New Mexico’s Trails of Treasures
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This article originally appeared on My Grand Canyon
Stop in Deming, N.M., to search for gems and local lore, sip wine and visit a nearby safe, vibrant Mexican town. Here are the top 9 things to do in the area. Choose your own adventure based on what you want to see and do.
1. City of Rocks State Park
If you want to experience nature and explore gorgeous landscapes, head to City of Rocks State Park. Dotted by incredibly sculpted boulders, some reaching 40 feet high, this magical place 30 miles from Deming offers a 5.1-mile round-trip hike up Table Mountain.
2. Rockhound State Park
It's easy to understand how this state park got its name. About 10 miles southeast of Deming, this park was the first in the nation to let visitors take rock specimens like jasper, quartz, geodes and crystals with them. Look for all of these as you explore the park's three miles of hiking trails.
3. Pancho Villa State Park
In 1916 Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa raided Camp Furlong in Columbus, N.M.., killing more than a dozen Americans. In retaliation, President Wilson sent troops and an airplane to the border but failed to capture Villa. Today, you can camp here and see professional exhibits on this little-known piece of history.
4. Luna Mimbres Museum
From about 950-1200 A.D. Mimbres Indians lived in villages along the Mimbres River, Forty exhibits spanning three buildings showcase what they left behind, including pottery painted with birds and other animals. The pottery inspired architect Mary Colter to design a line of high-end dinnerware in the 1930s that was used in Harvey Houses across the West. Buy the replica line in the gift store.
5. Luna Rossa Winery
Founded in 2001, this winery is run by fourth-generation winemaker Paolo D'Andrea and his wife Sylvia D'Andrea. Raised in Friuli, Italy, Paolo D'Andrea's vineyards produce chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, chenin blanc and more. The tasting room located at 3710 West Pine St. is open every day.
6. D.H. Lescombes Winery & Tasting Room
The Lescombes family moved from Burgundy, France, in 1981 and has been making wine in the state ever since. On Fridays, D.H. Lescombes Tasting Room in Deming (formerly St. Clair Winery & Tasting Room) offers live music and drink specials.
7. Spaceport America
While you can't climb into a private shuttle and take off into space, you can sign up for a Final Frontiers Tour and ride the G-shock simulator on site. This is the world's first commercially licensed spaceport and is 1.5 hours northeast of Deming. Tours depart from Las Cruces or Truth or Consequences, N.M.
8. Puerto Palomas de Villa, Mexico
Travel internationally without boarding a plane when you drive 30 minutes to Puerto Palomas de Villa, Mexico. Park your car in Columbus, N.M., bring your passport and walk across the border. The Pink Store is legendary for its authentic Mexican crafts and its chile rellenos served with menonita, a type of cheese made at the local Mennonite community.
9. Stay in an RV Park or Hotel
With 15 RV parks to choose, you'll find a range of amenities from a heated pool and hot tub to Wi-Fi, hot showers and laundry facilities. If you're partial to nation chain hotels, Deming has everything from Holiday Inn Express to Best Western.
Learn more about Deming at demingnmtrue.com.
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