Nestled in the beautiful mountain town of High Rolls, New Mexico, Nichols Ranch Cherry Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates all things cherry. As locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy fresh fruit, homemade treats, and the scenic surroundings, we couldn’t wait to visit and experience it for ourselves.
Just a short 35-mile drive from the Buckhorn Tavern, we set off on a sunny morning to explore the festival. The winding roads through the Mescalero mountains provided stunning views of the lush green landscape, with patches of wildflowers in bloom and cool mountain air guiding us along the way.
When we arrived at Nichols Ranch, the excitement of the cherry season was in the air—until we learned that all the cherries had already been picked. Despite our disappointment at missing out on the famed cherry harvest, we made the most of the visit. The festival still offered an array of other local delights, including artisan crafts, farm-fresh produce, and live music that created a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed browsing the booths, indulging in some delicious cherry-infused pastries, and chatting with the friendly vendors.
Although we missed out on the cherry picking, Nichols Ranch Cherry Festival still offered a wonderful day out in the New Mexico countryside, reminding us that sometimes it's not about the destination, but how you make the best of every experience. So, while we didn’t bring home any fresh cherries, we certainly left with lasting memories of a charming community gathering in the heart of High Rolls.
Helpful Tip for Your Visit: If you plan to visit the Cherry Festival, be sure to check the event’s schedule ahead of time for peak picking dates. https://www.nicholsranchandorchards.com/cherry-festival
Cherries typically ripen earlier in the season, so arriving at the festival earlier in the day or earlier in the harvest will increase your chances of picking the freshest fruit. Also, take a detour on your way back and stop by the nearby Sacramento Mountains for a scenic hike or picnic. The views are breathtaking, and it’s the perfect way to cap off your High Rolls experience!
Bonus Stop: On the way back, we couldn’t resist a quick detour to see the World’s Largest Pistachio in Alamogordo, NM. Standing at over 30 feet tall, it’s a quirky and fun roadside attraction worth the stop. After snapping some photos, we headed to a nearby ice cream stand for a sweet treat to end our day. If you have time, it's a fun little bonus stop that adds a bit of novelty to your trip!

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