New Mexico
6 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in New Mexico
Although New Mexico only joined the United States in 1912, it is the furthest thing from a new state. Home to the richest history and innumerable culturally significant sites, the Land of Enchantment fuels the imaginations of travelers today and generations to come. The state is an integral part of the American Southwest, and these underappreciated small towns are the essence of the past, the hospitality, and some of the most varied geography in the US.
Corrales is a viticulture destination, while Mesilla, one of the coziest towns in the country, also boasts a historical plaza, pretty high up the list. Speaking of, Cloudcroft rests at over 8,000 feet above sea level inside a national forest, a solace to all your daily worries in the cool mountain air, where every activity feels like an indulgence in the alpine landscape. Aztec, home to the Aztec Ruins National Monument, is an amalgamation of Irish and Scottish traditions in a largely Native American landscape.
Aztec
The San Juan County town of Aztec, often overlooked for Taos or Ruidoso, is an odd pot of cultures and ethnicities. Flaunting its own humble collection of 11th-century Puebloan structures, namely the Aztec Ruins National Monument, one would discern that the modest town of 6,000 may be the successor of the ancient Aztec civilization, but it was the Anasazi who built the ancient settlement, as later confirmed. With magnificent bragging rights around the gathering place for ancestral Puebloans, visitors today enjoy free admission to the wonder. Come for this most significant ancestral Puebloan site in the American Southwest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stay for great river rafting in the San Juan River and the Angel Peak Scenic Area for hiking.
Just south of the Colorado border, this pint-sized town is a big-time outdoor adventure destination, with activities ranging from disc golf to high desert mountain biking and the unmissable trek out to the Chaco Canyon with the stunning ruin of Great House. This 900-year-old edifice of 400 masonry rooms flaunts North America’s great kiva—a circular, sacred venue underground for spiritual ceremonies. The active can enjoy endless hiking and biking trails snaking the area, like the scenic Animas River Walk, the Alien Run, and the Navajo Lake State Park. Don’t miss the annual celebration of the Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival—an unorthodox mix of Irish and Scottish traditions in a Native American landscape.
Chimayo
Home to a modest population of 3,200, this humble town just north of Sante Fe in north-central New Mexico has an outweighed reputation among the Catholic and the spiritual as “Lourdes of America,” a reference to a small town in the west of France, a real Catholic mecca. Christened after the Tewa tribal phrase “Tsi Mayoh,” for a local hill, since 1816, El Santuario de Chimayo, a chapel in the area, to which the Tewa Native Americans traversed vast badlands to absorb the healing spirits in the early 12th century, is a major destination. With allegedly healing dirt in one of the chapel’s rooms, this heritage landmark draws some 300,000 Catholic pilgrims annually. Allegedly exuding powerful vibes, the Adobe Church, which combines Spanish and Native American influences on the hill, is a sight to behold.
First a place of worship and then a Spanish settlement and a lasting Catholic community since 1813, the town between Los Alamos and Taos is also a center of Hispanic weaving traditions. Visitors can witness the local craft, buy from the weavers, and taste Chimayo chili pepper only here. A beacon for believers, the renamed hill to El Santuario de Chimayo may bestow spiritual strength, but Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast will no doubt recharge for another day of exploring Chimayo, the “most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the United States.” There is no shortage of outdoor activities along these hills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while the US soldiers who survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines thanked the Lord at the nearby Shrine of Santa Nino de Atocha.
Cloudcroft
The town with a cool name and rich, 110-year-old history is home to under 1,000 locals who live knees deep in natural beauty—literally. Nestled within the Lincoln National Forest, covering 1.1 million acres in the state’s southeast, Cloudcroft feels even tinier in the shadow of three surrounding mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan. Besides morning forest strolls and explorative hikes like the Trestle Depot Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy wintertime skiing and mountain biking, or just relax in the forest cover on a picnic, a cozy blanket of solace and fresh air on the much-needed escape from the heated city.
Soaring high, much like its name suggests, the old pioneer village is a second-to-none destination at 8,000 feet above sea level for thrill seekers and escapees to breathe deep in the protected wilderness—a real change of gears. Activities like golfing, hiking, biking, the Apache Campground, bird watching, and horseback riding feel like leisure-based indulgences in the alpine environment. There is also shopping, ice cream shops, the Sacramento Mountains Museum, and the Big Daddy’s Diner among the must-hits, as well as cozy B&Bs with porches to nourish a drink in an old-timey vibe. Nearby, the slopes stay crowdless with the best cross-country skiing trails, while the town’s rink lifts spirits on a glide across the ice, and White Sands National Park is a mere 35 miles to the west.
Corrales
Not just another one of New Mexico’s charming river towns, the Village of Corrales, or simply “Village” to the 9,000 locals, dates back as far as 500 CE of human history. Tigua enjoyed the area before the Spanish arrival in 1540, while Corrales’ proximity and deep connection to the Rio Grande (Big River)—blessing the area with fertile land—all attract water babies and cultural tourism. Having thrived with vineyards and winemaking since the 1900s, Corrales is still knees deep in the lush viticulture business. Visitors can enjoy a wine-inspired escape over tastings at local wineries, in conjunction with fresh air hikes and the old-timey feel in town.
Fiercely protecting its bucolic charm and rural lifestyle, Corrales exudes a homegrown aura since the various prehistoric influences, later cultures, the present-day Pueblo Indians, and subsequent Hispanic, European, and American families shaped the town, leaving marks and footsteps for visitors to follow. From grape vines to apple orchards and surrounding livestock farms, the traditional way of life—so delicately rare—is both strange and curious to the city folk and easily accessible through wineries, farm visits, and livestock on the streets, as well as the favorite local place to mingle among fresh produce, the beloved Growers Market.
Mesilla
Flaunting plenty of charm and a population of under 2,000, this underappreciated small town boasts one of the top historic plazas in the state. The local dining is very European-like—something one would stumble upon at streetside cafes in Spain—of seldom home cooking but going out. With complying prices, it is easy to spot the “it” spots, like the unmissable Andele Restaurant, with its antique bars and signature Mexican tacos. La Posta de Mesilla is a cute eatery famous for spicy margaritas and lime juice bites, while El Patio Cantina Bar offers unforgettable cuisine, the 1930s traditional saloon vibe and cold brews served cowboy style.
All this fosters a community feel in one of the state’s coziest towns, drenched in small-town charm and history. Mesilla’s settlement dates to the mid-1800s, after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Visitors of today and future generations can soak up the unique culture through markets, fine dining, and local shops with friendly patrons for memorable chit chats, crafts, and souvenirs. Extending its warmest hospitality to any group in every style, whether you go for the Siesta RV Park or fancy Hacienda de Mesilla with a pool, don’t miss the quaint cafe culture along the plaza for your morning coffee, lunch, or drinks at the hit DH Lescombes, a Mexican-European wine & bistro.
Tucumcari
Saving a Route 66 town for desert, this small one, with just over 5,000 people living along the iconic highway, is a real hidden gem to discover before exploring the rest of the Mother Road. Known as a museum mecca, the tiny town of Tucumcari flaunts mega venues for insights into the surrounding area, like the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory, one of the region’s greatest landmarks. After ogling at the 40-foot skeleton displays and prehistoric multi-era findings, make the nearby Tucumcari Historical Museum your next stop for antique wagons, firehouse memorabilia, and crazy-cool military and cowboy uniforms on the underground level.
Still, many come for the high fantasy of the Route 66 Monument to find a convenient, albeit intriguing, stop, and the town delivers. Don’t miss the vintage-era motel signs for your Instagram page and the first stop for hungry travelers—Watson’s BBQ. The local homestyle cuisine in a rustic appeal with a patio is the best introduction, to fill up, and as the last stop with its gift shop! An obscure resort, Motel Safari exudes unspoiled, nostalgic vibrance reminiscent of motor court themes with its lavish guest rooms, fluffy towels, and colorful linens—an integral part of traditional New Mexico hospitality.
Full of unique, underappreciated towns, New Mexico, rightfully the Land of Enchantment, boasts nature and cultural vibrancy involving Native American, Spanish colonial, and European influences. The smallest of the towns, like Chimayo, the “Lourdes of America,” relinquish the state’s deepest secrets, like a church on a hill with healing powers, Tucumcari, the Route 66 gem with cowboy culture and museums, or Mesilla’s cafe culture. As hospitable hosts with cultures rooted in traditions, visitors get a real sense of the resurgent, modern state that would take a lifetime to discover.
New Mexico
New Mexico Dominates Distance Events On Day One Of 2026 Credit Union 1 MW Indoor Track & Field Championships
Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Championship Central | Live Results
RENO, Nev. – The 2026 Credit Union 1 Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Championships opened competition Thursday with six events at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
New Mexico raced out to day one leads on both team leaderboards thanks to dominant efforts in Thursday’s distance events. Both Pamela Kosgei and Habtom Samuel won repeat 5,000-Meter gold and broke their respective Mountain West Championships records.
Kosgei’s time of 15:32.15 led a top-four sweep in the event as she was followed in order by Mercy Kirarei, Christina Nisoli, and Nicola Jansen. The performance paced the Lobo women to 41 points on the night, leading Fresno State (19 points) and GCU (18) early on.
On the men’s side, Habtom Samuel captured the 5,000 Meters in 13:30.40, breaking his own meet record for the second year in a row, for a 14-second victory over Wyoming’s Jacob White. Lobo teammate Evans Kiplagat took third, pacing the New Mexico to 29 points for an early lead over Air Force (13 points) and Utah State (12).
New Mexico also swept both Distance Medley Relays. First up, the Lobo women cruised to gold in 11:02.09, 22 seconds better than runner-up Boise State. The New Mexico men’s DMR held off Utah State and Colorado State at the end, the Lobos’ winning time of 9:39.63 besting the Aggies by 0.69 of a second and the Rams by just over two seconds.
The meet’s first champion was crowned in the women’s pentathlon as Fresno State’s Ella Spaulding took gold, using a second-place effort in the 800 Meters to clinch. Nevada’s Johanna Haas took an early lead with a win in the 60-Meter Hurdles and a fourth place in High Jump, holding on at the end to take silver.
Wrapping up the medals for the night, conference newcomer GCU captured its first Mountain West podium finishes in Pole Vault as Eva Lowder (4.29 meters) and Tatum Moku (4.09 meters) went 1-2.
The men’s Heptathlon will wrap Friday with the 60-Meter Hurdles and Pole Vault. Through four events, Colorado State’s Mateo Munoz, with 3,199 points, holds a 49-point lead over Boise State’s Landon Helms.
The preliminaries for the 200 meters also took place Thursday. Nevada’s Annalies Kalma paced the field with a time of 23.37 to qualify for Friday’s final, while on the men’s side Air Force’s Jett Rose ran a 20.82 to top the eight qualifiers.
Day Two’s competition gets underway at 10 a.m. MT with the men’s heptathlon 60-meter hurdles.
The Mountain West Network will provide live coverage of the 2026 MW Indoor Track & Field Championships. Fans can watch the indoor track & field championships on their phones or connected TVs via the Mountain West app.
Watch every moment of the MW Indoor Track & Field Championships LIVE on your own TV through Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV or Roku. Mobile applications are available through the iOS App Store and Google Play. Visit TheMW.com/app for more information.
For more information regarding the Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Championships, including live results, visit the championship central page or follow the Mountain West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
2026 Credit Union 1 Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Champions – Day One
Women
Pentathlon: Ella Spaulding, Fresno State – 4,022 points
5,000-Meters: Pamela Kosgei, New Mexico – 15:32.15
Pole Vault: Eva Lowder, GCU – 4.29 Meters
Distance Medley Relay: New Mexico – 11:02.09
Men
5,000 Meters: Habtom Samuel, New Mexico; 13:30.40
Distance Medley Relay: New Mexico; 9:39.63
2026 Credit Union 1 Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Team Leaderboards – Day One
Women
1. New Mexico – 41
2. Fresno State – 18
3. Grand Canyon – 17
4. Nevada – 16
T5. Air Force – 1 4
T5. Boise State – 14
7. Utah State – 13.5
8. San Diego State – 11.5
9. Wyoming – 7
10. Colorado State – 4
11. San José State – 0
12. UNLV – 0
Men
1. New Mexico – 29
2. Air Force – 13
3. Utah State – 12
4. Wyoming – 12
5. Colorado State – 6
6. Boise State – 3
7. San José State – 2
8. Grand Canyon – 1
DE BACA COUNTY, N.M. (KFDA) – New Mexico State Police have released new details on the capture of both Fort Sumner shooting suspects.
On Feb. 23, NMSP Investigations Bureau agents were requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving a NMSP Sergeant on US Highway 285, south of Vaughn in Guadalupe County, New Mexico.
Agents learned that the NMSP Sergeant conducted a traffic stop on a black Kia Sportage on US Highway 285, near mile marker 185, after learning the car was reportedly stolen.
Officials say during the stop, the female driver identified as 26-year-old Makaela Johnson, exited the car. As the Sergeant was placing Johnson in handcuffs, the male passenger, identified as 40-year-old Jovan Martinez, exited the stolen car with a rifle and fired at the Sergeant.
Police say Johnson ran back to the stolen car while still handcuffed and entered the passenger seat as the Sergeant took cover behind his police unit and returned fire with his duty weapon.
Martinez and Johnson fled from the scene and officers lost sight of the car.
While responding to the incident, NMSP officers encountered a couple near mile marker 166, who reported that their car had just been stolen at gunpoint.
The couple stated that Martinez and Johnson were standing in the roadway and Martinez fired a least one shot at the ground, forcing the couple to stop.
According to officials, the couple was ordered out of their car, which was a grey Kia K5 passenger vehicle.
Martinez and Johnson then took the second Kia and continued fleeing.
Officials say the original stolen Kia Sportage involved in the traffic stop was later located near the intersection of US Highway 285 and New Mexico State Highway 247.
The car left the roadway and drove through two barbed wire fences before coming to a rest in an open field.
According to police, the second stolen Kia K5 was found abandoned east of the intersection of River Road and Lone Wolf Road, south of Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
On Feb. 25, following a two-day manhunt, Martinez and Johnson were located hiding in a shed and taken into custody outside of Fort Sumner.
They were booked without incident on the following charges:
jovan Martinez:
- Attempt to commit a felony, to WIT: first degree murder(willful or deliberate)
- Aggravated assault upon a Peace Officer (deadly weapon)
- Receipt, transportation or possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon
- Conspiracy to commit receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicles
- Armed robbery
- Harboring a felon
- Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer (no injury or great bodily harm)
Makaela Johnson:
- Conspiracy to commit first degree murder (willful or deliberate)
- Conspiracy to commit aggravated assault upon a Peace Officer (deadly weapon)
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
- Harboring a felon
- Receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicles
- Escape or attempt to escape from Peace Officer
- Larceny ($250 or less)
Officials say no officers were injured during this incident.
This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Investigations Bureau.
The identity of the NMSP Sergeant will not be released until interviews are completed. The Sergeant has been placed on standard administrative leave.
New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigation and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation. In officer involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses.
The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified, this determination rests solely with the district attorney’s office.
Copyright 2026 KFDA. All rights reserved.
Albuquerque, NM and Florence, SC –
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced that it filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Jaremy Alexander Smith, 35, of Marion, South Carolina, for the 2024 kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of a Marion County EMS Paramedic. A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on Feb. 24 charging Smith with kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm during a crime of violence in a manner constituting murder, possession of stolen firearms, and being a felon in possession of firearms.
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According to the federal indictment, on March 13, 2024, Smith entered the home of Phonesia Machado-Fore in Marion, kidnapped her, and forced her to drive to a remote location near Nichols. There, Smith executed Machado-Fore behind an abandoned house.
Investigators reportedly found Machado-Fore wearing slippers and her bedroom clothing with a shock collar around her neck. They located cut zip ties near her body, and her face was covered in blood-soaked material, with plastic tape secured around her mouth. She had a single gunshot wound to the back of her head.
Smith then drove Machado-Fore’s vehicle back to her residence, stole several firearms, and later sold them. Afterward, Smith drove the stolen vehicle to New Mexico, where he killed New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare on March 15, 2024.
Federal prosecutors have decided to prosecute Smith for the death of Machado-Fore, a case that initially saw him facing 17 state charges in South Carolina.
On January 17th, 2025, a sea of grey and black New Mexico State uniforms packed the courtroom of U.S. District Judge James Browning for the change of plea hearing for cop and paramedic killer Jaremy Smith. The State Police officers were there to support Officer Hare’s family as Smith sat in the courtroom. On that date, Smith accepted a plea deal proposed by the then-U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, Alexander M.M. Uballez. (Continues below photo)
Smith could be seen smiling and laughing with his attorneys. When Smith’s was asked to answer questions, his answers were smug with a “Yes, sir,” to Judge Browning.
In April 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico sentenced Smith to life in prison for killing Officer Hare.
New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare’s parents wanted the death penalty in their son’s murder.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi authorized federal prosecutors in the District of South Carolina to seek capital punishment in this case. Smith is scheduled for arraignment in federal court on Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. in Florence, South Carolina.
The FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everett McMillian and Christopher Lietzow are prosecuting the case, with support from DOJ Capital Case Section Trial Attorneys Barry Disney and Julie Adams.
The charges in the indictment are allegations only. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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