A year after the devastating wildfires, the resilient Village of Ruidoso continues to rebuild, while remaining grateful to its first responders, residents, and loyal visitors who came together to provide support and resources for the resort destination.
The community marked the fires’ anniversary with a remembrance event June 17 and also continues to look forward to welcoming visitors all summer. In May, the town saw more visitors than it did in May 2024, demonstrating the town’s resilience and the continued return of people to enjoy all the amenities this Lincoln County village has to offer.
The shops along the main Sudderth Drive were never affected and are still open for shoppers and tourists. The Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero has also remained a popular resort destination for travelers, offering a casino and a championship golf course. Ski Apache transforms the mountain into a winter wonderland each year with 55 runs, 11 lifts, and New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola.
And if you’d rather stay close to the ground, Grindstone Stables continues to provide one of the most scenic adventures, horseback riding against a backdrop of mountains.
If you’re planning to visit Ruidoso, here’s a helpful guide on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while you’re there.
Weekend getaway at Inn of the Mountain Gods
The Inn of the Mountain Gods, located at 287 Carrizo Canyon Road in Mescalero, New Mexico, is an idyllic resort hotel near Ruidoso that is celebrating 50 years of hospitality this year.
Sarah Kazhe, the director of marketing, who followed in her parents’ footsteps by working at the resort, said the resort draws all kinds of people, from newlyweds and longtime couples to families, golfers, and skiers.
The resort has undergone major remodeling of its rooms and dining areas, while still maintaining great views of the golf course, Mescalero Lake, or the Sacramento Mountains.
“Where else can you go and see the scenery like that? At the old inn, we had huge windows and a huge deck that would open up to the back like that, and you see that mountain and the lake — it was just majestic. I’m really glad that in the design of the new building, they kept that because I feel like it’s healing for a lot of people. You never knew you needed it until you walked through our doors, and there it is,” Kazhe said.
In the renovated rooms and suites, lush robes await on comfortable beds and most have doors that open to views of the lake or golf course. Make plans to enjoy any of the many amenities, including spa treatments, gambling in the casino, taking a dip in the pool, ziplining or walking to the golf course for a relaxing game among miles of beautiful landscape.
For reservations, go to innofthemountaingods.com
Aside from soothing views, the Mescalero Lake also offers recreational fun in paddle boating or peaceful walks.
Fine dining at Wendell’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant
When it comes to enjoying an unforgettable meal on a date night, you will want to make reservations at Wendell’s Steak and Seafood within the resort. The restaurant features tables near large windows that offer stunning views of the golf course, creating a great environment for a special night out.
Wendell’s menu will have you trying something new, such as a pan-roasted stuffed quail ($46) with a wild rice pilaf, slow-braised bison short rib, or perhaps a more familiar option like butter-poached lobster. Be sure to leave room to share a scrumptious dessert, such as the Chocolate Lava Cake or the Crème Brûlée.
Enjoy frybread at Warshield Tacos at the Market on the Mountain
If you’re looking to try more traditional foods while on the Mescalero property, consider checking out Warshield Tacos in the Market on the Mountain food court. Warshield Tacos is one of several new dining options in the food court and offers the famed fry bread.
You can choose between red or green chile sauce for the Apache Taco ($16), a crispy, plate-sized fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, pinto beans, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday.
Enjoy breakfast at The Log Cabin
The Log Cabin, 1074 Mechem Drive, is a popular spot among locals in Ruidoso and is a great place to get a filling breakfast or lunch.
For breakfast, the fluffy pancakes are as big as a plate, and there is a variety of yummy omelettes, including The Hoss, which includes six eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, cheese, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and is topped with pico de gallo and sour cream. All omelettes come with hash browns or grits, a biscuit with gravy or toast. On the lighter side, you can get a green chile and cheese omelette.
Best pizza in Ruidoso is at Cafe Rio
Visitors to the shops along the main Sudderth Drive usually stop for lunch at Cafe Rio, at 2547 Sudderth Drive. The restaurant is small, so it’s often crowded at noon, serving both dine-in customers and those ordering takeout.
Once you get a seat, it’s fun to take in the place, from the tower of pizza boxes to the children’s drawings pasted to the wall amid old family photographs.
The restaurant offers popular pizza choices from classic pepperoni to the Margherita. We decided to go with the Veggies Pizza ($25.25), which was a pan-crusted pizza with red sauce and many fresh ingredients – mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, black olives, green olives, fresh jalapenos, and green chile on top.
Go horseback riding in Ruidoso mountains
If you’ve ever wanted to go horseback riding, you should book a ride with Grindstone Stables, a popular horseback riding destination in Ruidoso. The staff is skilled at making first-time riders feel at ease, as well as with children. They can provide riding helmets and ensure that riders, from ages 5 to adult, are seated correctly and ready to go before starting on the three-mile trail.
The stables, situated against a beautiful backdrop of pine trees and mountains, are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso. Horseback riding costs $50 per person if paid in cash, or $60 with a credit card. For more information, go to www.grindstonestables.com/
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Things to do in Ruidoso: Where to stay, eat and play to have fun this summer
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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