Beer Creek Brewing Co. is located 7 miles south of Santa Fe on Highway 14, a National Scenic Byway that is better known as the Turquoise Trial, named after the gemstone that was mined in this region. A trip along Hwy 14 is a time warp to a former era when pioneers, prospectors, cowboys, lawmen and outlaws walked the streets. We encourage you take your time, slow down the pace, and soak up the scenic vistas, extensive history, diverse culture and the great outdoor opportunities that dot the region. We have highlighted a few of our favorite stops along the trail, but if you are looking for additional recommendations, just stop by the brewers and ask our staff for their suggestions.
SANTA FE STUDIOS
Santa Fe Studios was constructed in 2011 as a full-service film television studio facility with world-class soundstages. Over the past decade the studio has hosted production companies for critically acclaimed TV shows like Longmire, Godless, Succession, and House of Cards along with blockbuster films including The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and The Magnificent 7. Santa Fe Studios is private property and not open to the public.
EAVES MOVIE RANCH
The original movie set built in the late 1950’s by J.W. Eaves is one of the most iconic film sets of the Southwest, with over 100 film and tv credits. The ranch was featured in several Hollywood Westerns including Chisum, Silverado, Lonesome Dove, Wyatt Earp, Young Guns 2, Easy Rider and most recently News of the World and The Harder They Fall. Eaves Movie Ranch is private property and not open to the public.
CERRILLOS
Cerrillos, NM is one of a few famous ‘Ghost Towns’ along the Turquoise Trail that was also once a contender to become the capital of New Mexico. The hills surrounding the village of Cerrillos were mined copper, silver, gold, zinc, lead, and turquoise. The town’s dirt roads and frontier architecture lend an authentic Old Western atmosphere to small shops and galleries lining the town square. For an excellent hike, be sure to visit the Cerrillos Hills State Park outside town.
MADRID
In 1975 the New York Times published an article entitled, “Ghost Town in New Mexico is Reborn as a Community of People”. The article recounts the modern history of Madrid, NM, a former mining community that was abandoned in the 1950’s and re-settled by artists, crafters, and “resident freaks” who took over in the early 1970’s. Still considered a haven for artists and free thinkers, Madrid is an essential stop for anyone cruising down the Turquoise Trail.
MINESHAFT TAVERN
One of the bucket list destinations on Highway 14 is the classic Mineshaft Tavern in Madrid, NM. Known for lively entertainment, great burgers, and of course, Beer Creek Brewing Co. beer on tap, the Mineshaft is a rambling and cavernous roadhouse with multiple bars, a restaurant, a museum, a theatre and is home to the Crawdaddy Blues Festival held annually in May.
THE HOLLAR
Traditional southern food is hard to come by in the desert Southwest, which is one of the reasons we love this restaurant, located in Madrid across from the Mineshaft Tavern. The Hollar focuses on fresh and flavorful Southwestern Fusion, with a great outdoor patio and local beer on draft.