"A very appealing town" Top 5 Page for this destination Silver City by toonsarah

Silver City Travel Guide: 65 reviews and 134 photos

A very appealing town - Silver City

Silver City has a pleasingly raffish air, with many of its old buildings not only smartened up but also brightly painted. Unlike many western towns, its buildings were built in stone or in cast iron, and have stood the test of time.


Silver City was formed in the 1870s, after the discovery of silver in and around the town. It quickly became a boom town, and like many in New Mexico can lay claim to an association with the outlaw Billy the Kid. He lived here as in his teens (some accounts say he was born here, but most that he came with his family from New York), had his first job here, committed his first crime here, and reportedly killed his first man here. He was arrested and briefly imprisoned, before moving on to wreak his havoc elsewhere, most notoriously in Lincoln County.

Bikers outside the Palace Hotel - Silver City

Bikers outside the Palace Hotel

Meanwhile the silver boom faded, and with its demise Silver (as the locals call it) faded too. But in recent years the town has undergone a revival. And unlike some carefully “restored” old towns it seems unafraid to mix old and new. It has become common to use cheerful paint colours to restore and revive the old buildings, perhaps influenced by the many artists and hippies who have settled here.

Shops on the main street, Bullard, are an idiosyncratic mix of appealing galleries and small-town “not really changed since the 1950s” shops. Residents too seem to be a mix of ageing hippies, relaxed artists working in all genres, university students and lecturers, and assorted drop-outs. We liked Silver a lot – maybe you will too!

And to continue with us on our road trip through New Mexico, please visit my Gila Cliff Dwellings page.

Pros and Cons
  • In a nutshell:Lots of colour and lots of character
  • Last visit to Silver City: Sep 2011
  • Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Reviews (9)

In Pinos Altos - Silver City Pinos Altos Off The Beaten Path (2)

Driving north out of Silver towards the Gila Cliff Dwellings you will pass a half-hidden turning to Pinos Altos. But... more travel advice

City of Rocks - Silver City City of Rocks State Park Off The Beaten Path (2)

If you like unusual landscapes and photogenic rock formations, this is the place for you. A group of bizarrely-shaped... more travel advice

Hummingbird Room - Silver City An historic home Hotels (1)

We chose this B&B because of its central location and because of the largely favourable reviews we had read, and on the... more travel advice

In the Buffalo Bar - Silver City Where everyone goes ... Nightlife (1)

According to the Moon Handbook on New Mexico, “Just about everyone in town mixes at the Buffalo Bar”, so we decided to... more travel advice

Comments (13)

  • Reply
    ana111's Profile Photo
    Jun 6, 2012 at 6:08 AM

    gr8 page , i really enjoyed reading it . keep writing

  • Reply
    balhannah's Profile Photo
    Jan 14, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Sarah, A really enjoyable, interesting page to read! I would enjoy wandering around the City of Rock's state park, amazing the different shape's you can find!

  • Reply
    globetrott's Profile Photo
    Jan 3, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    a lot of great tips and wonderfull pics, its amazing how a bit of colorful paint can add to the athmosphere of a building !

  • Reply
    deecat's Profile Photo
    Dec 19, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Sarah, These are REALLY good tips that are most interesting, chocked full of useful information, and accompanied by lovely photographs. Great Bed and Breakfast...I especially enjoyed the food tips...yummy sounding ice cream.

  • Reply
    LoriPori's Profile Photo
    Dec 14, 2011 at 3:35 AM

    Looks like you enjoyed your stay in Silver City. Great tips on the restaurant, hotel and the Buffalo Bar.

  • Reply
    HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    Dec 12, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Sarah, colourful photos and interesting tips here. The Alotta Gelato sounds indeed very well worth a visit.

  • Reply
    starship's Profile Photo
    Nov 5, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Excellent page with lots of interesting and useful info. Your B&B looks quite charming especially with Midnight to keep company with. Have never heard of the City of Rocks -- well, learn something new everyday!!

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    Oct 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Hello, Sarah! I see Silver City is a very appealing town indeed...Thanks for your story!~

  • Reply
    Trekki's Profile Photo
    Oct 23, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    What a lovely colourful town. I also love Pinos Altos and the deteriorating little house on your main phot. City of Rocks looks amazing too and thanks for my lesson of the day: never heard of evaporating rain before :-) These airbrush Harleys and bikes look funny. And your restaurant tips....make me hungry :-)

  • Reply
    MalenaN's Profile Photo
    Oct 22, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    The ice cream at Alotta Gelato sounds to be delicious! And the town with its colourful houses looks pretty. Interesting to hear about the phenomenon "virga".

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