Hotel at a Glance: The Lodge at Sierra Blanca

The Sierra Blanca Mountains rise gently in the crisp air behind The Lodge at Sierra Blanca, a pleasant reminder that you’re far from Albuquerque’s urban sprawl. The lodge’s warm wood panelling and plush leather chairs reflect the rustic surroundings, welcoming you to warm yourself by the stone fireplace. The village of Ruidoso is tucked between the Lincoln National Forest and Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, meaning you’re surrounded by opportunities to explore the countryside.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms have a lodge-inspired ambiance, but still come with LED televisions and complimentary WiFi; choose a suite for a fireplace, spa bath tub, and either a patio or balcony.
• Start the day right with a complimentary full breakfast.
• Go swimming in the indoor pool or kick back in the hot tub.
• Want to relax? Head to the onsite spa with deep tissue, reflexology, and couples’ massages. Other services include facials and body wraps.
• What to do: Play a round of golf at The Links at Sierra Blanca, test your luck at the three casinos near the lodge, or visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West.
• Go skiing: After Thanksgiving, you can hit the slopes at Ski Apache, about 15 miles away.
• Award-winning environs: This hotel won a 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Ruidoso, New Mexico: Gems, Forests, and Caves in Nature’s Playground

Residents of Ruidoso have called it “nature’s playground,” and it’s hard to argue when you see the sun shine over Lincoln National Forest and the peaks of the Sacramento Mountains. On the area’s many mountain biking paths, such as the 17-mile Rim Trail, you can get beautiful views of the surrounding forest. Fishing is plentiful, too, especially in the Ruidoso Rio or Cedar Creek. The nearby Fox Cave—home to radiant gemstones such as amethysts, Ruidoso garnets, and even rubies—was once the hideout of legendary gunslinger Billy the Kid.

The outlaw is the partial inspiration for Ruidoso Downs Race Track And Billy The Kid Casino, one of the area’s biggest draws. It has up to 13 races a day during the season and is home to over 300 slot machines.

In town, art galleries sell jewelry and crafts made by local artisans. Delve into the town’s past at the Ruidoso River Museum, which has exhibits on the area’s mining history, Native American culture, and the Lincoln County War, which ravaged the area during the late 1800s.

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