Truth or Consequences, NM: eclectic downtown with a microbrewery and lots of mural art
Truth or Consequences (population 5,753*) is located north of Las Cruces on I25 and has an easy-to-access exit onto the main avenue business district. Our goal was to have lunch, visit the local microbrewery and walk downtown to see the sights and we were pleased to find a significant amount of mural art!
Truth or Consequences – A brief history
The area now known as Truth or Consequences was the home of a public bath in the late 1800s, built at the John Cross Ranch on top of Geronimo Springs, part of the Hot Springs Artesian Basin. However, major settlement did not begin until the construction of Elephant Butte Dam and Reservoir (1912-1916). The town, then known as Hot Springs, was incorporated in 1916 and became the county seat in 1937. By the late 1930s, Hot springs had nearly 40 different natural hot spring spas mostly catering to tourists.
In March 1950, Ralph Edwards, host of the popular NBC Radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the 10th-anniversaryth anniversary program from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs officially changed its name on March 31, 1950, and the program was broadcast there the following evening. To his credit, Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next 50 years! His annual visit spawned an event that became known as the Fiesta.
Downtown vibe / walkability
We visited on a beautiful sunny day in March. After finding downtown and parking on Broadway, we first stopped by the Truth or Consequences Brewing Company. We had a flight so we could try as many brews as possible. The beer on tap had cool names reflecting the New Mexico culture: Airstream Ultra, White Sands WIT, Flat Tire Amber, Choco Raspberry, and Mastodon Quad. As it turned out, my personal favorites were the Cider flavors – Watermelon and Lavender. Yum! They had a terrific atmosphere with a light space (and space alien) themes vibe.
Truth or Consequences Brewing Company – Google Maps
Our second stop was to walk to lunch at the Giddy Up Café, out on their lovely shaded patio area. Lots of vegan options for those who are interested. Very tasty!
The Giddy up Cafe – Google Maps
After lunch we walked around and enjoyed the many examples of street art. The buildings were in good shape with an abundance of murals and bright colors, nice sidewalks and the street traffic seemed to be traveling at a safe speed. We were quite impressed with the general vibe of this quaint downtown!
A deeper dive
When looking for more information about the town of Truth or Consequences, I found their local T or C & Sierra County Chamber of Commerce organization. Top attractions, Hot Springs, State Parks, Lakes and Waterways, Museums, Ghost Towns & Villages, and Spaceport America.
There are plenty of other things to do in see in the area, which seems to make Truth or Consequences a good home base for a variety of activities!
