There are times when you’re driving along, glancing at your surroundings, when you spot something out of the corner of your eye. Something that definitely doesn’t belong in the New Mexico landscape, or which is just too fascinating to ignore. Before you’re consciously aware of your decision, you find yourself hitting the breaks in order to investigate. Numerous roadside attractions will seize your attention as you travel around New Mexico. Here are some of the weirdest roadside attractions in New Mexico to check out ASAP:
1. The World's Largest Chile Pepper In Las Cruces
Where else would you expect to find the planet's biggest chile pepper other than in New Mexico? This sculpture is outside the family-run Big Chile Inn, one of the best places to stay in New Mexico.
2. The Giant Robot Sculpture In Santa Fe
This massive metal robot dominates the parking lot outside a converted bowling alley that is now the interactive art complex known as Meow Wolf. While far from the only huge sculpture outside the building, there's something about this robot that makes you want to pose for a selfie with the metal giant.
3. The Space Murals In Las Cruces
A detailed mural adorns the water tower marking this teeny but informative space museum.
4. The World's Biggest Pistachio Nut In Alamogordo
This mega nut serves as a memorial to Tom McGinn, the man who founded this farm. In addition to posing by the sculpture, you can also tour the pistachio farm and browse the gift shop for fruit wines and flavored pistachios and nut brittle.
5. Camel Rock In Santa Fe
This rock formation, which resembles a resting camel, is situated just down the highway from the Camel Rock Casino. Although the address is listed as Santa Fe, it's actually closer to Tesuque.
6. The Street Sculptures In Artesia
The bronze statues in Artesia form a public, outdoor sculpture gallery. Some are dramatic...
...while others feel more laid back and intimate.
7. Tee Pee Curios In Tucumcari
There are many reminders of the heyday of Route 66 in Tucumcari. TeePee Curios is one such store. If you want to do a little shopping and simultaneously travel back in time to the 1950s, pop in here to browse for Route 66 merchandise.
8. Roadrunner Sculpture In Las Cruces
This statue was originally created as a way to encourage recycling - the bird has Volkswagen headlights for eyes. Standing 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, it's located at a rest area near exit 135, off I-10 (going eastbound).
9. Fox Cave In Glencoe
According to legend, Fox Cave has hosted the Apache leader Geronimo and also Billy the Kid.
Nowadays, it's an entertaining roadside attraction with giant hands reaching out of the earth and a large cowboy statue. You can also mine for gemstones here!
10. Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico has cornered the market on kitsch. You're greeted by little green men on almost every corner.
Even the city's streetlights are shaped like aliens!
What's your favorite piece of New Mexico kitsch? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
For more examples of offbeat attractions, read about the weird and wacky museums in New Mexico!
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