Located on State Highway 14, better known as the Scenic Turquoise Trail, is a tiny town nestled in the narrow canyon of the Ortiz Mountains. It was once a historic mining area and later all but an abandoned ghost town, but Madrid has experienced a revival to become a colorful and creative community filled with antique shops, galleries, thrift stores, and more. Even though its population stands at 300, the best antique town in New Mexico is heavenly to visit and is absolutely worth the drive!

Madrid is located between big sister cities Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Madrid New Mexico
It's a scenic drive from either direction, and visitors will enjoy the mountain and canyon landscaping found in all directions.
Before heading there, be sure to learn how to pronounce the town's name correctly.
Karen/Flickr
It is MAD-rid, not the traditional Spanish version. The town was established in the 1800s to find their fortunes mining for coal and other treasures.
The small town is a famous location for movies.
Petro/Flickr
A few of the highlights include David Bowie's The Man Who Fell to Earth; Wild Hogs starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William Macy; and Beer for My Horses with Willie Nelson. There are many others and locals will love to tell all about them.
Most stores here have and sell antiques, although they'd rather be known as trading posts or curio shops.
Robyn Gallant/Flickr
The shops like to have a smattering of various saleable options, so that visitors will be pleased and surprised each time they come.

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It should be no surprise that art is a big seller here as well.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
Each town and restaurant keeps its own hours, although most businesses are open daily.
Each store has its own personality, which visitors seem to love.
Karen/Flickr
If you've been before, you'll want to go again, as nothing is ever the same for long.
Allow plenty of time to take in the cute shops, attractions, boutiques, and thrift stores.
Karen/Flickr
Ghost Town Trading Post is a favorite store of many passing through.
Vintage western is popular here.
Karen/Flickr
If you like Western or Southwestern motifs, you've come to the right place!

Have you visited Madrid, and if so, what was your favorite takeaway memory from this heavenly community? Any particular shop or diner you’d recommend over others? In addition to this town and shopping, there are numerous nearby trails to explore here as well. The quaint village Cerrillos is a few miles away and includes Cerrillos Hills State Park.

For more hike spots, here are 6 effortless ones that promise to inspire you.

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Antique Town In New Mexico

Leah | September 11, 2020

Are there any nostalgic stores in New Mexico?

If you're scoping out antique shops in New Mexico, you might also be interested in visiting some other old-timey stores that are full of nostalgia. This state has plenty, including some truly charming general stores. The Five and Dime General Store in Santa Fe is a great stop if you're visiting and want some nostalgic feelings. They have a wide variety of retro products as well as essentials you may actually need for your trip. Arroyo Seco Mercantile, located in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, is in a building that's over 100 years old and was a real general store up until the 1950s. Now, it has handcrafted goods, antiques, and more.

What are the oldest businesses in New Mexico?

There are many old buildings in Madrid in New Mexico, but they aren't the oldest in the state. Some of the businesses in the state have truly stood the test of time. The oldest general store in New Mexico is Bode's, located in Abiquiu. That general store opened for business in 1890, changed ownership in 1919, and is still going strong today. The oldest restaurant in New Mexico has been in business for nearly 200 years, believe it or not. Established in 1835, El Faros in Santa Fe is considered the city's most iconic and well-loved eatery and bar. They serve delicious tapas and flamenco dancers dazzle guests.

Where can I find unique shopping destinations in New Mexico?

You can do more than just antiquing in New Mexico. If you're an avid shopper and are looking for a unique place to browse and buy, try a visit to a one-of-a-kind store in the Land of Enchantment. If you love a combination museum-like and shopping experience, visit Dinosaurs and More in Santa Fe. This spot houses an extensive private collection of fossils and dinosaur bones, as well as geodes, gems, and worldly objects for sale. If you are visiting New Mexico and want to take home some souvenirs, you can't go wrong with a visit to Made in New Mexico, located in Taos. Everything they have is New Mexico made or based, from coffee to jewelry.

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Madrid, NM 87010, USA