For Juliana Guidry, Ruidoso, New Mexico, has never been just another vacation destination. It is a place filled with childhood memories, family history, and the kind of natural beauty that keeps calling her back.

Juliana began visiting Ruidoso when she was about four or five years old. At the time, her grandparents owned a cabin there, giving the family a familiar place to gather, explore, and enjoy the mountains together. After her grandparents passed away, Juliana’s father inherited the cabin, allowing it to remain part of the family.

This year, Juliana decided it was time to introduce another generation to the place that had meant so much to her.

Her son, Jack, had recently turned four, the same age Juliana was when she began visiting Ruidoso. Although the drive from Louisiana would take approximately 14.5 hours, she felt he was finally ready for the adventure.

“I wanted to share all my favorite memories with him,” Juliana said.

The family turned the long drive into part of the experience by spending the night in Abilene, Texas. While there, they visited the city’s Storybook Garden, where sculptures inspired by children’s literature made for a fun stop along the way.

Once they reached Ruidoso, their days were filled with outdoor adventures, local attractions, and time at the family cabin.

One of their most memorable excursions took them to White Sands National Park near Alamogordo. Surrounded by rolling dunes of brilliant white gypsum sand, the family went sledding down the hills.

While in the area, they also stopped for pistachio ice cream, adding a distinctly New Mexico flavor to the day.

Back in Ruidoso, the family visited Grindstone Lake. The water was too chilly for swimming, but the trails surrounding the lake made it a perfect place for a hike. Hiking became a regular part of the trip, giving everyone time to explore the landscape and enjoy the mountain views.

The clear favorite for Jack was the mountain coaster at Ruidoso Winter Park. 

The exciting ride through the mountain scenery quickly became one of the highlights of his first visit.

The family also learned about the story of Smokey Bear, viewed horse statues near the old racetrack, and explored the area surrounding the cabin. During their stay, they spotted deer and even wild horses.

For Juliana, the trip brought together past and present. She was able to revisit a place connected to her grandparents and her own childhood while watching Jack begin to form memories there.

Ruidoso continues to offer what her family has always loved about it: fresh mountain air, outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and enough quiet space to simply enjoy being together.

Juliana recommends the area to neighbors looking for a destination that appeals to both children and adults.

“It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors,” she said. “There is a lot to do for adults and kids.”

For Jack, the mountain coaster may have been the biggest thrill. For Juliana, the most meaningful part was likely something quieter: watching her son fall in love with a place that has been part of her family’s story for generations.