As soon as you hear Roswell, New Mexico is mentioned, the images of UFOs and government cover-ups come to mind. But for those who are true adventurists, some of the best things to do in Roswell, NM are simply out of this world. Let’s dive into a bigger universe that you didn’t know Roswell has to offer.
Tempt your taste buds in Roswell
There are going to be plenty of places to eat once you reach the downtown center of Roswell, but don’t get suckered into tourist-trap eateries. Here are three choices that certainly have gained respect for the meals they’ve become famous for making.
Backdraft Barbecue
One of the few places in town that certainly lives up to its name for tasty BBQ and fast and friendly service. A great place for lunch and dinner and is very budget-minded for nearly everything on the menu. If you’re keen on great smoked brisket or pulled pork, Backdraft will set your world on fire!
Peppers Grill & Bar
As a family-owned and operated, Peppers Grill & Bar delivers on their casual dining theme with plenty of Tex-Mex menu items. They’ve voted the best burgers in Roswell but don’t forget to sample their signature cocktails from the bar to top off your visit. The service is excellent, and their prices are absolutely worth it.
Pecos Flavors Winery Bistro
You might do yourself a favor and skip the UFO museum and head over to Pecos for some out-of-this-world local wine and beer. They also feature delicious food centers around a friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the few hidden gems that Roswell is always worth a visit, and they have a very impressive wine and beer collection to boot.
Take a ride on the wild side
While every tourist is typically taking the UFO crash site tour, Roswell has an impressive collection of rare and indigenous creatures already living there. Why settle for a half-baked display of dead and rubbery aliens when there are amazing animals that you can discover from these fantastic locations.
Spring River Park and Zoo
It’s not a huge zoo by any means but the closeness and animal interaction are well thought out. The staff is also another highlight that most zoos don’t have and there is plenty of shade trees when the weather is hot. You can easily book a visit online directly from the website to order tickets ahead of time.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
For this visit, you really do need to be a big fan of bird watching however the chance for some excellent trail hiking is also part of the fun. It’s a seasonal visit that will be worth the wait if you time it just right to see migrations in action likewise. There is also a dragonfly festival in early September that is a real sight to be seen.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
This state park is a combination of amazing rock landscapes and some serious sinkhole pools. In the summer you can even swim in one of them and there is scuba diving allowed if you are certified. Furthermore, there is camping and picnic space available for those who want to spend the night gazing at the stars.
Elevate your inner senses
Don’t get huckstered into pricy and needless tourist traps, Roswell is notorious for many of these places. If you’re looking to get enriched with museum-quality exhibits, you can’t beat these fine choices.
Roswell museum and art center
This museum was first established in 1935 and features over 50,000 square feet that house 12 different galleries. There are actual exhibits from Georgia O’Keefe, Peter Hurd, and the Aston collection to name a few. When quality counts, this museum trip is highly recommended for all ages and showcases some amazing pieces of American art and history.
Anderson museum of contemporary art
Another shining gem for Roswell is the Anderson Museum. It’s a fine example of what contemporary art should be and all the more reason to plan a visit. Just when you think you might be bored with just another museum trip, this one may end up being hours of captivating fun. It’s also a great mixture of art that is pulled from all over the country!
Walker Aviation Museum
Some things come in small packages, and this is well worth a couple hours of your time. It’s dedicated to aviation and ties into the rich US history. It’s easy to find if you fly into Roswell since the museum is located within the airport terminal. You won’t find anything about the UFO Crash either, so the info is entirely about the history of the US Naval Base before it was converted into the Roswell airport.
Appreciate the musical arts
They say that music soothes the soul on so many levels. If you’re looking for something different and enjoyable, here are some local favorites. These do require that you plan ahead before you arrive in Roswell, so you don’t miss out on these musical choices.
Roswell Symphony Orchestra
One of the celebrated orchestras within Roswell is dedicated to world-class music and performs throughout the year according to the season. If you’re a fan of classical music, they will not disappoint you whatsoever. Typically, they also go hand in hand in performing at the Pearson Auditorium as this location is well-suited for ample space for audiences.
Pearson Auditorium
Another fine highlight in Roswell is this auditorium that holds various concerts and performances all throughout the year. You really need to book one of these in advance since the season will always have a newly scheduled event according to the season. Various artists and musicians are featured through Pearson Auditorium including the RSO (Roswell Symphony Orchestra)
Roswell Jazz Festival
Here is an interesting festival that happens every October of the year. It brings in world-class jazz musicians from all over the country who perform their hard-earned chops in various venues around Roswell. This is a 2-day festival and offers special workshops and seminars for those looking to break into the jazz scene.