Areas & Neighborhoods in Ruidoso
Nestled into the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains, Ruidoso is dotted with low-slung adobes and ponderosa pines. A getaway to this sub-alpine village can feel like a trip to a national park—minus the traffic. Whether you're in search of hotel accommodations along Mechem Drive or sweeping views from the top of Dude Mesa, Ruidoso offers an enclave for everyone.
Mechem Drive
Shuttle along the two-lane highway known as Mechem Drive and a range of hotel accommodations and sports outfitters come into view. Finger-licking smokehouses and the town's largest grocery store round out the scene along this commercial thoroughfare.
Midtown
Classic American Southwest meets contemporary convenience on Sudderth Drive in Midtown Ruidoso. Trading posts and t-shirt shops offer an opportunity to purchase the perfect souvenir, while restaurants serving up strong coffee and hearty fare ensure travelers stay fueled.
Dude Mesa
Near the southern edge of town, Dude Mesa is Ruidoso's in-town destination for a hilly bike ride. Paved roads loop through a tranquil neighborhood where condominiums give way to sun-scorched earth and pinyon trees.
Things to See in Ruidoso
From natural wonders to a movie theater that specializes in box-office hits, there are plenty of things to see in Ruidoso. Begin by drinking in sights of Midtown and the Rio Ruidoso from Two Rivers Ruidoso River Park, where a winding trail rewards visitors with first-rate river views. On a rainy day, consider investigating showtimes at the Sierra Cinema, which specializes in hit flicks and family-friendly films on Tuesdays throughout the summer. For a live performance, take a short drive to the neighboring Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, where artists like Ricky Scaggs have been known the play. In addition to these local wonders, a country-western band known as the Flying J Wranglers can often be seen playing in town. Plan ahead and track these talented musicians down for some toe-tapping entertainment.
Sightseeing in Ruidoso
Whether you want to whet your whistle on the region's fine wines or simply long to stretch your legs in a public park, Ruidoso beckons with a bevy of things to do. Begin by admiring images of the Old West at the Kenneth Wyatt Galleries, and then head to Noisy Water Winery & Cellars for a memorable winetasting experience in the heart of Ruidoso. If you plan on visiting in summer, reserve tickets to the annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival at the Ruidoso Convention Center. For active types, both the Links at Sierra Blanca and Cree Meadows Country Club offer public tee times, while the White Mountain Sports Complex and the Ruidoso Dog Park lend an opportunity to stretch your legs or tire out the pup in time for more adventures. No matter when you plan to travel to Ruidoso, a trip to the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a must. Then, fly north along Mechem Drive to visit Ski Apache, where wondrous ski trails and rolling single-track offer pursuits for snow enthusiasts and mountain bikers of all abilities.
