For a sensational spring getaway, head to Deming in sunny southwestern New Mexico. You’ll be enchanted by this historic Old West city with a family-friendly vibe. Every March, visitors travel from around the world for a mineral and gem show that rocks like no other. And spring is an ideal time to visit Deming’s world-class museum, known as the “Smithsonian of the Southwest” for its compelling collections showcasing the region’s rich history. With spectacular state parks, a great golf course, an award-winning winery and plenty of shopping, restaurants, lodging and RV parks, Deming is the place to be this spring.
A Rockhound’s Delight
Mark your calendars now for Deming’s biggest annual event, the 55th Annual Rockhound Roundup, held March 12-15 at the Southwestern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Hosted by the Deming Gem & Mineral Society, the roundup brings together more than 110 rock dealers from across the globe with visitors from far and wide for five days of rockin’ fun. The roundup’s big event, the bustling buyer’s market, features fossil and geode collectors, jewelry and bead artists, quartz traders and many other rockhounds. If you haven’t yet discovered the thrill of breaking open a geode and marveling at the glittering crystals inside, this is the place to do it. Admire a piece of the prehistoric past when you hold a fossil in your hands. The schedule also includes gold-digging demos, guided field trips, live and silent auctions and plenty of fun for the kids, from fossil digging to a spinning wheel of prizes. The Rockhound Roundup offers a wonderful way to experience Deming, a celebrated “Rock-Hunter’s Paradise.”
RV Park Paradise
Many people travel from all parts of the country to the Rockhound Roundup in their RVs. That’s because Deming is an RV park paradise, with some 15 scenic sites offering breathtaking mountain views, endlessly starry skies and birdwatching opportunities as well as swimming pools and numerous other amenities. Snowbirds flock to Deming for the casual RV lifestyle, while others enjoy breathtakingly beautiful campgrounds in nearby state parks, with great hiking trails, wildlife viewing rock hunting and other outdoor adventures.
The Smithsonian of the Southwest
Travel back through the centuries with a visit to the remarkable Deming Luna Mimbres Museum, filled with room after room of marvelous treasures. The building itself has a fascinating history, having been constructed as a National Guard Armory just two months after Pancho Villa’s famous raid of March 9, 1916 in nearby Columbus. Inside, you could spend days touring the many exhibits, starting with the magnificent Mimbres Indian pottery, which reveals an ancient civilization that thrived in this Mimbres Valley region a thousand years ago. In period-furnished rooms, experience what daily life was like in Deming during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the Western Area, explore cowboy life, then take a look at Deming’s railroad era with a reproduction of the city’s railroad station and Harvey House restaurant. You’ll also see impressive collections of antique cars, quilts, toys and so many other items. The volunteer-driven museum also hosts special events and tours, so be sure to check the website to see what’s happening during your visit.
To learn more about Deming’s history, take the self-guided Historic Landmark Walking Tour, which highlights 16 architectural treasures on the State Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The tour begins at the museum then includes the famous 19th-century Custom House as well as a classic 19th-century brick hotel, a turn-of-the-century pool hall and restaurant, and a Masonic Hall that dates to 1917.
There’s so much to love about springtime in Deming. From the beauty of our majestic mountains and parks to our vibrant arts scene and friendly, small-town ambience, there’s simply no other place like it. We’ll see you soon.