Hey, friends! I hope you are all having a great July so far! I don’t know how the weather is where you live, but DANG has it been hot lately. Summer is here, amiright?! For the Fourth of July this year, I opted to leave town with my boyfriend and head towards the mountains and cooler weather in Ruidoso.
This week, I’m here to give you a short guide to some of my favorite activities and places we visited on our weekend getaway to New Mexico. From horse racing at Ruidoso Downs, hitting it big at the casinos, golfing at Inn of the Mountain Gods, savoring delicious craft beers and wines, to shopping along Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso has everything you need to unwind and have a great time!
Experience the Thrill of Horse Racing at Ruidoso Downs
Head to Ruidoso Downs for an unforgettable day of horse racing. Watch some of the fastest horses in the world compete for the win. Feel the excitement as they race around the track and cheer along with the crowd.
Best Seats in the House
You won’t want to miss a moment of the action! I went to the races Sunday afternoon and it rained for at least an hour. If you arrive expecting to sit in the free seating, you are out in the open and have no covering if bad weather hits. PRO TIP: Experience the race up close and personal with premium seating. You have covered seating with a table, along with food and drink service at your seats.
Festive Atmosphere
Join the lively atmosphere while enjoying delicious food and drinks from local vendors. From various food options to clothing, artwork and all the in-between, there is plenty to keep you busy if horse racing isn’t your thing.
The Beauty of Horses
Witness the grace and power of these magnificent creatures… and maybe place a bet or two 😉 Never placed a bet at a horse race before? Check out the steps below or check out the Ruidoso Downs Betting 101 for a quick guide!
- State the name of the racetrack.
- State what race number you’re betting.
- State the dollar unit of your bet.
- State the type of wager.
- You can bet on a single horse to win, place, show, or on a combination of horses.
- State the number of the horse or horses you’re using.
- Check your ticket before you leave the window.
Test Your Luck at the Casinos
Feeling lucky? Head to Ruidoso’s exciting casinos to try your hand at poker, blackjack, or the slot machines. With multiple locations and endless games, it’s the perfect place to unwind and have fun.
Get Your Game On
Choose from a variety of games to test your skills. Slots, roulette wheel, black jack table; what’s your guilty pleasure?
Win Big
Bet big and win big, or play it safe and still have fun. Not going to lie, I tend to play it safe. Are you an all in type of person?
24/7 Fun
Ready to play? Casinos are open 24 hours a day for non-stop fun. Gotta love gambling states, right?
Golf with Panoramic Views at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Take in the beautiful mountain scenery while playing a round of golf at Inn of the Mountain Gods. With challenging holes and stunning views, it’s the perfect way to unwind and have fun with friends. PRO TIP: You must make reservations to play this course!
Challenging Holes
Test your golf skills on this challenging and rewarding course. Be warned, the first half of the course has a ton of trees and is super challenging! The back half is a little more open and was easier for me (a beginner) to navigate.
Breathtaking Views
Enjoy beautiful mountain views throughout your round. The atmosphere was like no other with wild horses and elk freely roaming the course. It was such a fun experience!
Taste the Best Wines at Noisy Water Winery
Sample the award-winning wines at Noisy Water Winery. With a unique wine selection, beer on tap, along with charcuterie boards and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine on a patio.
Special Wine Tastings
Experience the unique flavors of the local wines with special tastings. They even offer a green chili infused white wine during your tasting. That’s about as New Mexico as it gets!
Wine to Take Home
Select your favorite wine to take home and share with family and friends, or take it on the patio and enjoy it people watching above the main street of Ruidoso. If you purchase a bottle after a wine tasting you get to keep your wine glasses as a souvenir.
Live Music on Weekends
Enjoy live music on weekends to accompany your wine tasting. With seating offered both indoor and outside on the patio, you’re sure to find a spot to enjoy live entertainment. Love a good patio with a view? Wait until you see our next recommendation!
Savor Craft Beers at Downshift Brewing Company
Enjoy a cold brew at Downshift Brewing Company. With a large selection of craft beers and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and have fun with friends.
Selection of Craft Beers
Choose from a wide variety of craft beers, ranging from light to dark. Not a beer lover? Don’t worry, they also have wine and cocktail options.
Cozy Atmosphere
Relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere featuring several outdoor areas with patio views of tall pine trees and a small creek with running water. The perfect place to unwind after a long day!
Snacks and Games
Pair your beer with delicious snacks and enjoy various board games. We tried the fried avocado bites and the creamy artichoke dip, both of which were very delicious!
Fine Dining at Grill Caliente
End your day with a refined dining experience at Grill Caliente. With a menu offering fine dining options and a cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a romantic evening out or a night out with friends.
Refined Menu
Indulge in delicious fine dining options made with fresh ingredients. For an appetizer I ordered the trio dip with guacamole, green chili queso and salsa. I ordered the green chili chicken enchiladas for my entrée. If you couldn’t tell, green chili is a staple in New Mexico.
Intimate Atmosphere
Get cozy in the elegant atmosphere with dim lighting and comfortable seating, or enjoy a cool evening on the patio. PRO TIP: Make reservations. this place stays busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Expertly Crafted Cocktails
Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail or a selection from the carefully curated wine list. I tried the Mexican Mule, which was the Grill Caliente Moscow Mule with tequila instead of vodka and a little spice. I also tried their Paloma but the Mule was my favorite of the cocktails I tried.
Explore Sudderth Drive
Sudderth Drive acts as Ruidoso’s main street with restaurants and businesses lining both sides. Spend some time on your trip walking the streets and you’re sure to find antique stores, boutiques, cannabis stores, breweries, wineries, and gift shops galore.
There you have it! Is there anything we missed that you think should be on the list? Let us know! Ruidoso truly has so much to offer and this blog only skims the surface of things to do and places to see while in town. One thing is for certain – while you are in Ruidoso, spend time outside! Enjoy the fresh air, green grass and wild animals. Is it such a beautiful world we live in and we often don’t take enough time to slow down and take it all in. Aim to be intentional with your time remaining in July. Great things can happen!
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