The 20 Best Things To Do In Roswell, NM
Roswell is famously known for the UFO crash that even led to the creation of “Roswell” and “Roswell, New Mexico,” which both make us believe in the possibility of aliens’ existence. Whether or not there were aliens in the crash, Roswell has continued to attract tourists who want to learn everything about the UFO sighting. However, there is more to do in the city than just gathering up alien stories, and here are the 20 best things to do in Roswell once you find yourself there.
20. Eat at Roswell McDonald’s
If you cannot get enough of UFO movies and have always wanted to be in a space ship, maybe dining at the McDonald’s in Roswell will bring you closer to fulfilling your dream. This fast food outlet is the only McDonald’s worldwide to have a UFO theme. It resembles a flying saucer enhanced by the exterior that shines like space metal in the day, while the neon piping on its ridgelines and window frames bring out the look at night. The interior is also space-themed, so you will love the mascots who wear spacesuits.
19. Learn about aviation history at the Walker Aviation Museum
If history fascinates you, stop at the Walker Aviation Museum where the artifacts preserved and the knowledgeable curators will fill you in on everything you need to know. The Airforce uniforms and other memorabilia will also keep the children preoccupied. However, there is no WW2 aircraft, and you will have to settle for those in the pictures. Moreover, you have to be careful not to miss your flight, so schedule your visit carefully.
18. Listen to a symphony at The Pearson Auditorium
After listening to music on the radio and still feel that only a live performance will quench your thirst for beautiful compositions, head straight to The Pearson Auditorium. It has a large stage, and each seat has a great view to give you a personal feel. The acoustics are also excellent, and the only downside is that if you are above average height, you might find the seats a bit uncomfortable.
17. Enjoy the sunset at the Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area
If you are on a road trip and you happen to be around this area during sunset, you will be blown away by the breathtaking beauty your eyes will behold. The dunes are only a few minutes off the main road, and as the sun sets, the yellow sand is enhanced to look even more beautiful. You can even have your picnic, but you should note there are no restrooms. Also, since the area is all sand, you should ensure you are in an all-terrain vehicle and keep track of your location lest you lose direction.
16. Play dress up at the Nifty 50’s Gift Shop
If you have always admired the fashion trends of the 1950s, this gift shop offers you the ideal chance to look like your favorite celebrities back in the day. The shop accommodates all sizes and has a wide variety of clothes for you to get that specific look and take pictures as a souvenir. You might even find something you like and buy to add to your vintage collection.
15. Watch a movie at the Icon Cinema
Watching a movie at the Icon Cinema will make you forget about the bad experiences you have had in movie theaters. It has comfortable reclining leather seats that are big enough to accommodate everyone. The legroom is more than adequate since the aisles are well spaced. Of course, no movie night is complete without popcorn, and here you can eat to your fill, especially since their popcorn tastes amazing. They offer free refills on the sodas, and once you need to use the restroom, you will be happy to find that they are spotlessly clean, and the staff is friendly.
14. Take care of your body at the OM Wellness Spa
If you are planning on an intimate night with your significant other, try the Brazilian waxing at the OM Wellness Spa, and you will be driving down to Roswell every time you need some waxing done. As per two reviews on Yelp, the process is painless. You can also go with your partner for a facial massage, pedicure, and manicure, and if you are in the mood for exercise, then yoga classes will do the trick.
13. Have a great family time at the Enchanted Lands Park
After being in the house all day and you need some fresh air, you cannot go wrong with a visit to the Enchanted Lands Park. It is so peaceful that you can enjoy reading your favorite book as the children explore the jungle gym and have a blast with more than enough playground equipment. Once tired, the park has enough shade and greenery to have a picnic and even grill food.
12. Soap shopping at Rustic Essentials Soap Company
It is rare to have a place that has not received a single complaint, yet Rustic Essential Spa Company has a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. This store should be on your must-visit list if you like handmade soaps. The staff is welcoming, and everyone who has visited hopes to go back again. Besides the sweet-smelling soaps, you can buy bath bombs, body butter, and essential oils. Men are also well taken care of because they store beard oils for the softest and well moisturized beard. They accept credit cards and offer ample bike parking and wheelchair accessibility.
11. Attend a painting class at The Gallery Main Street Arts
If you have been dreaming about being the next Vincent Van Gogh or Marie Curie but have always wondered where to start, a painting class at The Gallery Main Street Arts is what you might need. It has so many art pieces to inspire you, especially because 99% are from local artists. The staff is helpful, and once you are done with your piece, you can take it home with you. Besides, if paintings are not your preferred décor, you can choose from pottery, metalwork, prints, and photography. Even unique jewelry pieces are available.
10. Birdwatching at the J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center
Bird lovers will have more than enough time to look at the exotic and migratory birds that call the bird sanctuary their home. According to Cityseeker, this sanctuary and nature center is among the leading birding spots in Roswell. You can spot hummingbirds, geese, turkeys, ducks swimming in the ponds, and hawks. The beautiful trail is perfect for those times you need a bit of reflection since it is long and quiet. If you have a dog, you are not restricted from bringing him with you, but if small, ensure that he is on a leash lest the hawks will give you a scare.
9. Winetasting at the Pecos Flavors Winery
Pecos Flavors Winery has a wide selection of wines available for tasting from Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, giving you ample time to sample them. If you prefer beer, do not worry; let not the name “winery” fool you because you still can get your choice of New Mexico brewed beer. Additionally, they have a deli for sandwich lovers, and when you prefer a three-course meal, then the delicious cream cheese appetizer will have you yearning for the main course. Moreover, they occasionally have local entertainment, but you can also relax on the spacious patio after your meal and drinks.
8. Enjoy music at the Roswell Symphony Orchestra
The Roswell Symphony Orchestra was started by a group of unprofessional musicians that included lawyers, housewives, teachers, geologists, florists, and accountants. They aimed to give the town a professional sounding orchestra, and today, their vision continues to be fulfilled. They hold annual concerts at the Spring River Park and Zoo to show their gratitude for the immense support the local community has continuously provided. You can get your ticket for the next big event that is tentatively set on October 10, 2020.
7. Treat your kids to a visit of the Roswell UFO Spacewalk
When you hear that you should not judge a book by its cover, this is probably the place people refer to; from a glance, you might mistake it for a boring place. Upon getting inside for the small admission fee of $5 per person, you will feel that it is undercharged. You will be completely blown away by everything you find on the walk, which can take between 5 and 20 minutes depending on how mesmerized you are. The owner, Brian, will make you feel right at home, and the kids will love the glow bracelets. The souvenirs are also affordable.
6. Enjoy different forms of art at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art
It does not matter whether you are enjoying a romantic or family trip; there is something for everyone at this museum. There is no entry fee, but you should donate $5; it is not compulsory, but it is the least you can do given the much you get to see. It sets Roswell apart from the alien stuff almost every attraction is associated with, and you can pay tribute to actual artwork done by different gifted artists.
5. Camping at the Bottomless Lakes State Park
Although the park has “bottomless” and “lakes” in its name, they are not actual lakes; neither are they bottomless. According to Travel and Leisure, they are sinkholes that run 17-90 feet deep. Of the nine lakes, only one is ideal for swimming, and the 90-feet depth is excellent for scuba divers. It is an excellent place for camping, and you will be glad to know that there are also portable outdoor toilets. Usually, the camping fee per day is $5.
4. Have a guided tour at the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico
Remind yourself of the early 20th century by visiting the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico. The museum is in a Victorian house that was completed in 1912. It houses an array of artifacts and antiques; the interior is maintained to portray the vintage décor with its art and photographs. You can also watch a movie to get the history of the place, but if you prefer reading, you have more than enough material. The staff is very friendly and best of all, you do not have to pay a dime, but your donation would be highly appreciated.
3. Admire original tiny creative pieces at the Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum
If you always wanted a dollhouse but could not get one as a child, this museum is the place to fulfill your fantasy. Of course, if visiting with little girls, you should get ready to buy several because the dollhouses are beautiful. That being said, they can make for a unique gift for anyone who appreciates the miniatures. You will not break the bank to enjoy your visit here because the gift shop is reasonably priced, and it offers free admission with a donation box.
2. Take a break from UFO by visiting Roswell Museum and Art Center
The Roswell Museum and Art Center was founded in 1937 as a WPA (Works Projects Administration) project, to be the region’s cultural hub. It has not included any artifacts related to the UFO, making it ideal for anyone who has had enough of the UFO talks in Roswell. Instead, you will have ample time to visit the planetarium, museum, and auditorium and even see a sculpture of Goddard preparing to launch a rocket. It can take you up to two hours to cover every inch of the museum, and you will not be charged any fee.
1. International UFO Museum and Research Center
UFO fanatics will have the time of their life at the International UFO Museum and Research Center, where they provide visitors with every piece of information regarding the sighting. Every July, the museum invites guest speakers to lecture to visitors as a commemoration of the 1947 Roswell crash, and during that period, over 12,000 people visit. It is reasonably priced, and the gift shop is currently open despite the pandemic so you might as well head there for some alien-themed face masks or any UFO-related items.