico green chile. They also serve Beyond Meat burgers to the vegetarians among us.
Passion Pie Cafe
These Truth or Consequences (T-or-C) folks specialize in homemade pies, quiches, and comfort food. Their lunch menu features savory pot pies, quiches, and sandwiches – and oh-so-satisfying sweet pies.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Around New Mexico
Historic Hot Springs District
Soak up T-or-C galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists and creatives along Main Street and North Broadway Street. Main Street Gallery offers a diverse range of artwork. Geronimo Springs Museum, primarily a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region, also has gallery space. Grapes Gallery specializes in pottery and ceramics. Studio de la Luz, an artist cooperative, hosts exhibits, workshops, and events.
Spaceport America
The visitor center in T-or-C offers a fascinating look at the history and future of space exploration. Learn about the development of the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport and the innovative technologies being developed there.
Best Places for Dinner in Around New Mexico
Los Arcos Steak & Lobster
This moderately-priced family-owned T-or-C restaurant offers juicy steaks cooked to perfection, lobster, shrimp, and fish dishes. Vegetarians won’t go hungry here.
Outer Edge Pizzeria
These artisanal pizza pies in T-or-C are creative and classic – from Margherita and pepperoni to combos with locally sourced ingredients. Vegan and gluten-free pizza options are available, as are calzones, pasta dishes, and appetizers.
Best Places to Stay in Around New Mexico
Riverbend Hot Springs
Located on the banks of the Rio Grande in T-or-C, the tranquil Riverbend has communal and private soaking pools of varying temperatures where you can dip into mineral-rich waters while enjoying river views. Southwestern-style room options range from standard to spacious suites to private cottages. Many have direct access to their own outdoor hot tubs; some have private patios or balconies.
Blackstone Hotsprings
The eclectic Blackstone is a boutique hotel in T-or-C with art-themed rooms. Each has a private tub filled with mineral water from the springs. Some rooms may have a kitchenette or fireplace or look onto the lovely courtyard.
Bonus Pro Tips
December: One of the most popular events at Bosque del Apache is the annual Festival of the Cranes, with guided tours, photography workshops, and live music performances.
Day-tripping hot springs: It seems like most hot springs are associated with hotels, but Hoosier Hot Springs is a standalone place with great prices and private hot tubs with spring water pumped in.
Bonus $$$ Place to Stay, Soak, and Dine: Sierra Grande is a first-class lodge, spa, and dining experience.
