This is an authentic log cabin that has survived the years right in the heart of Mid-town Ruidoso! Don't choose this if you want to be alone in the middle of the woods. Choose this cabin if you want the ultimate in convenience to all the shops, bars and restaurants of Mid-town Ruidoso while being able to go out your back door and play in the river and enjoy the fascinating parade of wildlife going by.  

We understand that things are a little more difficult during these times than normal so we have instituted: 

- A flexible cancellation policy 

- Coupons and discounts for future bookings 

- Reduced minimum stay requirements 

- Reduced daily rates 

- Increased discounts for longer stays 

- Employing stringent cleaning procedures 

- Self check-in tools for no contact check in / out 

- Quality work areas and internet for “workcations”  

Brand new hot tub is here along with an expanded deck area for you to enjoy it! Please take advantage of our special. This is a new property that I have just purchased. Come on out while this introductory special is in effect. All I ask is that you provide me with some constructive feedback so we can make this property even more wonderful than it already is.  

We just added ROKU TV with all the apps you can imagine. Just enter your check out date and you can use your subscription information to watch whatever you want. The system will sign you out automatically on the day that you leave.   

THE CABIN:  I have tried to determine when this cabin was built, but have not yet been successful. When you drive up to this cabin, you can imagine how Ruidoso was in the ‘50s and ‘60s when it became known as “The Playground of the Southwest”. If these walls could talk, oh, the stories they could tell. Over the years this cabin has undergone numerous repairs and remodels and today it stands as a reminder of the past while also showing off as a gem of modern technology.  The windows have been there for a while and most are stuck from all the coats of paint, but they are reflective of the period.  

When you enter the cabin the living room and the kitchen greet you with lovely colors and a décor that is reminiscent of the period during which the cabin was built. The fireplace is decorative only. We have a flat screen TV. Maybe one day I will figure out how to integrate a dishwasher in the mix, but until then please enjoy the charm of the 1950s.   

The path from this area to the master bedroom is either through the kitchen or the bathroom. The floor plan is really simple. That’s how they built ‘em back then.  The bedroom is comfy and warm.  The knotty pine paneling provides a authentic log cabin feel. Just relax in the comfy king bed with the retro quilt and if the temperature is right, open the window and let the sound of the Rio Ruidoso lull you to sleep.  

Oh did somebody say AIR CONDITIONING? The main floor of the cabin has complete climate control provided by two window units. One in the master bedroom and one in the living room. They are capable of providing heat as well as air conditioning that will flat freeze you out of there if you want it to!  

Next we go back out the front door and to the BUNK HOUSE basement which is under the north end (furthest from the street) of the house. As you enter the basement door you find the bunkhouse. The two twin beds are really comfy and the décor is right off the ranch! This recently remodeled area of the house also contains the washer / dryer.

The BUNK HOUSE is a unique and fantastic area which will create lasting memories of adventure and independence for your children. Please understand this is not a place for children that need to be in a bedroom next to yours or senior citizens who are adverse to stairs or need to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Between the main front door and the BUNK HOUSE there are 9 steps outside. It has its own “front door” and no bathroom. In my personal opinion I think this is a great space for "tweens", teens and young folks. 

THE PARKING:  Oh this is the secret sauce. 95% of the time parking is not a problem. You can park in the public lot anytime night or day. It is just to the west of the cabin. I will put a parking pass in the form of a postcard in the cabin for you.  With that you can park one vehicle in front of 221 Rio which is right next door (east side). You see most times in Ruidoso the public parking lot is not quite full, but during holidays and special events, parking is indeed at a premium, so it’s really nice to have that private parking space.  

MID-TOWN:  This is where the action is. Restaurants, bars, shops, it is all within a short walk of your front door. No DUI’s while staying here. You can Rock and Roll at Quarters or Country and Western dance at WPS (Win Place or Show). You can close the place down and walk home.

If late night is not your thing, you have a choice of five of the best restaurants in Ruidoso within a two block walk. If you don’t like to go to restaurants, you have some of the most amazing clothes shops within two blocks. 

If you don’t like any of the above, then there’s always wine and desert! Yes within one block there is an amazing cupcake shop and a lovely selection of wine to taste and take home. I can go into more detail later!  

THE BACKDOOR: Every coin has two sides and this is no exception. You have all the fun and excitement of Mid-town out your front door, and all the peace and quiet of nature out your back door. Yes, there is a little grey area in the middle, the rest of the tourists that are parking in the public lot can look at you in the yard relaxing – just remember that they are just jealous. We put a nice curtain on the hot tub to afford you some needed privacy! 

Back to Nature awaits you out the back door. We have a lovely porch with a great view of the river and plenty of comfy furniture to sit on and relax while enjoying the wonderful climate. There is also a gas grill there for your outdoor cooking pleasure. 

There are some wonderful new steps leading down to a new porch that is just feet from the river. I am trying to get some trout to come hang out there. We’ll see how that goes in future years. 

We have a great fenced yard for the kids and the dogs to run around in and play and there is a brand new hot tub to soak the soreness out of those muscles after a hard day of hiking, skiing, riding, or shopping. If you do bring a pet there will be a $85 pet fee charged for doing so. 

We certainly hope that you will choose our little RETRO ON THE RIVER when you plan your vacation to Ruidoso. We have done what we can to make it a wonderful experience for you.  Thanks again. We hope to see you soon.  - Reed

Entire property  I'm usually not on site, but am easy to get a hold of if you need anything.  Hustle bustle during the day when the shops are open and then nice and quiet and peaceful at night.  Walking is great from this location! Other alternatives include driving your car or calling Lincoln Co. Transit service.

Pets – yes, your pets are welcome, just please when you leave the property make it look as though there was no pet there. Pick up the waste and clean up any excess fur. We do charge a pet fee ($85/stay for up to 2 pets and $150/stay for up to 4 pets) because they do cause some wear and tear, but we know they are important to you, and we want to accommodate your whole family! Vrbo does not add the pet fee automatically to my reservation software. It will be a separate transaction after your booking is completed. Just let me know if you have a pet with you.

Safety:  Property has 2 cameras: 1 located over the front door pointed at the front yard. 1 located over the downstairs basement door and pointed at the yard and hot tub area. These cameras will be recording during your stay.

Explanation about the damage deposit:  Your reservation may require a damage deposit. If you book via Airbnb, there is no up front deposit, however if there is damage, you will be charged after your stay. If you are booking on my website, the checkout process will be easy. However, if you are booking on VRBO, they will show it as a "Refundable deposit paid at property". That is not accurate. The deposit is simply a credit card hold which is authorized on the day that you arrive and then automatically drops off 7 days after you leave. If you leave with no damage, you will never notice it. If there is damage, I will notify you of what I have found prior to making any type of claim against that hold. I'm sorry that VRBO describes it that way, but I have brought it to their attention, and they say it is the only thing that can be done with their system. I think they are just putting the square peg in the round hole. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.