Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
307
Kids
Family Fun
Families enjoy the excitement at
Funtrackers Family Fun Center,
101 Carrizo
Canyon Rd. (
&
575/257-3275
), which offers go-kart courses, bumper boats, bull
riding, and miniature golf.
Beware:
It can be crammed with people midsummer.
It's open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10am to 10pm; from September to
May it's open weekends only, with limited hours.
Ruidoso's best shopping is at 2801 Sudderth Dr., where a cluster of shops fulfill many
desires. Slip on sassy sandals and other contemporary shoes at
Steppin' Out
(
&
575/
257-5924
). Next door, tots and teens can find upscale duds at
Klassy Kids
(
&
575/
257-3857
). Meanwhile, wine lovers may want to sample the grape and artisanal cheeses
at
End of the Vine
(
&
575/630-WINE
[9463]). And finally, foodies will like the
kitchen selection at
House of Kelham
(
&
575/257-2492
).
Ruidoso Downs
In a stunning setting surrounded by green grass and pine trees, the famous
Ruidoso
Downs racetrack
and
Billy the Kid Casino
(
&
575/378-4431;
www.ruidosodowns
racing.com), 2 miles east of Ruidoso on US 70, is home to the world's richest quarter-
horse race, the $2.5 million
All American Futurity,
run each year on Labor Day. Many
other days of quarter-horse and thoroughbred racing lead up to the big one, beginning
in May and running to Labor Day. Post time is 1pm Thursday through Sunday. Grand-
stand admission is free; call about reserved seating prices, which range from $5 to $42.
The on-site casino has all the neon, noise, and smoke gamblers love. Though you'll
find only slots at this casino (for more variety, head to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort
& Casino, p. 309), bonuses here include simulcast racing on big-screen TVs in the bar
and a well-priced buffet with tables overlooking the track. It's open Saturday through
Thursday from 11am to 11pm, and Friday from noon to midnight.
An Interesting Museum
The Hubbard Museum of the American West
This museum contains a collec-
tion of thousands of horse-related items, including saddles from all over the world, a
Russian sleigh, a horse-drawn “fire engine,” and an 1860 stagecoach. Several great Ameri-
can artists, including Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, are represented in the
museum's permanent collection. A gift shop has some interesting books and curios.
841 W. US 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346.
&
575/378-4142.
Fax 575/378-4166. www.hubbardmuseum.
org. Admission $8 adults, $6 seniors and military, $3 children 6-16, free for children 5 and under. Mon-Fri
10am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
11
Ruidoso After Dark: Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
The dream of Alto, New Mexico, residents Dr. A. N. and Jackie Spencer, the 514-seat
Spencer Theater, on Sierra Blanca Airport Hwy. 220, 4
1
/
2
miles east of NM 48 (
&
888/
818-7872
or 575/336-4800; www.spencertheater.com), is a model performance space
that cost more than $20 million to construct. Opened in 1997, the theater has drawn
such talents as Ottmar Liebert and Chuck Mangione. Free tours are offered at 10am
Tuesday and Thursday. Performances take place on weekends and during the week. The
theater runs two seasons year-round, and tickets cost from $30 to $70.
