Elephant Butte Reservoir
Water sports, remarkably enough. T or C is on the Rio Grande between Elephant Butte Reservoir and Caballo Lake, two artificial lakes built mainly for flood control and water management, which however offer opportunities for fishing and small boating. Note that there are frequent weather advisories for boaters on these lakes resulting from high winds; take these advisories seriously! Elephant Butte is NM's largest Lake and has over 40 miles of shore front that you can drive right up to and camp. If you are planning on driving on the beach, 4WD is strongly recommended. The sand is deep and soft in spots and you can easily get stuck. There are numerous developed camp sites that feature sheltered picnic tables and benches that do not require 4WD for access.
Check out the local hot springs this is also the former name of T or C. The Artesian Bath House is a good one. For soaking outdoors in riverside pools, try Riverbend Hot Springs. The ultimate is the new Wet Room at the Blackstone Hot Springs and Lodging. The most economical is the Indian Hot Springs, which has free-flowing water with a pebble bottom. Each of the 10 has something unique to offer. Sierra Grande Lodge, featured in National Geographic Traveler and on the National Register of Historic Places offers full spa services along with your hot mineral baths. Charles Motel & Spa has 2 8-person private rooftop jacuzzis with hot mineral water. All of the hot springs are concentrated in the old part of town. If you have the time and like to walk, it's actually a nice walking tour to go check them all out, then decide where to make your reservation. Plan on a couple of hours.
Monthly Art Hop (http://www.torcart.com) Most shops and galleries are open late on the 2nd Sat of each month. From 6-9 p.m., many host Artist's Receptions or offer food and/or music. Starts at Celestial Creations at Date and 2nd Ave. and continues down both Main Street 2 blocks away and on the one-way section of Broadway, plus the streets in between. On Main Street there is Dust & Glitter, Grapes, and the El Cortez Theater old 1930s movie theater and a few other businesses. Over on Broadway are numerous shops and galleries, to include Hot Springs Frame & Art Supply, Judd Bradley Photography, Le BijouJewelry & Gallery, Black Cat Books, and many more ending up at Rio Bravo Fine Art where Broadway ends and turns into Date Street. Free rides from one stop to the next by Ace Electric's Horse Drawn Wagon courtesy of the Downtown Gallery District Association.
El Cortez Theater - movies currently showing Fri-7PM, Sat-2PM & 7PM, Sun-7PM, and Wed-7PM. Tickets only $5.