Nothing is more romantic than a vacation for two in a scenic spot! Ruidoso’s small town charm, mountain scenery, and many amenities makes it the perfect retreat for a couple looking to get away and reconnect for a weekend. We’ve planned the perfect day for you if you’re looking for a romantic time together this February.
8:00 AM – Start Your Morning at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Enjoy the luxurious surroundings of a suite at Inn of the Mountain Gods in nearby Mescalero, New Mexico – just a short 8 minute drive from Midtown Ruidoso. Enjoy a slow morning surrounded by the golden light and snow-capped Sierra Blanca, watch the sunrise, and listen to the peaceful sounds of local wildlife and the stunning lake on the resort grounds.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Cornerstone Cafe
Keep the relaxing atmosphere going at Cornerstone Cafe for breakfast. Located in Midtown Ruidoso, it’s right in the heart of the vibrant culture Ruidoso is well loved for. Order a Bonito Smothered Biscuits & Gravy to get a taste of New Mexico’s famous green chile flavors and start your morning right by adding a delicious latte to your order.
10:00 AM – Midtown Shopping & Art Galleries
Ruidoso has a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries around the area. Take a walk around Midtown, down Sudderth, to shop and visit some of the galleries featuring handcrafted sculptures, original paintings, and fine jewelry, to name a few things. Don’t forget to check out the shopping along your way! If you can’t get enough art, however, we suggest making a day of it so you don’t miss out on the many amazing galleries past Midtown. Hurd La Rinconada Gallery is worth the short trip out of town, while another local stop, DJ’s Jewelry, features gold and sterling Native American jewelry with domestic turquoise and precious and semiprecious gemstones.
12:30 PM – Lunch at The Village Buttery
Voted “Best Lunch in Lincoln County” many times, The Village Buttery is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The restaurant offer soups, sandwiches, salads, quiche, hot specials, and baked goods all made fresh daily! You can’t go wrong with any of the soup and salad combos and you’ll definitely want to get several slices of Grannie Guthrie’s Buttermilk Pie to go. It’s an ideal lunch spot for a quaint meal for two if you’re wanting an amazing meal to tide you over for the afternoon. If this isn’t your top pick, don’t worry! View our restaurant directory to find the right food to satisfy your cravings.
1:30 PM – Spend Time in Ruidoso’s Enchanting Outdoors
Ruidoso’s wildlife is a highlight for many visitors. Take time to slow down and reconnect with nature and each other by taking a stroll by the Rio Ruidoso or visiting Grindstone Lake, located just minutes from Midtown. Make memories with your significant other while you admire the scenic views and, if you’re lucky, see an elk, deer, or our famous wild horse herd.
3:30 PM – Relax at Blue Lotus Day Spa
Let the rest and rejuvenation continue at Blue Lotus Day Spa! Make reservations to spend the afternoon being pampered from head to toe with a variety of spa packages, including massages, private yoga sessions, sauna time, and facials. Customize your couple’s spa package to check all your boxes and enjoy a retreat from the stresses of day-to-day life with the help of the talented team at Blue Lotus.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Michael J’s
Michael J’s is THE spot for Italian-American cuisine in Ruidoso. Make a reservation for your special night to make sure you don’t have to wait long. We highly recommend the chicken or veal piccata for a top notch meal, accompanied by a bottle of wine. The ambiance and intimate surroundings will provide couples the perfect, romantic fine dining experience they’re looking for in Ruidoso.
8:00 PM – End the Night with Live Music
Ruidoso has a great night life! If you’re a fan of live music, numerous local venues host live music every weekend, including Quarters Nightclub and Grill, Win Place and Show, and Enchanted Vine. We cover the weekend’s events on our Visit Ruidoso social media accounts so visitors can enjoy local, live music while they’re here, so take advantage! Remember to check the lineups for Spencer Theater and Inn of the Mountain Gods as well for headliner events that would make a great date night.
