More Than a UFO Sighting: Experiencing Roswell Like a Local
When Texas native Barbara Gomez moved to Roswell, New Mexico, nearly five decades ago, she wasn’t sure about her new home. But she soon grew to love it, getting to know the community intimately as an event planner who put on long-running events like health and business expos and mud runs.
Now, as executive director of MainStreet Roswell, her perfect day (unsurprisingly) centers around the city’s downtown, but she loves to tackle the outdoors with her husband and canine companions as well.
Rise And Shine (And Shop)
“If I had the perfect Saturday, I’d start it by taking my two dogs for a walk,” Gomez says.
The trio hits the trails at the J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary or enjoys the city’s dog park before Gomez heads to Main Street for shopping and socializing, starting at the weekly Farmers Market that runs from July through October.
“It’s the best place to get fresh fruit and vegetables,” she says.
Just a few steps away is Stellar Coffee Co., where Gomez’s go-to order is green tea and a “to die for” breakfast sandwich. A few blocks west of Main Street is Roswell Donuts Shop, where she sings the praises of the ultra-friendly staff.
Then it’s onto shopping, which doubles as socializing for Gomez. She shouts out the owners of many of her favorite retail shops by name.
“I’d head next door (from Stellar Coffee) to see Daniel Cederberg, the owner and proprietor of Moon Rock Outfitters. I absolutely love the outdoors, and he repairs bikes, has skateboards and has all sorts of gear you might need. Something that’s always fun to walk into is Moon Man Printing; Josh Martinez (the owner) has very cool T-shirts. You might end up wandering into CS Designs. I’m not artistic at all, but I like to see what owner Cheyenne Sons is doing in there.”
Afternoon Affairs
Other locally owned stores worth a visit before lunch include gift shop Hangar 209 (Gomez likes its beef jerky selection); clothing boutique The Farmhouse on Second; and little-gray-man themed Invasion Station. Then, it’s time to refuel: Martin’s Capitol Cafe is always a solid choice, says Gomez, who combines a trio of appetizers for her meal there – the chile relleno, red chile cheese enchilada and taco. Or giddy up to the Western-themed Cowboy Cafe, which serves a solid diner lunch. Gomez also recommends Burritos & More, which has “the best burrito in town” – don’t miss the green chile steak combo option.
For an afternoon hike, Gomez says she and her husband go up to Bottomless Lakes State Park.
“It’s really great hiking there, and it’s very deceiving,” she says. “You think, ‘Oh, man, this is only 3.6 miles. This is no big deal.’ When you’re at 3.4 miles you’re thinking, ‘Are we lost?’ By the time you get to the end you’ve had a really great walk.”
On the way back into town from the park, stop by Black Cock Brewery for house-brewed ciders, small-batch beer and slushies or Sweet Baby J’s for sweet treats.
Artsy types will want to hit up Bone Springs Art Space, a refurbished warehouse that offers rotating exhibits, classes and art for sale. Visitors can also check out the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the Roswell Museum and Art Center. The center’s Goddard Planetarium offers three shows per day on subjects such as time travel and arctic wilderness.
Another option? Go to the International UFO Museum and Research Center, where you can learn about the famed Roswell Incident (aka UFO crash) as well as other research regarding unexplained (and possibly extraterrestrial) phenomena.
Under The Stars
Evening hours call for delicious drinks, live music and great dinner – all of which can be found on and around Main Street.
Stop by Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro for a drink on the patio (truly daring drinkers will try the Hatch green or red chile wine) and a charcuterie plate. The spot frequently offers live music at night, too. Nearby is Cattle Baron, a homegrown steakhouse chain that is one of Gomez’s favorites.
“We love going to Cattle Baron,” she says. “They have great steaks and an enormous salad bar.”
(Salad bar aficionados will rejoice, as the self-serve stations are becoming as elusive as an alien visitor.) After dinner, stop in at The Liberty, which hosts live music or comedy; recent performers include well-known country music stars like Tracy Lawrence as well as Afroman.
“I think we have a really fun Main Street,” Gomez says. “I hope locals realize that, because tourists get it!”
Get to Know Roswell and Chaves County
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