Hatch

Hatch bills itself the Chile Capital of the World. And although chiles are grown elsewhere in the state—and some might argue taste just as good—Hatch is still considered the source for the headily aromatic, highly addictive, metabolism-firing, not always killer-hot state vegetable (it actually shares this honor with frijoles, aka pinto beans, and it's technically a fruit rather than a vegetable). Come here in the fall when the roasters are firing, and you’ll immediately understand the allure of this otherwise rather indistinct small town. If you need additional tempting, consider Hatch's enviable location on the lovely NM 185/187, a two-lane river-valley road that parallels I–25 and makes for an enchanting scenic drive between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences.