A jet charter airport in Portales takes visitors to the micropolitan area that ranks 15th in the nation for overall quality of life. It’s easy to see why Portales took the honor home with its traditional town square, unique local shops, and the Eastern New Mexico University campus.
The Portales area has been inhabited for more than 11,000 years. The area’s history can be explored at the Blackwater Draw Museum with an extensive prehistoric animal exhibit.
Portales continues to grow, largely in part due to its strong economy. The peanut and dairy industries are the largest in the area, followed by a growing military presence and general agriculture.
The dry, warm weather is perfect for outdoor living and exploring the area’s parks. The nearby Oasis State Park is home to cottonwood trees that offer shade and a small fishing lake that’s stocked with smallmouth bass. The Portales Recreation Complex is a great place to get outdoors for a stroll on the walking trail, to catch a game at the many baseball parks, or watch aviation enthusiasts show off their models on the model airplane landing strip.
The community hosts events year-round. The New Mexico Agricultural Expo, the largest agricultural event in New Mexico, is held annually in Portales. The yearly Heritage Days are family-friendly fun with a parade, live music, and games. The parties continue throughout the year with the Roosevelt County Fair and the Peanut Valley Festival.
