Truth or Consequences is an apt name for a city that gives truth-bending tours with tales of historical consequences. “Salacious stories about prostitution, Apache attacks, crimes, and ghosts” accompany Macabre Tours of Truth or Consequences, hosted by a local folklorist inside the Hot Springs Bathhouse and Commercial Historic District. Truth or Consequences was built on hot springs and was called Hot Springs until a contest held by the radio show Truth or Consequences permanently altered its identity. T-or-C is still fueled by the springs, which funnel through supposedly haunted spas.
If you would rather not mix spooks with soaks, you can forge a cozier path in town. Test the warm waters of the Riverbend Hot Springs, Fire Water Lodge, and/or Blackstone Hotsprings, along with the warm food of the Sidekixx Bar & Kitchen and the Pacific Grill.
Pedestrian-friendly but not pedestrian in style, Las Vegas, Silver City, Taos, Socorro, Magdalena, Aztec, Deming, and Truth or Consequences have glorious landmarks that can be visited on foot. Whether it is a Spanish Colonial church or an Ancestral Puebloan village or a futuristic observatory, you do not need a vehicle to enjoy such small-town New Mexico wonders. There are also several nearby must-visit attractions you may need wheels to get to, but shoes will suffice when exploring these walkable towns.