The Most Charming College Town In New Mexico Is Home To Delicious Dining, A Winery, And More
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 11, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
When you think of a college town, what comes to mind? Maybe a large city with a downtown area teeming with young adults headed to the bars. Or, perhaps, a town with a college football stadium and lots of local pride for the local college sports teams. Well, not all college towns are alike and there are plenty of small towns around the nation that are home to colleges and still offer wonderful local dining, shopping, and nature options. Home to Eastern New Mexico University, Portales is one such charming college town in New Mexico and it’s worth spending some time here.
Located in the small city of Portales with its small-town vibes, Eastern New Mexico University is a public university offering a variety of undergrad and graduate degrees. Student enrollment is around 2,000 while the population of Portales is approximately 12,000.
Eastern New Mexico University, 1500 S Avenue K, Portales, NM 88130, USA
While Portales is relatively small, there are plenty of things around town to keep visitors and residents entertained. Take, for example, Enchantment Vineyards. This local, family-owned winery draws inspiration for its wine from New Mexico.
This vineyard had its start in 2015 and has been growing ever since! Come here for a wine tasting or a pint of craft beer or cider. There is a small menu of food options as well.
For a cultural experience, visit the Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum. This fascinating museum is also an archaeological site. In the 1930s artifacts and evidence of early humans on the North American continent were discovered.
Peruse the museum to view a selection of ancient tools, extinct animal fossils, and more. There are also trails to explore the property. Visit the Eastern New Mexico University website to learn more about Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum.
With its fishing lake, small sand dunes, cottonwood trees, hiking and mountain biking trails, and campground, Oasis State Park is a must-visit for those seeking some time outdoors. It is a true oasis in Portales!
Oasis State Park, 1891 Base Line, Portales, NM 88130, USA
Looking for a bite to eat in Portales? Among several dining options is Roosevelt Brewing Company & Public House. Located on Main Ave. downtown, this establishment is full of food, fun, and beer!
Lagers and ales are among the brews Roosevelt Brewing Company produces. If you come here to dine, the wood-fired pizzas are absolutely delicious as are the Pub Burgers.
Roosevelt Brewing Company & Public House, 201 S Main Ave, Portales, NM 88130, USA
If you plan on spending the night here in Portales, book a stay at this Peaceful Escape with a Patio, Grill, and Fire Pit. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, up to five individuals can be accommodated comfortably.
This place is also pet-friendly so feel free to bring Fido or Sparky with you!
Have you ever been to this charming college town in New Mexico? When you come here, we hope you enjoy your visit! What’s another small college town you know of? Tell us about it in the comments!
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