Things To Do
Ruidoso
One of the top tourist destinations in New Mexico, for good reason! Home to the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountain, stunning scenic views, shopping, and wildlife that roams freely, Ruidoso is simply magical. Check out Ruidoso Midtown where you'll find local shops like Happy Hiker, Old Barrel and great restaurants like Village Buttery and Cafe Rio. There is no shortage of delicious food in Ruidoso, ask one of the locals their favorite spot, they won't lead you wrong.
Cloudcroft
Our very favorite mountain town with tons of hidden gems, hiking trails and scenic views. Only a 30 minute drive from Alamogordo and well worth the drive! Make sure to turn off at the overlooks along highway 82 to take in the breathtaking views. On a clear day, you will be able to see White Sands! Spend the day strolling Burro Street and looking at the local shops like High Altitude and Base Camp. Stop in for lunch at Fernando’s burrito/taco stand or (if you’re willing to wait) the iconic Mad Jack’s! **Mad Jack’s opens at 11am and closes at sellout, which is typically around 1-2pm. The line is out the door and starts at least a couple hours before they open. However, February tends to be the off-season, so you may luck out and not have to wait as long.
Las Cruces
Home to the gorgeous Organ Mountains! Walk around Old Mesillia while awaiting your table at Andele's for an authentic New Mexico vibe that will take you back in time. Just a five minute walk from Andele's!
White Sands National Park
**Pro Tip: White Sands is a big loop and the best views are all the way in the back, right before the road begins to curve. It can be extremely easy to get lost, so please remember to drink LOTS of water and park near some sort of landmark that you will remember.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
One of our favorite weekend activities! Right in Main St.—while you’re there, visit our favorite local coffee shop, Grounded! Enjoy walking around looking at different vendors, listen to live music and check out the local shops right in Main St.
Grounded Cafe
Stop in while checking out the award-winning Las Cruces’ Farmer’s Market! If the weather permits, enjoy beautiful seating in the courtyard.
Andele Restaurant
Hands down the best Mexican food in the state! There are two locations in Old Mesillia: Andele’s Restaurant and Andele’s Dog House They are the exact same—Andele’s Restaurant is perfect for bigger groups while the Dog House is perfect for a lowkey vibe and has nice, covered outdoor seating with special menu items that are not served at the Restaurant.
High Rollin' Coffee
Our very favorite Cafe in the Alamogordo/Cloudcroft area. We love the rotating menu and unique offerings; the perfect place for healthy options! Maddi has been countless times and never had a bad thing. Cannot recommend this spot enough! We love the ambience, it’s a wonderful, lowkey place to sit and take in the beautiful mountain scenery.
Tunnel Vista Observation Site
Right on the left hand side before you hit the tunnel on the way to Cloudcroft. Home to the Tunnel Vista Trail where Corey proposed to Maddi. Should you choose to do the easy half a mile hike, DO NOT GO STRAIGHT DOWN THE MOUNTAIN! Instead, stay on the left hand side and walk towards the sign that says “Turn Lights on for Safety.” Look for a tiny red arrow painted on a rock, go over the black pipe and follow along the side of the mountain until you hit the waterfall.
The Lodge at Cloudcroft
A piece of iconic Cloudcroft history! Enjoy strolling around the vintage hotel and ask for a key to the tower where you will get stunning views of the whole basin, including White Sands National Park!
Caliche's Frozen Custard
Our family favorite! Can you even say that you went to Southern New Mexico if you didn’t stop by Calichie’s? No you cannot. Just whatever you do, do not fall for the green chile sundae gimmick—trust us, it’s not worth it. Besides that, everything else on the menu is amazing! Well worth the stop!
