Ruidoso has been named the #1 Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—marking its second consecutive win (2025 and 2026). The honor celebrates the village’s vibrant arts, music, heritage, and community spirit that continue to draw visitors year after year.
Read MoreWe’re thrilled to announce that Ruidoso, NM, has won first place as the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Celebrated for its vibrant arts, music, and community spirit, Ruidoso topped the list, beating nine other contenders. This recognition reflects the passion of locals and visitors alike. Congratulations, Ruidoso!
Read MoreWe're thrilled to announce that El Camino Nuev0, nestled in the heart of Ruidoso, has been recognized by Best Things New Mexico as one of the "7 Best Places for Margaritas in New Mexico"! Read more at besthingsnm.com >>
Read MoreThe Albuquerque Journal spotlights Ruidoso’s winter magic with a feature on Grindstone Stables' unforgettable sleigh rides! Whether snow blankets the ground or not, the charm of dashing through the cool mountain air—bells jingling all the way—is a must-have experience for visitors and locals alike.
Check out the full article here >>
Come see why Ruidoso is the perfect destination for winter fun!
Read MoreExciting news for seniors seeking the perfect retirement spot: Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named one of the top seven towns in the state for retirees by WorldAtlas.com Read the complete article here >>
Read MoreExciting news! Ruidoso just made it to WorldAtlas.com's list of '7 Picture-Perfect Towns in New Mexico.' Check out why Ruidoso stands out in the full article at WorldAtlas.com
Read MoreRuidoso has been featured prominently in a recent article titled "Best Places for a Romantic Getaway in New Mexico." The article highlights the most enchanting destinations for couples in the Land of Enchantment and positions Ruidoso as a premier choice for those seeking a romantic escape. Read the article at EnergyPortal.eu >>
Read MoreDiscover why Ruidoso is making waves as one of the best towns for retirees in New Mexico! In a recent roundup, our charming village emerged as a top choice, blending scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and a welcoming community. Read the full article ‘8 Best Small Towns In New Mexico For Retirees’ at WorldAtlas.com >>
Read MoreOur charming village has taken the spotlight in a national roundup of the best places to enjoy holiday light shows with your pets. Discover why Ruidoso is the perfect destination for a magical holiday experience that includes the whole family—fur babies included! Read the article at be.chewy.com >>
Read More“While its ski-town bona fides make Ruidoso a destination in the winter, trips are worthwhile year-round. In the warmer months, there’s horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping along with an 8,900-foot zip line down Ski Apache. Casinos, art galleries, and boutique shops can fill the down time between the action.” Read the full article at MatadorNetwork.com >>
Read MoreLocated at Ruidoso’s Winter Park, New Mexico’s only mountain coaster features nearly one full mile of track that includes waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix — all while going at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. But if going fast isn’t the goal, each cart comes equipped with brakes that allow for a more tranquil experience. There’s really no wrong way to do it. Read the Albuquerque Journal article here >>
Read MoreBased on Google reviews, KRQE News 13 compiled a list of some of New Mexico’s best pizza spots, with Ruidoso’s Cafe Rio listed as a Google and KRQE fan favorite. Read the complete article at KRQE.com.
Read MoreThe data team at Realtor.com® names Ruidoso as one of 14 Great Ski Towns You’ve Never Heard Of (That Are Affordable for Buying a Home), where you can find the cozy sense of community and the balance of corduroy carving and mellow living for a bargain, at least relative to the area. Read the article here >>
Read More“ In Ruidoso and on Mescalero Apache land, a new menu of recreational options entices adventurous visitors year-round.” — New Mexico Magazine
Read More“Ruidoso is an idyllic destination for a romantic honeymoon in the Southwest.” - VacationIdeas.com
Read More[Ruidoso] “The once sleepy mountain town has become a thriving and growing dream community for tourists and lovers of the great outdoors.” - WorldAtlas.com
Read More“Rich in open spaces, outdoor adventures, and espresso-laden WiFi, Ruidoso — population 8,000 — is rising as the Southwest’s next digital destination, an extended home-away-from-home locale.” Read the article at MatadorNetwork.com >>
Read MoreAhead of a new year and with the promise of a return to travel, Thrillist, an online media website covering food, drink, travel and entertainment, has released its roundup of the best places to visit in New Mexico, with a special shout-out to Ruidoso! Read the article at thrillist.com>>
Read More“Are you on the lookout for a new town to call home? You don’t need to look too hard because we know of a picture-perfect mountain town that has a little bit of everything.” - Onlyinyourstate.com
Read More“Ruidoso is one of southern New Mexico's top mountain destinations during both summer and winter, but it especially shines during the chilly seasons. The town receives an average of three feet of snow each year and has an incredible, rustic atmosphere.” — OnlyinYourState.com
Read More
