Since the legalization of recreational cannabis use in New Mexico, Pecos Valley Production has continued to expand with new dispensaries and one of the newest is in the mountain tourist town of Ruidoso. The area attracts visitors from not only other parts of New Mexico but neighboring states, including many from Texas.
Just 75 miles from Roswell, 120 miles from Las Cruces, and 180 miles from Albuquerque, the village nestled in the Sierra Blanca Mountains seemingly has something for everyone. PVP head of expansion and production Clinton Greathouse believes opening in the city has been a major positive for the company.
“Ruidoso is a neat mountain town that’s an hour from Roswell,” he says. “In the winter you have snow skiing and snowboarding. So being able to go up there and get your cannabis and go in the mountains is a cool experience. In the summertime, you have hiking and biking. Ruidoso is a great town to get out of the heat for a little bit, to relax and kind of regenerate your soul.”
Getting “Noisy” in Ruidoso
Founded in 1885, the village gets its name from the Rio Ruidoso that runs through the town. Ruidoso means “noisy” in Spanish and was used by early settlers to describe the river. The town has a much different terrain and weather than much of the state, experiencing all four seasons with mild summer temperatures that lure in many travelers.
The area also includes the towns of Ruidoso Downs, home to the horse track of the same name, and Alto, which boasts beautiful lakes, canyons, and outdoor activities as well. The area ranges in elevation from about 6,900 in town to over 12,000 at Ski Apache. In total, more than 20,000 people call this area home.
Tourists enjoy the mix of events and adventures. Winter sports are available at Ski Apache when the snow starts falling. The ski area also boasts summer activities as well, such as hiking and one of the longest zip lines in the world.
Plenty of other outdoor opportunities are also available including excellent hiking throughout Lincoln National Forest, with deer and elk a common sight. Grindstone and Alto lakes also offer picturesque views and are great for hiking, biking, fishing, and more. ATV riding is also popular throughout the village.
For those who enjoy swinging some clubs, Ruidoso is also a golfer’s delight with tee boxes and putting greens seemingly everywhere. Golfers can take in brilliant views and mountainous terrain on Cree Meadows Golf Course and the Links at Sierra Blanca in Ruidoso, and Alto Lakes Country Club, Kokopelli Golf Course, and Rainmakers Golf Course in Alto. The Inn of the Mountain Gods on nearby Apache tribal lands also offers a brilliant mountain course experience.
Hitting the Town
Beyond simply being an outdoor paradise, visitors can also experience so much more. Midtown offers shops and eateries of every variety including microbreweries, candle and soap shops, wineries, fashion boutiques, outdoor stores, and, of course, plenty of T-shirt and souvenir stops.
A day at the races is also in order and Ruidoso Downs offers some of the best racing in the state. The track hosts the annual All American Futurity (aka “The world’s richest quarter horse race.”) every Labor Day, bringing in race fans from around the country.
Those who enjoy some casino gambling should put Inn of the Mountain Gods on the itinerary. The property features picturesque mountain and lake views with a complete casino resort. When not at the slots or dice table, guests can hop in a pedal boat and head out on the lake, enjoy a nice hike around the property, or hop on a zip line and fly right over the water.
Whether sipping a craft beer, taking in some live music, or simply connecting with nature, there’s something for everyone in Ruidoso. PVP management is glad to be part of that environment, including catering to many visitors from the Lone Star State.
“We’re able to help out and provide for the customer base from a lot of our Texas people,” Clinton notes. “That’s kind of the biggest part of our Ruidoso shop is our Texas crowd coming through and stocking up on cannabis for their experience in Ruidoso.”
PVP in the Mountains
The Ruidoso PVP dispensary is located right on Sudderth Drive, the main street that runs right through Midtown. Visitors will find the comfortable, friendly environment the Greathouses have stressed at each location.
And as at all the company’s dispensaries, PVP jumped into becoming a big part of the community. One of the first efforts was sponsoring a major concert series at Ruidoso Downs all summer. Some of the acts included Casey Donahue, Easton Corbin, the Eli Young Band, Pat Green, Randall King, and WAR.
“That’s a cool experience because they have it every year,” Clinton says.
No doubt, for many that included visiting PVP and checking out the selection. Those are the kinds of opportunities the company hopes to provide in Ruidoso – and even more community involvement is in the works.
Story Sponsored by Pecos Valley Production
Posted by Ruidoso.com
