A Diversity of Experiences Awaits in Alamogordo

AFTER a year of cabin fever, liberate yourself safely with a rejuvenating weekend away in Alamogordo. Take in the flavors, scenic vistas, recreational venues, and the rich history of this sometimes overlooked gem in southeastern New Mexico. Many people come to the region and only explore the breathtaking beauty and history at White Sands National Park without sampling the friendly and charming ambience of Alamogordo and all it has to offer. Whether you are interested in the outdoors, wine, golf, aerospace, history, off-road adventures, agriculture, wildlife, archaeology, or cuisine, Alamogordo is the perfect destination for a getaway where the lodging, food, and attractions are affordable. GRAPES, NUTS, SUDS & VINO Explore the agricultural bounty of the Tularosa Basin, where conditions are perfect for grapes, pistachios, and pecans. Vineyards and nut farms are just minutes away from Alamogordo, with gift shops, gorgeous views, wine and nut tastings, and daily tours. Or, if hops are more to your liking, you will find plenty of local craft beer options available at Picacho Brewing Company, Tall Pines Beer & Wine Garden, or 575 Brewing Company.

GOLF Desert Lakes Golf Course, cut out of the dramatic desert landscape is a cityowned, year-round course featuring four sets of tees for golfers of all levels. The front 9 is a tree-lined parkland-style layout, the back 9 is the “desert nine,” the course offers numerous water hazards, a restaurant, and pro shop. OUTDOORS Outdoors enthusiasts can hike, camp, picnic, spot wildlife amid breathtaking vistas, and tour a 19th-century ranch house in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, south of Alamogordo in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains.

Photo credit: Tyler Brooke Photography

Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is located approximately 20 miles south of Alamogordo with over 100 miles of ATV and dirt bike trails in mesquite coppice dunes varying several meters in height. ARCHAEOLOGY Three Rivers Petroglyph Site offers more than 21,000 glyphs created by the Jornada Mogollon people. The site

Locally brewed beer, photo credit: 575 Brewing Company.

Desert Lakes Golf Course. The Petroglyphs

dates between 900 AD and 1400 AD and is scattered across 50 acres of Chihuahuan Desert, with hiking and backpacking trails, picnic and camping available year-round. ANIMALS & TRAINS Home to nearly 200 animals representing 60 species, the 12-acre Alameda Park Zoo is perfect for families and A springbok at the Alameda Park visitors of all ages. Zoo, photo credit: Sunny Pence. Children and train buffs will also love the Toy Train Depot, with hundreds of scale models of locomotives as well as passenger and freight cars, including the world’s smallest working train. The smallscale train ride departs every 30 minutes and circles Alameda Park. (continued on next page)

A Diversity of Outdoor Adventures Await in Alamogordo

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SPACE Let your imagination soar to new heights at the dazzling New Horizons Giant Screen Dome Theater & Planetarium. The world’s first Spitz Scidome 4k Laser full-dome planetarium projection system offers two digital planetarium shows daily, live star shows, and giant screen films all next door to the interactive NM Museum of Space History. Other must-see Alamogordo attractions: • New Mexico Museum of Space History • Tularosa Basin Museum of History • White Sands Missile Range Museum • White Sands National Park • World’s Largest Pistachio at McGinn’s PistachioLand Visit AlamogordoNMTrue.com or call 1-800-826-0294 for more information.

www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/