Springfield vs. Shelbyville

Sheena learned about a real-life town vs. town rivalry yesterday, and saw first hand how the bitter battle has had a profound impact on a community's economy. New fact learned this week: Truth or Consequences used to be called "Hot Springs, New Mexico".

Being on a bit of a hot-springs theme this week, we pulled off of the I-25 in search of the next core-temperature-raising mineral elixir.

Now, T 'r C, as the locals call it, is a sad and decrepit little town. In its heyday in the early part of the 20th century, the town was primo retirement community, attracting health-seekers from across the US. The short-term burst of media attention following its perhaps inane decision to name itself after a gameshow began to dwindle after a rival community began to develop its own leisure resources. This time, on water instead of desert.

The even less fortunately named town of Elephant Butte (No. I am NOT making this up), offers all of the amenities that appeal much more directly to the emerging Boomer tier of retirees who expect more from their spare tire years than soaking in it.

Golf, boating, bird watching, fishing, camping. Oh my. How's a sleepy little town named after a defunct TV show supposed to compete?


Well, T 'r C is trying. An effort to revitalize the hot springs tradition is underway, though perhaps more slowly than the proprietors of the stunningly beautiful Sierra Grande Lodge would like. (Note: picture not necessarily an accurate representation...). Sheena and her chaperone were 2 of the 4 guests in the lovingly restored facility, originally built in the 1920s. Hand poured mineral baths, balcony rooms overlooking the municipal courthouse and police station. Mosquito zapper neon signs the only murmur interrupting an otherwise romantic deck vista.

The restaurant was closed upon arrival. "The chef is sick", the very pleasant and helpful desk clerk informed us, and gave us helpful suggestions for a dinner destination.

Funny... that lady at the Blue Teal winery in Las Cruces mentioned that she knew that aforementioned chef and that she had "moved on to other opportunities". Hmm...wonder if she got scooped by a whippersnapper joint over in Shelbyville....