It's not unusual to find people waving each other on in traffic or flashing a friendly smile to strangers on the street. Once the strict province of the cattle and mining industries, Silver City is now being shaped by new influences as well. While many galleries, studios and specialty shops have sprung up, slick commercialism still accedes to the town's characteristic charm and unpretentiousness. Silver City serves as a pivot point for many area attractions, yet it also boasts its own array of recreational diversions such as two museums, historic districts, authentic Mexican restaurants, diverse downtown shops, an 18-hole golf course and several parks. The Chamber of Commerce provides a free guidebook detailing four historic scenic tours and the Silver City Museum offers walking tour guides to the historic districts.
Overnight accommodations run the lifestyle gamut.
Visitors can choose from cabins, campgrounds, R.V. parks, bed and breakfast inns, historic hotels and modern motels. Ten minutes out of town, Bear Mountain Guest Ranch attracts nature lovers and bird watchers. The Silver City-based Gila Wilderness Tours offers five specific van tours or customers may design their own sightseeing trip. The talented Pinos Altos Melodrama Troupe puts on original year-round performances in the adjacent Opera House. Gold panning is a popular summer activity.