Hatch is located in the fertile Rio Grande river valley, and though a small community in Southern New Mexico, it is a very popular place, thanks to its famed roasted chilies. If you happen to visit during the harvesting season, you will not fail to feel the smell of the sweet roasted pods, and hear the sizzling sounds of the chili skins as they get roasted. But Hatch is not all about chilies alone. It is a relaxed village with a gem of hidden attractions and exciting experiences highly suited for the laidback traveler. Read below to discover some of the best things to do in Hatch, New Mexico.
1. Learn about the village’s history at Village of Hatch Museum
The Village of Hatch Museum is a little place, but with a lot of history. In it, you will find various types of artifacts, including old homes and schools that best tell the unique history of Hatch. Most of the artifacts in the museum were donated by the residents, and each item has a story to tell. It is a nice place worth visiting if you want to understand the distinct things that have been holding the small community together for years.
Village of Hatch Museum
Address: 149 W Hall St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Website: Village of Hatch Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Grab an interesting read at Hatch Public Library
It is not common to find villages with libraries but Hatch is one of the few exceptions. Just like libraries in towns and other big municipalities, Hatch Public Library has the mandate of providing free materials and services to help the residents attain some of their professional, personal, recreational, and educational endeavors. The library has a state-of-the-art computer lab with free WiFi access and it also subscribes to more than 100 magazines that you will also have free access to in the library. If you are looking for a place to enjoy your favorite read, or you want fast and free internet, then this is the place to be.
Hatch Public Library
Address: 111 W State St, Mauston, WI 53948, United States
Website: Hatch Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
3. Dig your teeth into the tasty Sparky’s Burger
Posted by Sparkys BBQ and Espresso on Wednesday, 18 September 2019
Sparky’s Burger is rather an unusual restaurant where you will find larger-than-life burgers. Though the restaurant serves other items as well, it is mostly known for the burgers which are not only insanely big but also very delicious. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and a visit will also treat you to the warm and friendly side of the people behind the restaurant, in addition to the big burgers.
Sparky’s Burger
Address: 115 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Website: Sparky’s Burger
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10:30am - 7pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
4. Take chilies home from Hatch Chile Express
A trip to Hatch would not be complete if you don’t carry a packet of chilies home. The best place to get fresh and high-quality chilies is at Hatch Chile Express. The shop is very clean and operated by a nice and knowledgeable owner who also wishes to impart his incredible knowledge of chilies to you – if you will be willing to listen. You will find a variety of chilies as well as chili products to choose from, with everything from powder to chili paste. If you are confused about what to choose, you will get all the assistance you need from the friendly staff and the owner.
Hatch Chile Express
Address: 657 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Website: Hatch Chile Express
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
5. Buy roasted chilies at Chile Fanatic
The other store worth checking out for more chili shopping is at Chile Fanatic. This is essentially a grocery store with a wide variety of green chilies and you can have them roasted while you wait. Other than roasted chilies, you can also buy red or frozen green chilies, including other processed chili products. Additionally, Chile Fanatic also has an art section with a variety of pottery and metal art by artists from various parts of New Mexico. You will get some pretty rare items that will make great souvenirs.
Chile Fanatic
Address: 520 W Hall St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Website: Chile Fanatic
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6:30pm; Sun: 8am - 4pm
6. Enjoy fun outdoor activities at Hatch Valley Park
Trees and a row of hydrants, it's a dogs dream.
Posted by Tommy Turner on Tuesday, 15 May 2018
If you are looking for a place to exercise your muscles or simply soak in the beautiful New Mexico outdoors, then a trip to Hatch Valley Park will be worth every second of your time. The park is very expansive, with large swathes being bare while others are occupied by mature trees with very nice shades. It has sports amenities including a tennis court, a basketball court, and an RV park for those interested in outdoor camping.
Hatch Valley Park
Address: El Apajo Way Hatch, New Mexico 87937
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
7. Check out the region’s culinary diversity at Hot Stuff Restaurant
If you're in the mood for fajitas, you'll find Los Compas Mexican Restaurant in Las Cruces uses only Young Guns Hatch Green Chile in theirs (the hot stuff, too!).
Posted by Young Guns Hatch Green Chile on Tuesday, 23 October 2012
If you are looking for a place to sample the culinary diversity that exists in the region, then you have every reason to visit Hot Stuff Restaurant and Gift Shop. The restaurant specializes in Mexican, Southwestern, and vegan-friendly cuisines, with unique offerings such as green chili burgers, chili tamales, chili renellos, and albondigas among others. The service is not only great but fast with a team of super-friendly wait staff. Once you are through with your yummy meal, be sure to pass by the gift shop for a unique piece of pottery to carry back home.
Hot Stuff Restaurant
Address: 251 W Hall St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 3pm (closed on Thu)
8. Indulge in finger-licking Mexican cuisines at Santa Fe Grill
If you want to go purely Mexican with your dining, then Santa Fe Grill is one of the best joints you must check out. Their menu options have incredible depth to take care of the needs of most diners. Expect to find the tastiest low-carb options like shrimps, Philly cheesesteaks, cheese sandwiches, and hot ham among others.
Santa Fe Grill
Address: 624 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Website: Santa Fe Grill
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
9. Sample delicious iced treats at Ice Cream & More
Posted by Ice Cream & Tortas on Wednesday, 20 April 2016
If you traveled with the little ones to Hatch, it will be a great injustice to them if you don’t make a stop at Ice Cream & More for sweet treats. This is an ice cream bar vending over 24 flavors of ice cream with other sweet delights that all kids will enjoy tasting. Stopping here for refreshments is highly recommended while you ponder on your next destination.
Ice Cream & More
Address: 607 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
10. Cool down during the heat of the day at Judd Nordyke Swimming Pool
Judd Nordyke Swimming Pool is a municipal pool constructed in honor of former mayor - Judd Nordyke, who lost a short valiant fight to cancer in 2012. The mayor loved water so much, and before his death, he secured the necessary funding for the construction of the municipal pool. It is a pity he didn’t live long to see his efforts bring happiness to people, but now the community has a pool that both residents and visitors can enjoy using during the hot months of summer.
A little village full of exciting gems
It is not all about chilies in Hatch, New Mexico. If you know where you to look, you can uncover gems that most tourists never think about. If this is your next destination, read the above things do to do in Hatch, New Mexico, and arm yourself with a list of experiences and attractions that will make your trip miles away from dull and boring.
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