Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences, locally called T or C and formerly known as Hot Springs, is a town in New Mexico in the United States of America. It gets its curious name from a 1950s-vintage television show that offered to film an episode in some little town far from Hollywood, if that town would change its name to match the show's. Hot Springs, New Mexico needed an economic boost, agreed to the deal, and has gained notoriety and consequently tourist business as a result.

Get in
Truth or Consequences is on Interstate highway 25, about halfway between Albuquerque and Las Cruces. The New Mexico speed limit is in most places, so it's a quick and easy drive from many locations in the Southwestern United States. Be sure and gas up at Socorro from the north or Las Cruces from the south, each about away, as there are no gas stations between T or C and these cities.

There is a general aviation municipal airport servicing private and charter airplanes. The nearest major airports are located in Albuquerque and El Paso. The Albuquerque Sunport (its international airport) is served by most United States airlines and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines; it is about north. The El Paso airport is about 150 miles to the south; it also has many major connections.

Trailways bus and independent Mexican buses service T or C, connecting it with Albuquerque and through El Paso to Mexico City.

The nearest Amtrak station is Deming, NM served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle & Sunset Limited.

The Railrunner commuter train, formally known as the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, terminates in Belen, New Mexico, over 130 miles north, which connects Albuquerque, some pueblos, and Santa Fe.

Get around
There is no public transportation, but the entire downtown district is very walkable. That would include all 10 lodging options that offer hot mineral baths, plus the shopping/gallery district, plus 7 places to dine, at least 2 of which would be open for each meal of the day. There is taxi service for getting around town and from T or C to Elephant Butte and back. You can also rent a car ahead of time from Whitehead Auto for a day or two of exploration, and spend the rest of the time exploring the art of doing almost nothing--soaks in different bath houses, walks to the galleries or the river, getting a massage.

See
Don't miss the Geronimo Springs Museum, or the Hamilton Military Museum at Veterans Memorial Park


 * Elephant Butte Lake is the largest lake in the state, even when the water's low. To see the actual Elephant Butte (an island just offshore), go to the Dam Site Recreation Area. Take 3rd Street from Date St. in T or C. Go about 4 miles; turn left at the Dam Site Recreation Area and follow the road down to the lake. Dam Site Restaurant there has a great patio, the best view in the county, and a full bar. Be wary of the food; chefs come and go there and it varies greatly in quality.
 * Spaceport America is 30 miles to the east. During construction visitors can take 3 hour tours (starting in T or C) of the area and facility, after it is completed people will be able to view launches from the terminal (or purchase flights from Virgin Galactic).
 * Elephant Butte Lake is the largest lake in the state, even when the water's low. To see the actual Elephant Butte (an island just offshore), go to the Dam Site Recreation Area. Take 3rd Street from Date St. in T or C. Go about 4 miles; turn left at the Dam Site Recreation Area and follow the road down to the lake. Dam Site Restaurant there has a great patio, the best view in the county, and a full bar. Be wary of the food; chefs come and go there and it varies greatly in quality.
 * Spaceport America is 30 miles to the east. During construction visitors can take 3 hour tours (starting in T or C) of the area and facility, after it is completed people will be able to view launches from the terminal (or purchase flights from Virgin Galactic).

Do

 * 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.  (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 Most shops and galleries are open late on the 2nd Sat of each month. From 6-9PM, 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, Angel Remnants, Truth or Consequences brewing Company, Black Cat Books, and many more ending up at Rio Bravo Fine Art where Broadway ends and turns into Date Street.
 * El Cortez Theater - movies showing F 7PM, Sa 2PM & 7PM, Su 7PM, and W 7PM. Tickets cost $5.
 * Sierra Del Rio Golf Course. T or C Municipal Golf Course.

Drink
You'll find a number of watering holes in town. Couple of sawdust joints or bars are: Truth or Consequences Brewing Company (beer, wine, cider, live music), Raymonds (beer, wine, & liquor), Los Arcos (beer, wine, & liquor), Sierra Del Rio (beer,wine,&liquor), Casa Taco (beer & wine), Elephant Butte Inn (beer, wine, & liquor), Pacific Grill (beer & wine) and maybe a few others.

Go next

 * Caballo Lake is much quieter than most of Elephant Butte Lake and is great for fishing and camping. There are 4 marinas at Elephant Butte Lake, 3 year-round, which offer rentals of pontoon boats, jet skis etc., even overnight.  More camping and r.v. campgrounds.
 * Take a drive to Hillsboro. One-half hour. 2 restaurants, 2 or 3 galleries/shops, nice ride.
 * Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is about 60 miles north; see Socorro article for details.