Other than enjoying the Jeep Jamboree, there are plenty of options to keep the whole family happy in Red River, New Mexico. Every member of the family--young, old, and everyone in between, including the family pet--can find fun in Red River. The town has nearly limitless possibilities.

With so many options at hand, it might be a good idea to narrow down your choices by first visiting the Red River Chamber of Commerce. It is centrally located on Red River's Main Street--very easy to find. There you can acquire information on all of the activities that the immediate area has to offer. Whether you're looking for the perfect elements of a romantic weekend for two, entertainment for the kids, a place to finally take the family vacation that has been delayed for years, or simply some quiet solace and relaxation, this is the place to start. 

Golf

Some people may be surprised to learn that as much as Red River is world-renowned for its skiing and other winter sports, it's also a great place in the summer and fall. The warmer seasons offer one of the most beautiful locations a "hacker" can chase the little white ball around the course anywhere in the country. If you take your golf game seriously, the Red Eagle Golf Course is the place to "tee it up."

Located on New Mexico 38, just a few minutes from downtown Red River, Red Eagle golf course offers an 18-hole course with breathtaking views to improve anyone's game while you play this challenging course. The rates per round are reasonable and they offer rentals on every thing that a traveling golfer could need, from a full set of clubs right down to a pair of golf spikes.

Now, if your idea of a "golfing challenge" involves something more along the lines of a rotating, miniature windmill, the area also sports some miniature golf courses that will be for fun for the whole family. The Black Mountain Playhouse & Lodge is located right in the heart of Red River at the base of one of the main winter ski lifts. This place is a veritable wonderland of games and activities for those of all ages. Here you will find an indoor and an outdoor miniature 18-hole golf course. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Family Games and Entertainment

The "Playhouse" is located only two blocks off Main Street, right next to the ski area. The smorgasbord of activities includes--among others--billiards (both traditional pool and snooker), ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, video, and pinball games, "kiddie" rides, and even a full roller-skating rink. That should cover just about everyone from the kids to Grandma and Grandpa.

Go-carts

A little further up the road there is an outdoor track for go-carts. You have to check out Go-Kart City. This might come in handy for the older kids. (And by that I mean the teenagers and dad.) 

More Travels in the Area Click Here:

Horseback Riding

Perhaps you wish to fill your vacation with other types of fun. How about a chance to get closer to nature? It would be hard to get any closer than traversing some of the surrounding scenic trails on the back of a horse. Riding tours are numerous here and offer a more intimate experience of the beauty of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and wildlife. And there is plenty to see, from flora to fauna.

Flora and Fauna

This gorgeous destination of Red River is decorated with aspen, ponderosa pine, silver and blue spruce, willow, juniper, cedar, gamble's oak, Engleman spruce, cork bark fir, limber pine, cottonwood, and Douglas fir. With this kind of glorious backdrop, nature thrives. 

Some of the animals that inhabit the area include beaver, black bear, chipmunk, tassel-eared squirrel, mule deer, elk, coyote, skunk, mountain lion, bobcat, porcupine, marmot, weasel, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, raccoon, muskrat, shrew, pika, and swift fox. This habitat also supports many types of winged wonders. Golden Eagles have at times been spotted and the Merriam's subspecies of wild turkey roams the hills.

Galleries and Museums

If a horseback ride through the ponderosa forest isn't your cup of tea, how about good, old-fashioned money spending? Art galleries and museums are a good way to start and Red River has fine examples of each.

One must-see stop is the Kenneth Wyatt Gallery, located one block off of Main Street. If you're looking for a special gift for a special someone, this could be the place. Kenneth Wyatt is certainly a multi-talented and prolific artist; one glance around his beautiful gallery proves that. His gallery displays all of his wares: original paintings, prints, sculpture, books, gifts, jewelry, decorating accent pieces, and much more. Do not miss this stop even if you're just window-shopping. The staff is friendly and you'll enjoy what this artist has to offer.

For those with an interest in the area's history, the Tall Pine Resort Private Museum is open to the public by appointment only. In addition, the Red River Historical Museum is located in the Little Red Schoolhouse.

Shopping Galore

After browsing the Wyatt gallery or a museum, head downtown where shops and boutiques are plentiful. Red River offers a wide range of products for the discriminating shopper. Just stroll on down Main Street and pick a direction. There is something fun and new to see at every turn.

Clothing boutiques abound featuring Southwestern styles and unique designs for even the pickiest fashion hound. If you have a sweet tooth, you definitely don't want to miss the Red River Inn's Candy Mountain Fudge, Etc., or the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Jewelry, always a tourist favorite, is plentiful. Local shops offer a great variety of Southwestern jewelry. It's all here, right here in Red River.

Nightlife for the Whole Family

After your day is done, whether it was spent in the stores, on the course, or on a horse, nothing beats Red River's nighttime entertainment options. For the adults in the crowd, there are watering holes in which you can relax and wind down. Dinner theater and live music are offered and the Cowboy Evening Dinner from Bobcat Pass Adventures might be the perfect way to end a busy day.

Other Seasons, Other Events

Some regular opportunities for fun include the historical mining tours, which take visitors back to the area's glory days as a gold mine camp around the turn of the century. Other historical events are tied to the city's roots. An Old West Cowboy Christmas is a good draw in the winter, and the New Mexico Cowboy Classic is a big draw in the summer.

Memorial Day weekend offers a huge motorcycle rally that attracts riders from throughout the region. Mountain bikers may want to train for the Top of the World Mountain Bike Race. 

Perhaps the most beautiful season of them all around Red River is fall. The fall color change driving tours can be spectacular if a visitor times it just right. Of course, the winter sports fill four months of the year.

There's something for everyone in Red River. Yet, that could prove to be the worst part about this beautiful area. When you plan your trip to this mountain village, you won't have any problems finding things to do. But you might have difficulty fitting them all in.

For more information on this and other Jeep Jamborees, please visit http://www.jeepunpaved.com/jamboree/index.asp. 

Photos by Darren Marcy.
Copyright (c) 2000 by Fiona Harrington. All rights reserved.