As the temperatures drop below 70 in the evenings here in Texas, I find myself spending more time thinking about warm, relaxing places.
Truth or Consequences, NM tops the list of my all-time favorites. Our very first visit lasted a single night, discovered as a stop-over on a trip from Las Vegas to Texas. That’s all it took for me to fall in love, and we returned for an extended trip less than a month later.
THe Stay
The Charles Resort and Spa started my obsession with this town. The unique rooms paired with soaking areas for soothing, hot, mineral waters provide the ultimate relaxing travel destinations.
On this trip, we discovered the lush opulence of the Rainforest Room. The comfortable king-sized bed may be the star of the suite, but the green velvet settee feels regal. In true T or C fashion, the luxury of the suite is accentuated by many animal details sprinkled throughout.
During our first visit to T or C, we discovered the Charles Spa spacious tubs for solo soaking. With a complimentary soak included with the room, we made use of the tubs daily.
The Soak
The true marriage of relaxation and fun sits at the top of an inconspicuous set of stairs. The rooftop patio is open to the sky yet separated into different spaces by beautifully-muraled walls.
The Charles created the rooftop space to combine the waters’ relaxation, the sky’s beauty, and the enjoyment of time with friends. Open to everyone, you can enjoy the patio tub without a stay at the resort.
We reserved and used the multi-person soaking and jetted tub filled with the soothing 112-degree mineral water under the open sky. Watching the sun set and the stars come out from this vantage point left me without appropriate words, no small feat.
The combination of friends, hot mineral waters, and the artistic New Mexico sky provided the ultimate relaxing memory to revisit when the cold hits our home.
The Town
T or C epitomizes the term “in the flow” from the focus on relaxation to the artistic landscape. The colorful, downtown area shops might not be open early in the week when no one is around.
Residents of this area seem more able to grant themselves time off during slow periods and adjust store open hours to cater to traffic.
We discovered this key piece of information when we woke early on Tuesday morning and decided to walk through downtown. Unable to contain our excitement, we put on our sneakers and headed out to explore the town on foot.
Summer is the off-season for T or C, and even in September, temperatures rose above 90 degrees mid-day, still too hot for the “snowbirds”. Waking before 8:00 am meant we stayed cool while exploring. This area’s climate is perfect for “mediterranean-style” days featuring a nap during the heat of midday.
Our walk was peaceful and quiet because only one or two cars passed on the street and a few people passed us on the sidewalk. The lack of passers-by made it fun to take photos with things found along the road without the embarrassment that would usually hold us back.
Ingo’s Art Café
The prominent sign over Ingo’s Art Cafe featuring quirky, colorful art drew us in, and the thought of good coffee ensured our stop.
The aesthetic reminded me of “that cool friend’s room”. The walls covered with art and memorabilia focused on the sixties, peace, and music. Soft seating options including couches are arranged with conversation in mind, and there is more traditional outdoor seating in front.
The owner was patient as we slowly approached the bar, admiring the artwork and examining the large wall menu. We ordered a dirty chai and an americano. Coffee and tea are the primary offerings, and both our drinks were expertly made and delicious.
As Ingo made our drinks, we eavesdropped on a bit of small-town political discussion and sci-fi tv recommendations.
A jukebox and record player are set up in a corner space for live music, complete with a checkered floor. You can keep up with the live music and event schedule on their Facebook page.
Geronimo Springs Museum
Visiting the Geronimo Springs Museum proved a great view into the history and pride of the city. It is a large museum but contains a huge amount of history and so many interesting displays.
Upon entering the large first room, we noticed posters that let us know we had just missed the town’s 50-year celebration. This first large room contains old newspapers as far back as the 1800s, bound in books, and they provide gloves so you can peruse through them.
The next area leads you through historical items from the ancient peoples of the area, through the town’s name-change and annual Festival. The museum houses clothing, trinket, tools and even videos and movies from the past.
The wonder continues across a patio with an original windmill for drawing up water, into another building filled with natural collections, the historical geography of the region, and more about the native peoples from the New Mexico area.
The staff is friendly and unobtrusive, and the gift shop features many T or C books, clothing, postcards, and even jewelry.
Truth or Consequences Brewing Co
In the off-season, many of the cafes, bars, and shops remain closed during the week or open later in the day, but Truth or Consequences Brewing Co was open and busy.
The taproom is a fun atmosphere with interesting art, colorful lighting, and laughing conversations over the classic rock mix playing overhead. Tall bar tables mixed with booths are pleasantly arranged inside, and a large patio area meant we enjoyed mingling while maintaining a comfortable distance from others.
Kind, patient, and very knowledgeable staff assisted us with deciding what to try from the ample local-made beer selection. We noticed that in November (the start of the ‘season’) the would introduce new beers each week.
While walking to the brewery, we noticed a bistro across the street, but it appeared closed. When the dinner hour approached, we were surprised to learn that the staff from the Grapevine Bistro will come right to your table to take your order. Menus are available at the bar, and the food is quickly made and hand delivered to your table in the brewpub.
The sandwiches we ordered came quickly, were perfectly made, and tasty. We enjoyed them while listening to the friendly conversations, petting the dogs, and tasting the house-made beers.
My Takeaway
Truth or Consequences remains a “hidden” gem, but I must admit I do not know why. One of the most beautiful, unique, and lovingly preserved places I have ever visited. It is welcoming, rich with a deeply rooted history, and embedded with kind citizens. T or C settles at the top of our list of self-care travel destinations.
When you find yourself willing to deviate from the well-worn path of interstates and chain hotels, Truth or Consequences welcomes you to become a part of their warm, comfortable community.