The right location plays a significant role in a successful first date. From movie theaters to museums, romantic spots abound in New Mexico. It’s time to make your first date a memorable one! Here are the first-date locations in the Land of Enchantment.
Fort Union Drive In, Las Vegas, NM
Take the worry of out those potential conversation chasms and head to the drive in where you don’t have to worry about small talk. From the comfort of your car, you can watch a movie and look at the stars at the same time, people watch, make a pit stop at the snack bar, and enjoy a bit of nostalgia from a bygone era. The fresh air is invigorating and may inspire a next date. This drive in is open seasonally, weekends only and screens double features. Admission charged.
Shakespeare Ghost Town, Lordsburg, NM
Shakespeare In Love isn’t playing at this historic ghost town, but a first date picnic in this old mining town just might be the beginning of something great. Established in the 1850s and now a designated National Historic Site, you can walk the same streets as Billy the Kid and Johnny Ringo, wander through the saloon or check out the infamous residents now buried at the cemetery. Guided tours take place on specific weekends throughout the year; the town is not accessible except on those dates. Pack the basket with plenty of water and find a tree-shaded spot for lunch.
Flying J Ranch, Alto, NM
Yippie-eye-oh! This fun-filled ranch captures the hustle and bustle of the Old West and by the end of the day, you and your date will be singing along with the Flying J Wran-glers at the post-dinner show. Put on your boots and hat and take a spin through Bonita City, the old west town. Grab some hard candy at the sweet shop, try your luck at the pistol shoot, pan for gold and stand back for the gunfight that happens in the center of town. Dinner is served in the dining hall and then hootenanny begins. Clap your hands, stomp your feet and yodel along to the banjo playing and guitar picking band. Open Memorial Day through October. Reservations suggested.
Uptown Funk Dueling Pianos, Albuquerque, NM
The audience pits its music knowledge in a game of stump the pianist at this dueling pi-ano bar. This lively first date scenario is interactive and it’s fun. You might even get called up on stage to sing along. At this live entertainment show, professional piano players sing and play side-by-side on grand pianos, trying not to get stumped by the audience. Music genre includes rock and classic rock, country, hip hop, Top 40 and R&B.
The Chocolate Trail, Santa Fe, NM
Celebrating chocolate does not just have to happen on Valentine’s Day. It can happen at any time of the year along the city’s Chocolate Trail, a small group of artisanal chocolatiers who are elevating this sweet treat to new heights. Using flavors of New Mexico like chile, piñon nuts, and lavender, these chocolate makers create taste sensations that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The shops are spread out around town, so this is a driving, not walking, trail. All are open daily. A sweet way to get to know one another and see the city at the same time.
New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM
Get starry-eyed together at the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium here. In addition to showing films, the theater hosts full dome digital planetarium shows and live star talks at which you’ll see the solar system, stars and universe open up in new and exciting ways. There’s a tour of the night sky that details what causes the seasons, too. Open daily—reservations are suggested.
Wildlife West Nature Park, Edgewood, NM
Escape to nature at this refuge for rescued and traumatized animals that now reside in the safety and comfort of this sanctuary. You’ll meet a variety of special creatures saved from the wrong side of a human interaction. Elk, bears, coyotes, raccoons, porcupines, foxes and a diversity of birds make up the gang of animals. Make your first date memorable and adopt one together! Open daily, year-round.
Roller World, Clovis, NM
What never goes out of style? Being a kid! What better way to capture a moment from childhood than to step into a pair of roller skates, and holding hands, take a spin around the rink. The skates are the old-fashioned type and you can rent a pair or bring your own. Inline skates are permissible as long as they’re in good shape. No key needed for the skates, and you might not get the key to your date’s heart, but it will be an entertaining way to spend some time together.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Fort Union Drive-In: Offers a nostalgic drive-in movie experience with the chance to watch films under the stars. Open seasonally for weekend double features.
- Shakespeare Ghost Town: A National Historic Site where you can explore an old mining town and have a picnic in a historic setting. Access is limited to guided tour dates.
- Flying J Ranch: Engage in Old West activities like gold panning and gunfights, followed by dinner and a live music show. Open seasonally with reservations recommended.
- Uptown Funk Dueling Pianos: An interactive music venue where you can challenge pianists with song requests and possibly sing along on stage. Offers a lively atmosphere.
- The Chocolate Trail: A tour of artisanal chocolatiers showcasing local flavors like chile and piñon nuts. A sweet driving tour to explore Santa Fe and enjoy unique chocolates.
- New Mexico Museum of Space History: This museum features a planetarium with films and live star talks, offering a starry-eyed experience. It is open daily; reservations are suggested.
- Wildlife West Nature Park: A sanctuary for rescued animals where you can see various wildlife and learn about their stories. Open year-round.
- Roller World: A roller skating rink that offers a playful and nostalgic date option, with both traditional and inline skates available.
