Driving towards Madrid, from the Albuquerque airport, we spotted this place with an eccentric decoration on the road. At first it looks like someone's house but all the colored glass bottles, décor and a sign saying "come in" suggested otherwise. So we stopped, parked right outside and started "studying" the outside, slowly moving inside. There we found more eccentric things like a sand dog, a mini golf area, a psychiatrist couch, a cantina, a tattooed tree and so much more, all created by the one and only Leroy. Who is Leroy, we asked ourselves the same question, when he appeared out of nowhere and started introducing himself and showing us around. At first it was a bit scary, being in the middle of nowhere with this man telling us to go into the closed cantina (we all looked at each other but went in anyway, making sure one of us stood by the door just in case). But after a few moments we realized this was just all fun, and he really enjoys having people over and giving them the tour of his place. A place he created for himself and for anyone that wants to enjoy a bit of his imagination. The tour is as short or as long as you want it to be. Leroy will show you around, tell you about each station or piece of art. He will tell you stories, make you laugh, and also will allow you to touch, play and stay as long as you want. He'll answer questions, and loves receiving photos and/ or notes of the people that have visited (he keeps all these in the cantina), and has a guest book at the entrance to be signed on the way out. Needless to say this was a really cute and fun stop on our trip and one we will never forget. read more

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Looking for eccentric? Looking for a roadside attraction you wont find on line? Want a sense crazy mixed with genius in a cantankerous character? Gold mine! We were driving by this place last year and it was near dark, so we didn't stop in. This year when visiting Madrid we were driving by in the afternoon when the glint of sun light from the beer bottles laced atop the entry caught our eye. we pulled spontaneously to check out what this place was. We stepped a couple feet in, noting all the colorful things taking up the place. But before we could figure out what was going on, the proprietor seemed to appear out of know where. "Hello, Hello, Hello, I'm Leroy", he declared. In front of us what a older guy with a wild beard, a handful of Chiclet teeth in his mouth, which happened to be grinning ear to ear. He said the tour is starting. I didn't recall us agreeing to any tour, but we were all game. How showed us his "Cantina", "Flower", "Psychologist Couch" and more exhibits of his own making. They were all found art pieces in his front yard area. The entire visit may have only been 30 minutes or maybe it was more. Time wasn't flowing smoothly while we were there. I was glad for the spontaneous stop, and we were happy to sign the journal and make a donation. I'm sure you would not regret the stop either. read more

Gold Mine - The crazy entrance to this roadside attraction - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Madrid, New Mexico

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