Deming, NM: Home of Pure Water and Fast Ducks
So states the giant billboards that flank the sleepy ranching community that sits approximately 75 miles west of Las Cruces in the heart of the harsh New Mexican desert. And its claims happen, in this case to be true. Water for the town is drawn from the aquifers of the underground Mimbres River and is perhaps the least polluted agua fresca in the Southwest. Deming also hosts duck races (yes, live ducks racing at top speed) in the spring and fall. Lucky owners of the top waddlers can take home prizes in excess of $10,000.
Other area attractions include the geologic wonder of Rock Hound State Park, a beautiful spot for camping or hiking, where taking home pieces of the scenery is not only permitted but encouraged (guests can remove up to 15 pounds of geodes, agates and crystals per person). North of Deming lies the awe-inspiring City of Rocks, a monolithic community of rock from eons past. And in the heart of the downtown area, in the old Armory, lies the Deming-Mimbres Museum, a sophisticated and carefully selected look at history in the lands where Billy the Kid, Sheriff Pat Garrett, Indian chief Geronimo and other notables of the Old West once lived.
The main strip for Deming is Pine Street, which parallels I-10 and contains the majority of the town’s top hotels. Three in particular have captured notice, and present affordable lodging and comfortable rooms with often surprisingly modern amenities in the middle of a town that looks as though it could easily have stepped out of an older time.
The Grand Motor Inn is one of the staples of Deming life. Built in 1967 and renovated in 1998, the Grand is a redbrick manor that could double for a building from colonial Williamsburg. It’s built around a central lawn and shrub garden that is meticulously maintained, and contains two pools, a larger one for adults and a smaller wade-style pool for children. Although the rooms are not gargantuan, they are comfortably sized and are stocked with antique-style furniture and good, firm mattresses. Bathrooms are also of medium size and contain an exterior vanity and dressing area.
The bottom floor holds a small restaurant with some of the best dining in Deming, a fair -sized lounge that draws good crowds on weekend nights and a moderate (75 seats or so) meeting area with chandeliers and an optional dance floor. Rates are particularly modest, and fax and copy services are available for a low fee at the front desk. The hotel holds 60 rooms and does not charge for children. A courtesy shuttle to the Deming Regional Airport or the Amtrak train station is provided.
Address: 1721 E. Spruce St, at the corner of Spruce and Pine.
Phone: (505)546-2631
Fax: (505) 546-4446
Current rates: Single rates start at $35, doubles at $41. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, coin-operated laundry
A smaller and less ostentatious hotel offering in the Deming heart is Anselment’s Butterfield Stage Motel, a one-story, 13-room layout that hearkens back to the days of stagecoaches and way stations. Although sadly not original construction (the original was destroyed in 1977 by fire), the Butterfield Stage Motel of today offers clean, comfortable rooms, a small pool and a lenient pet policy (up to two pets, provided they are well-behaved). The hotel runs refrigerated air conditioners in each room (and until you experience first hand the blast of New Mexican summers, you will not appreciate these as much as they should be), and is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable people who can give great tips on surrounding areas, churches and entertainment. The Luna-Mimbres golf course is right across the road and green fees are exceedingly moderate for the challenging course.
Address: 309 W. Pine
Phone: (505)544-0011
Fax: (505) 544-0614
Reservations Toll-Free: 1-866-613-9330
Current rates: Single rates start at $29, doubles at $32. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV
The third offering is perhaps the highest-rated of the three. Built in 1993 and renovated recently, the Best Western Mimbres Valley Inn is a 40-room complex with a large pool, comfortable beds and outsized bathrooms. A continental breakfast is available each morning, and the layout of the hotel means no long walks to or from the front desk. Dataport-enabled phones with high-speed Internet access are available in all rooms, and fax and copy services are available at the front desk. Local calls under 30 minutes are free from hotel phones.
Address: 1500 W Pine, at the corner of Pine and Gold
Phone: (505)546-4544
Fax: (505) 546-9875
Reservations Toll-Free: 1-800-780-7234
Current rates: Rates start at $59 for standard rates, AAA and AARP rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, coin-operated laundry, one pet per room if well-behaved ($5 fee), coffee maker, iron/ironing board, hairdryer.
Getting to Deming:
From Las Cruces, NM, or El Paso, TX: Take I-10 east to exit 75
From Lordsburg, NM or Tucson, AZ: Take I-10 west to exit 71
Pine St loops from exit 71 to 75 in Deming and parallels I-10
From Silver City, NM: Take Highway 180 South.
By Air: The Deming Municipal Airport is currently not serviced by any commercial carriers
By Rail: Deming is serviced by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle Line.
