How to Spend a Day in Hatch, New Mexico
Hatch, New Mexico is famous for its Hatch Green Chile. It is even known as the "Chile Capital of the World". Want to experience all it has to offer first-hand? Here's our handy guide:
- Breakfast at a Local Diner: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local diners. Try a dish featuring the famous Hatch Green Chile.
- Visit the Hatch Chile Festival Grounds: If you're there during Labor Day weekend, you can enjoy the Hatch Chile Festival, a tradition since 1971. If not, the grounds are still worth a visit to understand the importance of chile in this town's culture.
- Shop at Local Chile Farms: Visit local farms and shops like Hatch Chile Express or Berridge Farms. You can buy fresh or roasted chilies, chile powders, and other chile-related products. Some farms even offer tours that explain the farming process.
- Explore the Rio Grande River: Rent a kayak or canoe and spend some time on the river, or take a hike along its banks.
- Lunch at Sparky's Burgers: Enjoy a Hatch green chile cheeseburger for lunch at Sparky's, a famous spot in Hatch known for its burgers.
- Visit the Hatch Chile Market: After lunch, head over to the Hatch Chile Market to browse a wide selection of chile products from salsas, canned chiles to chile-infused chocolates.
- Tour the Local Vineyards: Spend the afternoon touring one of the local vineyards or wineries, such as Amaro Winery or Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery. The region's arid climate is surprisingly conducive to grape growing, and you can often take a tour followed by a tasting.
- Dinner: Cap off the day with a hearty New Mexican meal at a local restaurant. Try enchiladas with green chile or a bowl of chile verde.
Want to take some Hatch home with you? Have chile shipped right to your door!