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Enchanted Truth: On the open road, strange may find you …

Posted 11/27/19

The lure of mystery passed down by generations, stories of origin told by quirky residents, the keys to the city carried by a master of horror may compel you. In New Mexico, it is not far to find …

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Enchanted Truth: On the open road, strange may find you …

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The lure of mystery passed down by generations, stories of origin told by quirky residents, the keys to the city carried by a master of horror may compel you. In New Mexico, it is not far to find strange mingling with the natural beauty of a healing, hot springs oasis. When the open road calls, whether by plan or a wrong turn into the middle of nowhere, you may find Truth or Consequences.

A little town with a big-name marks time in pop-culture history and bubbles 22 gallons per second hot springs that are considered healing waters for year-round resort-style vacationing. The truth about Truth or Consequences is that it was originally named after its natural wells of heated water and rightfully called Hot Springs, until 1950. Stephen King also soaked up this city when mayor-at-the-time, Elmer Darr, declared an official Stephen King Day November 19, 1983 as he was given the keys to the town.

A radio game show hosted by Ralph Edwards called Truth or Consequences wanted to celebrate its 10-year anniversary and did so with a well-received contest that took place for any town or city in America that would be willing to change its name to Truth or Consequences. Despite the multitude of entries, Hot Springs, New Mexico, bubbled over with its local healing resources and “a real friendliness for people and desire to help mankind.” Adventure and nature’s bounty will be riding in a parade when you find this hidden gem. On April 1, 1950, when the town officially changed its name, it also began a tradition, continuing to celebrate with a yearly fiesta.

Previously advertised as the City of Health, renewed interests in natural holistic approaches to health and wellness are welcomed by the town which remains a rising center of diverse healing arts and practitioners. Retain the flavor of this bygone era as this cool little town is chock-full of commercial bath houses easily accessible by taking a stroll through the historic district. Most of these little spas have been uniquely restored and offer hourly soaks in the free-flowing heat with temperatures ranging from 98 to 115 degrees that include trace elements of 38 different types of minerals that continue to simmer.
Canyons and mesa, desert shrub and lava fields hide some of New Mexico’s greatest eco-treasures. This has begun the new trend of eco-tourism that attracts people from all over the world. Leading the way in this latest trend, and in Truth or Consequences the Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa is the place to start.

Located in the heart of historic downtown, and walking distance to museums, shops and galleries this private oasis is the perfect launching point for the Ted Turner Expeditions.

Ted Turner Expeditions are primarily focused on preservation and often threatened natural environments. Conservation efforts also include preservation and observation of wildlife. Ted Turner, best known for creating CNN, garners the notion of connecting people with nature. Immerse yourself in thrilling twists of rich history either on the 156,000 acres of the Ladder Ranch or the 356,000 acres of the Armendaris Ranch with hiking, biking or roundups of diverse wildlife including bison, elk, mule deer and mountain lions. Have your camera ready for open-air vehicles that best capture picturesque scapes sunrise to sunset or schedule a seasonal photography safari for some wild times.

This magical region somewhere, on Interstate 25 in the Rio Grande valley, 150 miles south of Albuquerque and more than two hundred miles from the infamous Roswell, is this historical region that served as an important place of healing and gathering for the Native Tribes of the area. One of the tribes also referred to the hot springs as ‘Grandmother’ because of the healing properties of the water.

The Anasazi Indians called this land the ‘Place of Truth’ centuries before the town changed its name from Hot Springs.

Amongst the historic downtown bathhouse district of Truth or Consequences and since the 1930’s, the historic Hoosier Hot Springs and Mineral Baths provides the flavor of the town while its private baths, both indoors and out, sweep you back in time as you nestle into the natural hot springs that will nurture your mind, body and soul.

Adventure and the urge to explore are woven into the fabric of humanity. Crossing endless deserts to unforgiving ocean, finding the highest peak and unlocking the secrets of our reality, there few directions left to go. It is a pattern of firsts, going where no one has gone before, finding territory and searching for secrets so hidden that Virgin Group is a fitting name for the company aiming for the stars.

Curtis Rosemond of Final Frontier Tours is the Official Tour Operator for Spaceport America. A Final Frontier Tour launches from The Spaceport Visitor Center in Truth or Consequences. The astronomical half day journey allows visitors to interact with Spaceport America crew members, a visit to the Gateway to Space terminal hangar and interactive exhibits that include a simulation for interested parties in the G-Shock simulator giving the feel of what an astronaut may experience.

Today, this unconventional township’s proximity to Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America will soon be the world’s gateway to commercial extraterrestrial tourism. With the spirit of the past, and an eye on the future, Truth or Consequences for all.