New Mexico is home to so many exceptionally cozy little towns, it can be difficult to pin down which to visit. If you’re on the lookout for a small town out tucked away in the state’s mountainous landscape, then you are going to absolutely love this one historic town found in northern New Mexico.
Drive along the winding High Road to Taos Scenic Byway and there are two things you’ll encounter: beautiful views in the mountainous terrain and adorable small towns.
Mike Tungate/Flickr Among those? Peñasco, a historic town that barely has a population of 1,200. Rich in agricultural and geological history, this is one little town you don’t want to chance passing up.
What is there to do around here? First of all, the views are spectacular. Soak them up with a drive, nature walk, or…
Andrew & Justina/Airbnb
…Hit the slopes at the nearby Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort.
Tony Maples/Google This location is a little quieter than some of the larger ski resorts, so you will love riding down the slopes. They also have weekly special events, including open mic nights, a s’mores social hour, and a super cool beer scavenger hunt.
Website: Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Phone: 800-587-2240
Meanwhile, back in town, you should pay a visit to the Peñasco Theater.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr Here, you can watch events and even participate in workshops. Plus, the theater has a lovely little bistro attached.
Website: Peñasco Theater
Stop by the adorable Sugar Nymphs Bistro, located inside the theater, where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Mills O’Connor/Google Offering delicious seasonal dishes for vegetarians and omnivores alike, Sugar Nymphs Bistro serves a combination of fancy dishes and classic New Mexican cuisine.
Website: Sugar Nymphs Bistro Phone: 575-587-0311
And, while you’re in town, try out some traditional northern New Mexican food at La Jicarita Harvest, a modest little restaurant in an unassuming little building.
Natalie Lopez/Google Try out some traditional northern New Mexican food at La Jicarita Harvest, a modest little restaurant in a modest little building. Enjoy a plate of large burritos, layered enchiladas, or a mouthwatering sopaipilla sandwich. Facebook: La Jicarita Harvest Phone: 505-321-3152
A few Airbnb options are available in and around town, such as inside this ranch house that offers a quiet setting.
Andrew & Justina/Airbnb This place sleeps up to six people in three different bedrooms and you absolutely love sitting on the porch with a steaming cup of coffee in the morning to watch the day begin.
Airbnb: Inn at Roybal Ranch
Or, if you have extra money to spare, check out this exceptionally beautiful hideaway.
Newman Hospitality/Airbnb This location also has three bedrooms and sleeps up to eight guests. Check out that view from the living room!
Airbnb: Airbnb
The little town of Peñasco is located along the Taos Scenic Byway, about one hour north of Santa Fe or 35 minutes south of Taos.
Google Maps
You can find additional details about the town’s history, community events, and more by visiting the town’s tourism website.
Mike Tungate/Flickr
Among those? Peñasco, a historic town that barely has a population of 1,200. Rich in agricultural and geological history, this is one little town you don’t want to chance passing up.
Andrew & Justina/Airbnb
Tony Maples/Google
This location is a little quieter than some of the larger ski resorts, so you will love riding down the slopes. They also have weekly special events, including open mic nights, a s’mores social hour, and a super cool beer scavenger hunt.
Website: Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Phone: 800-587-2240
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Here, you can watch events and even participate in workshops. Plus, the theater has a lovely little bistro attached.
Website: Peñasco Theater
Mills O’Connor/Google
Offering delicious seasonal dishes for vegetarians and omnivores alike, Sugar Nymphs Bistro serves a combination of fancy dishes and classic New Mexican cuisine.
Website: Sugar Nymphs Bistro Phone: 575-587-0311
Natalie Lopez/Google
Try out some traditional northern New Mexican food at La Jicarita Harvest, a modest little restaurant in a modest little building. Enjoy a plate of large burritos, layered enchiladas, or a mouthwatering sopaipilla sandwich. Facebook: La Jicarita Harvest Phone: 505-321-3152
This place sleeps up to six people in three different bedrooms and you absolutely love sitting on the porch with a steaming cup of coffee in the morning to watch the day begin.
Airbnb: Inn at Roybal Ranch
Newman Hospitality/Airbnb
This location also has three bedrooms and sleeps up to eight guests. Check out that view from the living room!
Airbnb: Airbnb
Google Maps
The primary way New Mexicans get to Peñasco is via the Taos Scenic Byway. You will love seeing all the lovely little towns, diners, and historical sites along the way. Read more in The 77-Mile Scenic Drive In New Mexico You Will Want To Take As Soon As You Can.
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Address: Peñasco, NM, USA
