Clayton, New Mexico, might seem like a quiet spot on the map, but beneath its serene surface lies a town brimming with history, unique attractions, and a resilient spirit. During a recent Dust Bowl road trip, we found ourselves captivated by the understated charm of Clayton, a place where the echoes of the Wild West still resonate, and where unexpected gems await discovery.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (13)
Our introduction to Clayton was through the bustling atmosphere of Hotel Eklund’s restaurant. It was a Saturday night, and seemingly the entire town had converged on the hotel’s dining room, the only restaurant open that evening. The lone waitress was a force of nature, efficiently managing orders, tables, and drinks with a friendly demeanor, a testament to the town’s close-knit community and the enduring spirit of hospitality in Clayton, New Mexico. The pandemic’s impact was evident in the closed storefronts downtown, with handwritten signs hinting at the struggles faced by local businesses. Even the local coffee shop, charming as it appeared, was operating solely as a drive-through, a lingering sign of the times.
However, arriving earlier that Saturday, we experienced a different Clayton – a tranquil town basking in the New Mexico sun. Stepping out at the Herzstein Memorial Museum, the silence was broken only by the distant bark of a dog. This museum proved to be an unexpected highlight, showcasing an impressive collection of original artifacts that vividly brought the region’s history to life. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Clayton, New Mexico.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (14)
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (11)
The Herzstein Memorial Museum dedicates a section to the history of Hotel Eklund, highlighting its significance in Clayton’s past.
For lunch, we ventured to The Local Hive food truck, a culinary bright spot operating from the parking lot of what used to be the family’s restaurant. Following local advice, we smothered our sopapillas in New Mexico’s famed red chile – a decision we highly recommend. In fact, embracing red chile on everything edible should be a culinary mantra for anyone visiting New Mexico.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (2)
With only one table occupied at The Local Hive, we took our red chile-smothered feast to picnic tables overlooking the Clayton Golf Course. The combination of delicious local food and scenic views was a perfect Clayton experience.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (3)
Clayton is also embracing new industries. The legalization of recreational marijuana in New Mexico has brought at least one pot shop to town, with more anticipated. While the economic impact is yet to be fully seen, there’s no doubt that this emerging industry has the potential to inject new life into Clayton’s economy. The question of how it will reshape the downtown area remains an interesting point of discussion.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (15)
Walking around downtown Clayton, the potential for revitalization is palpable. Several vacant brick buildings stand as blank canvases, seemingly perfect for breweries. Imagine a Clayton Cantina Brewery or a Lonely Bird Brewing Company, adding a modern twist to the town’s historic charm. A brewery, especially one with swinging saloon doors, would perfectly complement the Wild West ambiance of Clayton, New Mexico.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (19)
Strolling through Clayton’s streets, it’s easy to envision the town’s past as a bustling cattle drive stop. The Goodnight-Loving Trail, the very trail that inspired “Lonesome Dove,” passed through this area, cementing Clayton’s place in Wild West lore.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (17)
Beyond the downtown area, Clayton offers even more to explore. Clayton Lake State Park & Dinosaur Trackways is a short drive away and provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times. For dinosaur enthusiasts, it’s an absolute must-see, showcasing a remarkable collection of dinosaur tracks. The park itself is beautiful, offering outdoor activities and stunning New Mexico landscapes.
Clayton’s proximity to the Texas border has historically made Clayton Lake State Park a popular destination for Texans. However, pandemic-era travel restrictions impacted tourism, highlighting the interconnectedness of Clayton’s economy with regional travel.
Back in town, the historic Hotel Eklund exudes a unique Wild West luxury. Its dark wood interiors, brick accents, and lobby greenery create an atmosphere that blends history with comfort. Even with its vintage charm, modern conveniences like an elevator are a welcome surprise.
The hotel’s outdoor patio provided a relaxing space to unwind. While imagining the sounds of horse hooves, the reality was a peaceful ambiance punctuated by birdsong and the occasional truck passing on Highway 87.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (12)
Hotel Eklund, dating back to the 1800s, boasts 24 rooms, two dining areas, and a stand-up bar, reminiscent of pre-prohibition era establishments. The swinging doors leading to the bar and dining room are a delightful detail, perfectly fitting the Clayton, New Mexico, setting. Our stay, including breakfast and a pet fee, was a reasonable $150, offering great value for a unique experience.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (5)
Dinner at Hotel Eklund was a highlight. Though the restaurant’s operating days had been reduced post-pandemic, the quality remained high. The burgers were satisfying, but the Ek Rolls – chile relleno eggrolls – were a standout. They alone might justify a trip to Clayton from afar.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (7)
An evening stroll led us to the Luna Theater, a historic gem still showing movies. In an age where many historic theaters have closed, the Luna’s continued operation is a testament to Clayton’s community spirit. Stopping for popcorn and supporting this local treasure is highly recommended.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (18)
Breakfast at Hotel Eklund was another treat. The dining room, filled with morning sunlight, offered a buffet with delicious green chile quiche and homemade coffee cake that was particularly enjoyed. Good coffee, a road trip essential, was also readily available.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (10)
Clayton, New Mexico, presented us with a beautiful, albeit quiet, downtown. However, our visit was rich with experiences – a fascinating museum, delicious food, a memorable hotel stay, dinosaur tracks, and even a roadrunner sighting. For those seeking tranquility and a taste of the authentic Wild West, Clayton delivers.
Dust Bowl Road Trip Clayton, New Mexico, All Quiet on the Western Front. HeidiTown (1)
While Clayton may be quiet now, there’s a hopeful vision for a thriving future. Perhaps a brewery, or other new ventures, will contribute to revitalizing this charming town. Clayton, New Mexico, is a destination worth discovering, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and Wild West spirit.
