Ruidoso

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Weekend Run to Ruidoso, New Mexico

A travel journal to Ruidoso by lubmac Best of IgoUgo

The Swiss Chalet InnMore Photos

Ruidoso NM is a small town nestled in the Sacramento Mountains adjacent to the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. It is a town of variety and activity, an eclectic mix of New Mexican, Indian, American, and German culture. A place that truly has a little bit of flavor for everyone.

  • 8 reviews
  • 15 photos

Weekend Run to Ruidoso, New MexicoBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Ruidoso, NM
Name the season and Ruidoso has an activity or event that will draw a following. Summer is the season for big time horse racing, fishing in area lakes, backpacking, and escaping the summer heat in the cool pines. Fall hosts the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, the Aspenfest celebration, and an Oktoberfest weekend for festival lovers. Winter brings skiing on top of 12,003' high Sierra Blanca and other winter sports. And finally spring brings peaceful sunny mountain days and gorgeous high altitude wild flowers. You can gamble at the casinos, golf, shop the specialty stores, check out the art galleries, or just kick back and relax. Whatever you choose, you'll like to do it in Ruidoso.

Quick Tips:

Check out the Chamber of Commerce website and pay attention to the event calendar. If you are planning to vacation in Ruidoso during a special event weekend (like the Motorcycle Rally), be sure to make reservations well in advance. Also, check about minimum stays for holiday weekends.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is great if you're planning to check out the shops in town, otherwise you'll be sunk without your own wheels.

Story Book CabinsBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Story Book Cabins
Story Book Cabins are located in the historic Upper Canyon of Ruidoso. The charming, knotty pine individual cabins are set among the tall pines on beautifully landscaped grounds. Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, stone firelaces, cable TV, and attached porches. There are also a few units with private jacuzzis. The decor is modern and up to date. You won't have to wonder about upkeep and cleanliness, because the place shows to be well taken care of by the owners who are very friendly and helpful. Prices are dependent on the size of cabin and time of you visit during the year.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 6, 2000

Story Book Cabins
410 Main Road Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345
(505) 257-2115

Best Western Swiss Chalet InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The Swiss Chalet Inn
I know, in the mountains a cabin is the lodging of choice, but if the cabins are full, this is a great place to stay. The hotel sits with a direct view of Sierra Blanca on a hillside covered in pines. It has a hot tub and sauna, as well as a small (but adequate) indoor pool. The hot tub is a perfect muscle relaxer after a day of hiking or skiing. The rooms are a little larger than your run of the mill hotel rooms, and nicely appointed. The restaurant is wonderful also. For breakfast you can get the buffet or order off the menu- both options are winners. Dinner is prepared by a certified chef that really knows the art of cooking. Non-smoking rooms available and be sure to ask for a mountain view.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 23, 2000

Best Western Swiss Chalet Inn
1451 Mechem Ruidoso, New Mexico
1(800) 47-SWISS

Inncredible Restaurant & SaloonBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Inncredible Restaurant & Saloon"

The Inncredible has been a fixture in the Ruidoso area for 30 years, and as many times as I have eaten there, it has always lived up to its name. Their specialty is prime rib, but the menu is loaded with all sorts of tantalizing dishes that are excellent. They serve steaks, wonderful seafood and fresh fish, chicken, lamb, veal, and pasta. You'll rave over the fresh caught Rainbow trout, the Chicken Marsala, and the Veal Oscar. The service is fabulous, attentive yet not intrusive. Be sure to do yourself the favor of making a reservation, although waiting in the lounge isn't all bad (unless your hungry).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 6, 2000

Inncredible Restaurant & Saloon
Hwy. 48 N. at Ski Run Road -4 miles N. of Ruidoso Ruidoso, New Mexico
(505) 336-4312

Lincoln County GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Looking for a place that offers a lot of food, but light on the wallet? Try the Lincoln County Grill. The place serves a breakfast that is sure to take care of any appetite. Try the house specialty- Lincoln County Migas. They are eggs scrambled with green chili, fresh tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips. The migas come with home fried potatoes, flour tortillas, and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage. Be sure to have a cold drink nearby- the migas are spicy good! Also offered is the standard breakfast fare, including sirloin steak and eggs for only $6.95.

Lunch and dinner are also reasonable, with over 20 burgers to choose from, soups, salads, sandwiches, BBQ, and fried shrimp and catfish. For dessert, go for the Brownie Avalanche (my favorite!) or Anita's carrot cake.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 6, 2000

Lincoln County Grill
2717 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345
(505) 257-7669

Michelina's Italian RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Michelena's Italian Restaurant"

Looking for a nice lunch, we pulled into Michelena's because pizza sounded good. What a nice surprize it turned out to be! The restaurant serves up some of the best gourmet pizza I've had since moving out west from Philadelphia. The atmosphere is casual, but intimate, complete with the standard red checkered tablecloths and cozy booths. Since the pizza was so good, we also tried dinner which proved to be equally excellent.
The menu offers wonderful homemade Italian dishes, pastas, and several sandwiches besides the pizzas. If you're in Ruidoso and crave Italian, go to Michelena's and forget about cardboard pizza chains.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 26, 2000

Michelina's Italian Restaurant
2703 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345
(505) 257-5753

Golden Aspen Motorcycle RallyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally
Having started on the 3rd Wednesday in September for the last 31 years, the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally has grown to be one of the largest motorcycle events in the Southwest. Over 25,000 bikes converge on Ruidoso and the surrounding area for an extended weekend of shows, parades, motor tours, and just hanging out. The 2001 rally is planning to have Bob Duffey's stunt show, the usual Saturday morning parade, and lots of field events and games. If you're a motorcycle enthusist, this is the place to be (if you can't make it to Stugis) to check out all the new bikes coming out on the market, the tricked out custom bikes, and also meet some nice (or sometimes really weird) people. This year the weather was great, but bring your rain gear just in case. Oh, if you're planning on going to the rally, make reservations RIGHT AWAY!!!!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by lubmac on November 6, 2000

Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally
111 Sierra Blanca Dr Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345
(505) 258-5445

Lincoln National ForestBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Lincoln Nat'l. Forest - Monjeau Lookout Area"

Lincoln National Forest
For a little trip out of the way and yet worth the effort in getting there, drive North on Hwy. 48 out of Ruidoso and turn left at Ski Run Rd. Next, turn right onto USFS Rd. 117 and follow its twists and turns to Monjeau Peak. The steep and rocky road serves well to keep casual tourists from spoiling the area, and the hairpin turns near the top will even make a stout-hearted driver take notes and be extra careful. I have never been up to Monjeau Lookout and not seen deer and other wildlife along the way, so watch closely. As you drive up the mountain, you will be treated to a host of beautiful mountain vistas, high meadows, and steep slopes to check out. There is a couple of picnic areas and primitive camping areas that face majestic Sierra Blanca, and you'll also find the trailhead for Crest Trail, Part 1.(The Crest Trail is a trip all it's own, treking across the tops of the local range, all with a spectacular vantage point.) Finally, you will arrive at the parking area for the Lookout. Take the trail and climb the railroad-tie stairs to the stone lookout tower. From the observation deck, you will have an unobstucted 360 degree view of the Sacramento Mountains and the vast plains surrounding them. Believe me, it will worth the climb.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by lubmac on November 6, 2000

Lincoln National Forest
1101 New York Ave Ruidoso, New Mexico 88310
(505) 434-7200

About the Writer

lubmac
lubmac
Lubbock, Texas

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