Axel's Place guidebook
Places worth visiting in Ruidoso
Ruidoso is the hidden gem of New Mexico. It's situated ideally at the center between the Lincoln National Forest to the south and northeast, and the Valley of Fires State Park to the northeast. Ruidoso is truly the year-round mountain playground of the Southwest, offering something new to explore each season. The majestic Sierra Blanca towers over the city, tempting snow bunnies to the slopes of the nearby Ski Apache. Nothing beats horseback riding, fishing or hiking amid beautiful alpine forests, and scenic mountain views. The race track at Ruidoso Downs, the casino at the Inn of the Mountain Gods and the amazing golf courses offer fun and adventure of a different kind. Ruidoso is also a perfect base-camp to explore the whole beauty of Southern New Mexico- Carlsbad Caverns, Lincoln National Forest, and White Sands National Monument, just to name a few.
89 locals recommend
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is the hidden gem of New Mexico. It's situated ideally at the center between the Lincoln National Forest to the south and northeast, and the Valley of Fires State Park to the northeast. Ruidoso is truly the year-round mountain playground of the Southwest, offering something new to explore each season. The majestic Sierra Blanca towers over the city, tempting snow bunnies to the slopes of the nearby Ski Apache. Nothing beats horseback riding, fishing or hiking amid beautiful alpine forests, and scenic mountain views. The race track at Ruidoso Downs, the casino at the Inn of the Mountain Gods and the amazing golf courses offer fun and adventure of a different kind. Ruidoso is also a perfect base-camp to explore the whole beauty of Southern New Mexico- Carlsbad Caverns, Lincoln National Forest, and White Sands National Monument, just to name a few.
Food scene
In the small Village of Ruidoso you will find a HUGE variety of restaurants- Casa Blanca (Tex-Mex), Jorge's Café ( the local's choice for Mexican food), Great Wall of China (great sushi) , Michael J's (Italian) , Tina's café (excellent for breakfast), Wendell's restaurant (Steak and Seafood), Anaheim Jacks (great burgers and very close to the house).
Additionally, there is also local craft beer with tasting rooms, local wineries, and coffee shops.
Below are some of our top picks...
The Cornerstone Bakery is our favorite, and only 10 min drive from Axel's Place. It is excellent for breakfast and lunch. It offers great menu items and freshly baked breads, pies, cookies, muffins and assorted pastries! Yum!
98 locals recommend
Cornerstone Bakery Cafe
1712 Sudderth DrThe Cornerstone Bakery is our favorite, and only 10 min drive from Axel's Place. It is excellent for breakfast and lunch. It offers great menu items and freshly baked breads, pies, cookies, muffins and assorted pastries! Yum!
Visit 'Grill Caliente' if you are foodie who is interested in experiencing one of Top 11 restaurants in New Mexico! I enjoyed delicious and juicy steak dinner for my birthday.
61 locals recommend
Grill Caliente
2800 Sudderth DrVisit 'Grill Caliente' if you are foodie who is interested in experiencing one of Top 11 restaurants in New Mexico! I enjoyed delicious and juicy steak dinner for my birthday.
#1 restaurant in Ruidoso according to Tripadvisor. A must visit place!
11 locals recommend
Hall Of Flame Burgers
2500 Sudderth Drive#1 restaurant in Ruidoso according to Tripadvisor. A must visit place!
Friendly service, fresh ingredients and amazing pizzas made attractively in front of your eyes. Be prepared to wait, the lines are never ending...:)
76 locals recommend
Cafe Rio Pizza
2547 Sudderth DrFriendly service, fresh ingredients and amazing pizzas made attractively in front of your eyes. Be prepared to wait, the lines are never ending...:)
Drinks & Nightlife
Family owned, 5th generation farmers, New Mexico born and raised (including the grapes).
Noisy Water Winery is an enchanting place where International Award Winning New Mexico wines, handmade cheeses, and a fun environment all come together…
63 locals recommend
Noisy Water Winery
2331 Sudderth DrFamily owned, 5th generation farmers, New Mexico born and raised (including the grapes).
Noisy Water Winery is an enchanting place where International Award Winning New Mexico wines, handmade cheeses, and a fun environment all come together…
Midtown Ruidoso Lounge featuring a huge outdoor patio with two fire pits, heated glass tables with cozy indoor seating. Family and dog friendly. Enjoy great wine and beer selection.
16 locals recommend
Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden
2213 Sudderth DrMidtown Ruidoso Lounge featuring a huge outdoor patio with two fire pits, heated glass tables with cozy indoor seating. Family and dog friendly. Enjoy great wine and beer selection.
Don’t forget to stop into Wendell’s Lounge adjacent to the restaurant for delicious appetizers, cocktails, and cozy fireside seating.
Go enjoy the comfortable indoor ambiance or outdoor patio seating, both with spectacular views of Sierra Blanca, the Sacramento Mountains, and Lake Mescalero.
178 locals recommend
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
287 Carrizo Canyon RdDon’t forget to stop into Wendell’s Lounge adjacent to the restaurant for delicious appetizers, cocktails, and cozy fireside seating.
Go enjoy the comfortable indoor ambiance or outdoor patio seating, both with spectacular views of Sierra Blanca, the Sacramento Mountains, and Lake Mescalero.
Sightseeing
This is an interesting stop, particularly if you are interested in the old wild west . Have fund and take a picture with one of Roswell's aliens, pose with Smokey Bear, check out the town of Lincoln..
6 locals recommend
Billy the Kid Scenic Byways
26305 US-70This is an interesting stop, particularly if you are interested in the old wild west . Have fund and take a picture with one of Roswell's aliens, pose with Smokey Bear, check out the town of Lincoln..
This museum presents an extensive collection which ranges from small pieces of inlaid turquoise jewelry and beading to large intact chuckwagons like one might find on the Trail West to California. Plenty of fun kids activities. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
24 locals recommend
The Hubbard Museum of the American West
26301 US-70This museum presents an extensive collection which ranges from small pieces of inlaid turquoise jewelry and beading to large intact chuckwagons like one might find on the Trail West to California. Plenty of fun kids activities. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Activities
Ruidoso's WINTER PARK- The largest and most exciting snow tubing destination in New Mexico, nestles at the bottom of Sierra Blanca in Alto! Tubing for all ages. From Penguin Park to "B" Hill they offer something for everyone to enjoy. There is no need to spend climbing uphill. Riders can take the Magic carpet lifts before enjoying a thrilling tube down the hill. Check out their VIP Igloo packages.
They offer tubing in the summer time as well as a family zipline!! One of the best spots in Ruidoso!
65 locals recommend
Ruidoso Winter Park
121 Ski Run RdRuidoso's WINTER PARK- The largest and most exciting snow tubing destination in New Mexico, nestles at the bottom of Sierra Blanca in Alto! Tubing for all ages. From Penguin Park to "B" Hill they offer something for everyone to enjoy. There is no need to spend climbing uphill. Riders can take the Magic carpet lifts before enjoying a thrilling tube down the hill. Check out their VIP Igloo packages.
They offer tubing in the summer time as well as a family zipline!! One of the best spots in Ruidoso!