North-Central New Mexico: History, Art, Culture

(continued from Page 14) floor features more than 1,300 slots, from pennies to high stakes machines, Vegas-style table games, a popular bingo hall, as well as full hotel accommodations, food, and regular entertainment options.

The rich history of Los Lunas can be discovered with a stop at its Visitors Center, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. While you’re there, look at the rich history of Los Lunas through a photo display inside the building.

Don’t miss Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town Plaza, the humble roots from which Albuquerque grew. Old Town offers an impressive selection of New Mexico cuisine and the work of local artisans in an area that surrounds historic San Felipe de Neri Church. The City’s BioPark and several museums, including the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, are nearby. The plaza also offers a therapeutic ambiance if you just want to sit and watch the world go by.

Sixty miles north of Albuquerque on I-25, historic Santa Fe has world-class art galleries, museums, and restaurants, and is the seat of state government. Explore the fascinating history of the Palace of the Governors on historic Santa Fe Plaza amid the city’s signature Pueblo Revival architecture. Savor local cuisine at any number of restaurants, or grab a bite from a food cart's tasty hand-held faire on the plaza.

Step back in time just south of town at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. The Southwest’s premier living history museum, whose name means The Ranch of the Swallows, is dedicated to the history, heritage, and culture of 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico. Located at 334 Los Pinos Road, this historic site was an important paraje, or stopping place, along the famous Camino Real, the Royal Road from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Self-guided tours are available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, June through October.

Call 505.471.2261, ext. 101, for more information, or visit https://golondrinas.org/.

North of Santa Fe in the town of Española, take a spin by the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino; the Puye Cliff Dwellings, which give visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the ancients; and the Black Mesa Golf Course, a great challenge to duffers.

Known as a world class ski area for decades, Taos Ski Valley has gained renewed attention since a $300 million redevelopment gave it a facelift that includes a hotel, a spacious children’s center and other added amenities that can be enjoyed year-round. Skiers and non-skiers alike benefit from Taos' clean air and magnificent views, rich spiritual traditions, creative inspiration, abundant outdoor recreation and shopping. A day in Taos will change your outlook and perhaps even your style.

For additional winter sports options, check out Angel Fire Resort, which offers a memorable Rocky Mountain experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Located 8,600 feet above sea level, the resort has views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.

Eight miles south of the Colorado border, the small town of Chama boasts elk habitats, clean rivers, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping, as well as a must-see night view of the Milky Way. Serious hikers can pick up the Continental Divide Trail not far from town. Chama’s train depot is the western terminus of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The train is scheduled to operate a regular season June 3-October 21. Visit https://cumbrestoltec.com/ for tickets and updates. It’s a good idea to book in advance.

Chama also hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display, and in the fall, the area around Chama is one of the best places in the state to see brilliant foliage.