A town with a unique history and name
Story and photos by Lonnie Tucker
Welcome to another Adventure Awaits feature in the enchantment magazine. My goal is to take you along as I explore out-of-the-way locations around New Mexico. For this segment, I traveled to the small town of Truth or Consequences to highlight the historical importance associated with Ralph Edwards and the NBC Radio quiz program “Truth or Consequences.”
It is located in the heart of Sierra County along the Rio Grande River, about 150 miles south of Albuquerque.
History? The area was originally inhabited by Puebloan societies as early as 2000 BC, and in 1598 Juan de Oñate, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition northward along the Rio Grande River bringing Spanish settlers to the area. They named the town Palomas Springs due the vast number of doves, palomas in Spanish, nesting along the Rio Grande, and the hot springs known for their healing properties by the local Indian tribes.
In 1914, the town changed its name to Hot Springs as the area become a popular spa destination. However, in 1950, Ralph Edwards who hosted the popular NBC Radio quiz program named “Truth or Consequences” promised to visit and broadcast his show from any town that would officially change its name to match the name of his NBC program. Hot Springs was selected from numerous entries across the nation, and the residents voted unanimously to change the town’s name to “Truth or Consequences.”
The name was effectively changed on March 31, 1950, and Ralph Edwards broadcast the show on April 1, 1950, from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. For the next 50 years, Edwards visited the city named after his show for an event called “Fiesta,” which is still held every year during the first weekend of May.
When visiting Truth or Consequences, there is never a shortage of things to do and see in the region. Between visiting the distinctive galleries, shops, and Geronimo Springs Museum, to playing eighteen holes of golf at Sierra del Rio, enjoying the pristine blue waters of Elephant Butte Reservoir, or rafting in the Rio Grande River, Truth or Consequences offers something for everyone. Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport designed and constructed for commercial space flight, is located twenty miles southeast of Truth or Consequences and tours can be arranged through Final Frontier Tours.
Before or after your experiences in Truth or Consequences, you may want to visit and enjoy the health benefits of soaking in one the many hot springs or finding that perfect meal! So, here are a few of my suggestions to help you plan your visit.
Truth or Consequences offer visitors an incredible opportunity to soak in the historic hot thermal springs along the Rio Grande. I visited Blackstone Hot Springs, Riverbend Hot Springs, and Sierra Grande during my trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at each location. Riverbend Hot Springs is located on the bank of the Rio Grande offering incredible views and creating an unmatched atmosphere. The springs are fed by deep groundwater flowing freely to the surface without losing heat or minerals, producing pristine waters with temperatures ranging from 98 to 115 degrees, and contain trace elements of 38 different minerals. The water is regarded as some of the most heavily mineralized water in the United States.
Los Arcos Steak and Lobster restaurant is one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. A bold statement but be assured their food is second to none! For five decades, Los Arcos has built a solid reputation as one of the premier restaurants between El Paso and Albuquerque. You will find incredible food and impeccable service in a warm, comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
It has a legendary menu highlighted by its own high-grade, hand-cut steaks, prime rib, lobster, fresh seafood, and chicken. Robert Middleton, Owner of Los Arcos Steak and Lobster, finds it impossible to select a favorite dish, but did highlight two Manager’s Specials; the Filet topped with crab and Bearnaise sauce and the Kabobs with tenderloin bits, shrimp, and lobster.
I ordered the Filet Monte Vista during my visit to Los Arcos. The charbroiled filet was cooked to perfection and topped with green chili and mornay sauce that left me craving more. I finished the evening with a slice of Bananas Foster Cheesecake that was absolutely remarkable. The perfect ending to an incredible dining experience!
Need a place to stay while you are in the area? Of course, you do. Look no further than the tranquil haven of Sierra Grande, a Ted Turner Reserves property. The hotel offers 17-guest rooms highlighted with Southwestern accents and historic décor, and a two-bedroom casita with private indoor and outdoor hot springs soaking tubs that honor the legendary healing traditions first established by the region’s Native Americans. Sierra Grande also offers half and full day tours to Ladder and Armendaris for those interested in exploring southern New Mexico.
I hope this article inspires you to visit and explore this out-of-the-way location in New Mexico.