Old West Trails 2003-04

T R A I L S

Nation’s Best Communities Surface in Old West Country Ghost Towns Keep the Old West Spirit Alive Southwest New Mexico Thrives on its Scenic and Historic Diversity THE COMMUNITIES OF SILVER CITY, DEMING, LAS CRUCES, TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, SOCORRO, LORDSBURG, RESER VE

6

Old West

The Nation’s Best Communities

T R A I L S

The communities of Old West Country have gained national recognition as the best places to live, retire and conduct business.

Diverse, growing economies and cultural vitality are among the many facets giving the region an overall quality of life second to none.

Published exclusively for Old West Country as a supplement to New Mexico Traveler

Old West Country

P.O. Box 884 Silver City, NM 88062 1-800-290-8330 Website: www.oldwestcountry.com E-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com

Contents Table of

President Stella Dante Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

Executive Director Keith LeMay

Socorro 2 22 Pinos Altos

Serving the communities of:

From probing the universe for sounds of life to managing the passageways for migratory birds, Socorro draws from it nearly 400 year old heritage to maintain its grasp on the future.

The historic gold mining boomtown in the tall pines above Silver City continues to promote visual ar ts, melodrama, a darned good steak and the scenic route to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Hot mineral baths, the Rio Grande and the state’s largest recreational lakes make Truth or Consequences the jewel of the Southwest.

Old West shootouts in the authentic mining ghost town of Shakespeare and the displays of critters and relics at the railroad ghost town of Steins keep two eras of American histor y alive in the Southwest.

Deming 800 East Pine • Deming, NM 88031 1-800-848-4955 www.demingchamber.com chamber@zianet.com Las Cruces 211 N. Water Street • Las Cruces, NM 88001 1-800-FIESTAS • 505-541-2444

Truth or Consequences 4 24 Lordsburg

Glenwood/Reserve 10

The villages of Reserve and Glenwood provide access to the wonder of the nation’s first wilderness and an abundance of outdoor activities.

e-mail: cvb@lascruces.org www.lascrucescvb.org

Lordsburg 117 East 2nd Street. • Lordsburg, NM 88045 505-542-9864 www.gilanet.com/lordsburgcoc lordsburgcoc@gilanet.com

Glenwood P.O. Box 183 • Glenwood, NM 88039 505-539-2711 www.glenwoodnewmexico.com glenwoodcoc@gilanet.com Reserve P.O. Box 415 • Reserve, NM 87830 www.gilanet/reservecc reservecc@gilanet.com Silver City 201 N. Hudson Street Silver City, NM 88061 1-800-548-9378

26 Deming

Rockhounding, duck racing and the shear gall of Pancho V illa draw visitors to a land of clean water and ancient culture.

Silver City 12 28 La Mesilla

A thriving visual and performing arts community, a quaint downtown shopping and dining district, educational and business opportunities and three million acres of national forest drive Silver City’s ratings as one of the nation’s top small towns for living and retiring.

Old West Trails is published annually by: Zia Publishing Corp. with offices at: 611 N. Hudson Silver City, NM 88061 Phone: 505-956-1560 Fax: 505-956-1580 E-mail: info@ziapublishing.com www.ziapublishing.com

President & Managing Director Terri Menges Vice President & Editor In Chief Joseph Burgess Staff Accountant Arlyn Cooley Designers Amy Eaton Melissa Granado Terri Menges

www.silvercity.org scgcchamber@cybermesa.com

The 1850’s regional headquarters for the Butterfield Stage maintains its charm and festive appeal as a shopping and restaurant destination.

Socorro 101 Plaza, P.O. Box 743 Socorro, NM 87801 505-835-0424

32 Las Cruces

www.socorro-nm.com chamber@socorro-nm.com

Truth or Consequences P.O. Box 31 Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 1-800-831-9487

Dynamic character and cultural resources provide New Mexico’s second largest city the momentum for farreaching accomplishments.

Managing Editor Ted Lynn Contributing Writers Joseph Burgess Mary Alice Murphy Ed Teja Lorenda Rojas Copy Editors Jim Madsen North Johnson Photography Joseph Burgess

Director of Sales Nancy Oliver Advertising Sales Mary-Catherine Meek Erin Naomi Owens Database Administrator Graham Dodd Executive Assistant Erin Naomi Owens Distribution Keith LeMay

http://village.globaldrum.com/sierra_newmexico/

Webmasters Jean-Raul Curry Karen Porter Art Interns Monica Jaramillo Angela Vega

Old West Trails is a supplement to NewMexico Traveler and is manufactured and printed in the United States of America. ©Zia Publishing Corp.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

Old West Country

By Ed Teja

A visit to the Southwest naturally conjures up images from America's rough and tumble past—wild I ndians and just as wild co wboys, cavalry, and outlaws. The spirit of the 1800s is alive in Old West Country and will allow you to step back in time for a moment or a lifetime. S troll through ghost towns and forts, relax in a historic plaza, study the constr uction of an ancient r uin, even toss popcorn at the actors in an old west melodrama. This indeed is where it all began.

In Old West Country, as y ou visit the state's largest r ecreational lakes, bir d sanctuaries, and some of its best mountain str

eams and trails, y ou will find a

quality of life that existed only in the dr eams of early settlers. G alleries offering intriguing southwest and fine ar t, boutiques sho wcasing the latest styles and restaurants serving the best in M exican cuisine may no w occupy the mer cantiles, opposite: Old West Country terrain varies dramatically from spruce-covered wilderness peaks to the fertile Rio Grande Valley. The rugged beauty throughout the region is inspiring to the eye of the artist.

saloons and outfitter shops of the past.

Come to Old West Country and expect to be greeted with a smile and a friendly handshake. The rugged terrain still beacons to be explor ed, but today, one can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of an automobile and climb into a warm bed at night instead of sleeping on the gr ound. That, by the way, is y our choice in Old West Country, and you will love it either way.

For more information, visit our website at www.oldwestcountry.com.

Old West Country photos ŠJoseph Burgess

OLD WEST COUNTRY

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By Joe Burgess

Spanish History and Space Age Technology Socorro has tied its past and present to the nation’s future

f

eeking the futur e while preserving both the past and

present is the challenge aptly handled

by

the historic

community of S ocorro. The search for new frontiers in space is appropriately this page: Under Spanish rule, San Miguel Mission was established on El Camino Real, the trade route to Santa Fe. right—Radio telescopes of the Very Large Array search for the secrets of the universe. opposite: Sandhill cranes stop to feed at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

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based wher

e

Spanish Explorers passed in search of ne w conquests and migratory birds seek r efuge in today’s frenzied existence.

Capturing sounds fr om deep space,

the N ational

Radio

Astronomy Observatory operates the Very Large Array 52 miles

support

west of S ocorro.

a facility on the campus of

OLD WEST TRAILS

The VLA

complex consists of 27 dishshaped

personnel

based in

trade route to Santa Fe. About ten miles do wn river

New Mexico Institute of M ining

from Socorro on the Rio Grande,

and Technology.

the 57,000 acr e Bosque del

A monument to S

ocorro’s

Apache National Wildlife Refuge

heritage is S an Miguel Mission,

draws thousands of visitors in

dating back to 1615. S

panish

November and D ecember to

spread along three

colonists established the commun-

observe migrating bir ds. Tens of

13-mile legs, with

ity as a stop on El Camino Real, the

thousands of honking snow geese

antennas

may be pr esent at the pr eserve at any one time during the migrator y period.

Socorro’s annual Festival of the C ranes includes wildlife lectures and art shows.

The Mineral Museum on the campus of N ew Mexico Institute of

in

Mining and Technology houses the

OLD WEST try

state's largest mineral collections with

Coun

over 10,000 specimens.

• Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge • Championship Golf Course • Ghost Towns • NRAO Very Large Array Radio Telescope • Historic District • El Camino Real Make your next vacation a trip to Socorro in Old West Country... where it all began!.

EVENTS Feb Crusin' with the Cranes. 838-4800 Civil War Re-enactment. 835-2530 Apr State Science Fair. 835-5678 May Cinco de Mayo. 835-0424 Socorro Women of the West History Trail. 835-1436 Jun Conrad Hilton Open Golf Tourney. 835-0424 Jul Concerts & Fireworks. 835-0424 Aug Socorro Sprint Triathlon. 835-4800 Socorro Fest. 835-0424 Sep Fat Tire Fiesta. 835-0424 Enchanted Skies Star Party. 835-0424 San Miguel Fiesta. 835-0424 Oct Octoberfest. 835-0424 Alamo Indian Days. 835-0424 49ers Celebration. 835-5525 Nov Festival of the Cranes. 835-0424 Dec Socorro Balloon Rally. 835-0424

Socorro County CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.oldwestcountry.com

101 Plaza • P.O. Box 743 • Socorro, NM 87801 505-835-0424 www.socorro-nm.com

LOCATION Socorro is located at the junction of I-25 and US 60, Bosque del A pache Refuge is nearby.

TOUR ROUTE Travel 164 miles on US 60, NM 12 and US 180, to Glenwood MORE INFORMATION Socorro Chamber of Commerce (505) 835-0424 SOCORRO

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By Joe Burgess

Recreation and hot mineral water A great place to wake up your senses

[ this page: Fishing off the pier at the Damsite Marina. opposite: A pond near the Rio Grande provides a relaxing setting for an early stroll through Ralph Edwards Park.

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ot mineral baths, museums,

name of H ot Springs actually

houses are open year round. The

lakes. . . and a name that

describes the community mor e

relaxing and healing attributes of

grabs people’s attention! Truth or

accurately. Apaches and early

the baths ar e combined with a

Consequences, the community

settlers recognized the healthful

full gamut of r elated services

that struck a deal with Ralph

aspects of the hot mineral waters

including Swedish massage, ener-

as far back as the 1800s.

The

gy therapy, reflexology, ayurvedic

Apache chief, Geronimo, is said

science, ear coning, T'ai Chi and

show

to have bathed in the hot springs,

yoga. A therapeutic walk along

host’s

thus giving his name to the

the river in Ralph E dwards Park

Geronimo Springs Museum and

is also recommended.

OLD WEST TRAILS

Edwards

in 1950, was named after the famous

television show. The city’s former

Geronimo Peace Days Fiesta.

Today, full-service bath-

It is certainly the waters that make Truth or Consequences

special. In addition to the hot mineral springs, a full array of water spor

Truth or

ting

Consequences

and camping facilities ar e available at the area’s three state parks. Water skiing, scuba diving and fishing on E lephant

SIERRA COUNTY

Butte Lake, the state ’s largest body of

SIERRA COUNTY the RECREATION PARADISE of New Mexico

water, are but the beginning of the list of activities.

HOT MINERAL SPRINGS, FISHING, HUNTING, BOATING, RAFTING, SAILING, HIKING, GOLFING, SWIMMING, BIKING & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Photo by Gerald Garner, Jr.

Sierra County/ Truth or Consequences Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 31 Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

1-800-831-9487 505-894-3536 www.truthorconsequencesnm.net

Explore Ghost Towns

EVENTS Feb Chocolate Lovers Event. 894-0615 May Ralph Edwards Fiesta. 894-3536 Jun Turtleback Folk Art & Music Festival 894-0615 Sep Hillsboro Apple Festival. 895-5686 Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta 894-4708 Oct Geronimo Days Peace Gathering.

894-2181 Old-Timers Fiddlers State Championship. 894-3536 Nov Artwalk. 894-0615

Rio Grande Guide Service

Featuring: Fishing, Camping and Guided Tours PO Box 1611 Elephant Butte, NM 87935

505-740-0150 505-894-3454

www.riograndeguideservice.com

Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway

LOCATION Truth or Consequences is located on I-25 by Elephant Butte Lake State Park in the hot springs region of the Rio Grande.

A trip through time, from desert lakes to mountain forests.

TOUR ROUTE On I-25, travel 72 miles north to Socorro or 75 miles south to Las C ruces.

MORE INFORMATION Truth or Consequences Sierra County Chamber (505) 894-3536 or (800) 831-9487

PAID FOR IN PART BY TorC LODGERS TAX

211 Main Street Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

(505) 894-1968 Paid in part with City of T or C Lodgers Tax Funds

www.geronimotrail.com

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

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Nation’s

BEST COMMUNITIES

BY ED TEJA

The strength of Old West Country has always been in its communities. From the r egion’s ancient villages to its modern cities, there has been a deep-r ooted spirit that has not only persevered, but has generated a lifestyle and work ethic second to none. These communities continue to celebrate their historic roots while achieving national rankings among the best places in the nation to visit, live, work and retire.

The synergies from these vibrant communities, each with a fascinating past, make O ld West Country both wonder ful and unique. The communities ar e quickly gathering national recognition for the many qualities that make them the right choice for work and entertainment. Business analysts, such as the Forbes/Milken Institute, point to the div

erse and gr owing

economy in the ar ea as the r eason the communities ar e ideal places for both businesses and individual car eers. Those who come to O ld West Country find wor k in the traditional businesses of farming, ranching and food processing blending in with high tech industries that reach far into the future.

Modern Maturity and M oney Magazine note that these communities are excellent choices for r etirees, ranking them among the best in the nation, while other publications highlight the artistic and historic assets and excellent business climate of the region. The articles note that the ar ea is among the healthiest to OW6

OLD WEST TRAILS

are Found Right Here in

Old West Country!

Early morning sunlight reflects off the Rio Grande in Las Cruces, the best small business community in the U.S.

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Nation’s

BEST COMMUNITIES

this page: Originally a mining town, Silver City is recognized as a fast growing ar t community, and one of America's finest small towns. opposite: Photos reveal the recreational, technical, historic and scenic strengths of Old West Country near the communities of Truth or Consequences, Socorro, Deming, Lordsburg and Glenwood.

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OLD WEST TRAILS

live in, among the most interesting, and at least

those found anywhere in the country. Old West

a little bit different from what you would find

Country is r ecognized for its activ e arts

elsewhere in the countr y. While every region

councils, fine arts organizations and univ ersity

wants to lay claim to the friendliest people on

programs that ensur e that ther e is always

the planet, O ld West Country seems to be

something new and inter esting, or something

where they are actually found.

old and interesting happening.

The area's culture is determinedly casual

For people of any age seeking adv enture

and the galleries and boutiques are often found

or planning an activ e life wher e access to

in quaint surr oundings. The works and

wilderness areas, bass lakes, hunting and hiking

products presented, however, are as current as

is important, Old West Country offers a variety

of excellent choices. With 3.3 million acr es of forest, pristine mountain str eams and trout lakes, the state ’s largest r ecreational lakes, hiking trails, scenic byways and a mild climate to facilitate any activity , those who want to enjo y nature at her finest hav e to pick and choose where to start.

The less active can stroll and simply relax in these beautiful settings. An abundance of spring waters that once sustained both settlers passing through and the nomadic A paches are now found in parks and historic sites. Hot springs, both dev eloped and undev eloped, offer visitors their therapeutic benefits, as well as sheer muscle-relaxing enjoyment.

The first permanent habitations in the area date back 800-1200 y ears to cultur es that built communities of pit houses, pueblos and cliff dw ellings. Some, like the Gila Cliff Dwellings, afforded the occupants protection, yet provided easy access to fertile river valleys where they gr ew corn, beans and squash. Those early communities are still honored by museums whose displays give us a glimpse of that b ygone era, and b y modern artists and potters who carr y on the artistic traditions of those ancient peoples. Western New Mexico University Museum, in Silver City, houses the largest permanent exhibit of pr ehistoric Mimbres pottery and culture in the U nited States, and the N ew Mexico Farm and Ranch H eritage Museum in Las Cruces has recreated agricultural practices from the early cultures.

The perimeter of the map of O ld West Country is marked with the names of towns that are synonymous with the histor y of America’s Old West era. Among the characters whose sensationaliz ed names still generate a spar k of aw e and mystique among Americans and whose spirits still linger in S

outhwest New Mexico are

Butch Cassidy, Geronimo, Mangus Colorado, Billy the Kid and Elfuego Baca.

The region's close ties to M exico, physically, and also ar tistically, culturally and economically, add to the fascinating natur e of life in O ld West Country. The Hispanic fiestas, when added to nationally recognized fairs, festivals, and sporting events from bull riding to jet skiing, migrator y bird watching to consuming M om’s apple pie, create the most enviable of lifestyles imaginable.

Old West Country’s “Best Communities” offer diverse qualities while maintaining unique identities. Each has become a community of choice for r

ecreation, the ar ts,

retirement and business and should be on ev eryone’s list of end destinations.

this page: top left—Truth or Consequences's state parks afford an array of water spor ts and camping. top right—Unlike neighboring ghost towns, Lordsburg is a model for planning and infrastructure development. center—Socorro is a gateway to modern technology on the 400-year old El Camino Real. center right—The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum houses collections of potter y from the early Mimbres culture and artifacts from early settlers. bottom right-—Catron County, New Mexico's largest county, includes picturesque Mogollon ghost town.

OW9

Gila Wilderness Horseback Vacations

“A Horseback Vacation Friends & Family can Enjoy”

• Daily Trail Riding Adventures

• Overnight Lodging/Horseback Packages

• Ancient Indian Cliff Dwelling Trips

• Fishing Trips • Hiking With Pack Stock

• Photography Trips • Nature & Wildlife Trips

• Wilderness Horseback Pack Trips

U-Trail

C all for full details and information package

website: www.utrail.com

505-539-2426

e-mail: utrail@gilanet.com

Wildhorse Road. in Southwest NM • P.O. Box 66, Glenwood, NM 88039

exáxÜäx9 Z ÄxÇãÉÉw

By Joe Burgess

Enchanting Communities

Picturesque villages nestled among cottonwoods and trout streams

Z

this page: Steel catwalks cling to canyon walls at the Catwalk National Recreation Trail.

lenwood and Reserve truly are the passageways to wilderness trails, trout streams, lakes nestled among the pine tr ees, and an intriguing O ld West ghost town. Picturesque mountain driving is at its best in this region. Travel 35 miles nor th from Glenwood to Reserve, to pr epare for trips to either Quemado and Snow Lakes. Gateway to the great outdoors, these to wns have lodging, gear, and supplies for a full range of activities.

The Catwalk N ational Recreation Trail starts just fiv e miles fr om Glenwood. Picnic grounds among huge sycamores and long steel walkways that cling to the sides of narrow bluffs in the lower canyon combine historic gold mining techniques with r ugged mountain beauty.

From US 180 just nor th of Glenwood, travelers can take a side trip on NM 159, a narr ow paved road that winds into the mountains to the mining ghost town of M ogollon. A w ell maintained dirt road from Mogollon skirts along the nor thern edge of the vast Gila Wilderness and leads on into the high countr y for ex cellent fishing and camping opportunities.

Reserve & Glenwood In Old West Country

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Catron County.

• Explore the Gila Wilderness • Enjoy friendly people • Visit the Catwalk • Drive the scenic highways

Explore Old West Country!

• Go back into history where it all began • See beautiful mountain lakes and clear mountain str eams

Reserve

Glenwood

www.catroncounty.org/chamber

505-533-6116 chamber@catroncounty.org

EVENTS Feb Red Dessert Social Art Show. 539-2711 May Glenwood Fishing Derby. 539-2711 Jul Western Fine Arts Auction/Dance. 539-2711 Sep Scorpion Sting Endurance Ride. 539-2711 Nov Glenwood Cowboy Golf Tourney. 539-2711 MORE INFORMATION Catron County Chamber (505) 533-6116 Glenwood Chamber (505)539-2711

www.oldwestcountry.com

www.glenwoodnewmexico.com

505-539-2711

chamber@glenwoodnewmexico.com

LOCATION Glenwood is on US 180 nor th of Silver City. Reserve is on NM12 between Glenwood and Socorro.

TOUR Travel south 62 miles on US 180 from Glenwood to Silver City or east 67 miles on NM 12/US 60, from Reserve to Socorro.

GLENWOOD

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E K L E K T I K A S

for casual elegance EKLEKTIKAS

703 N. Black Street Silver City, NM 88061

505-538-8081 www.eklektikas.com

EKLEKTIKAS II

104 Yankie Street Silver City, NM 88061

f|ÄäxÜ V|àç

By Ed Teja

Ranked One of Nation’s Top Small Towns Silver City is consistantly rated as one of the BEST Places to Live and Retire

f

ilver City initially attracts

visitors drawn to southw estern

New Mexico by the G ila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and more than three million acres of the Gila National Forest. Others come to enjoy day trips to Lake R oberts, the historic village of Pinos Altos, City of Rocks State Park, the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, and the this page: The Silver City Museum, formerly the home of H.B. Ailman and built in 1881, now houses artifacts from the silver mining era.

gentle seasons.

Visitors passing thr ough Silver

ghost towns of M ogollon and

City are taken b y the r enovated

Shakespeare. Frequently, however,

downtown shopping district, historic

these guests are surprised to learn just

Victorian homes, and a w ell estab-

how much this mile high community

lished art community that attracts

has to offer. The word is getting out.

world-class art buyers. A gr owing

Today Silver City is becoming widely

gallery community featur es south-

known for its friendly atmospher e,

western art and fine art equal to that

the creativity of its citiz ens, and a

found in any major ar t center. No

climate that affor ds residents four

wonder writer J ohn Villani listed

RATINGS Silver City is attracting attention. It made the top three in Modern Maturity's list of the Best Small Towns in America; writer Norman Ford rated it in the top one percent in his book, Healthiest Places to Live and Retire in the United States and Norman Crampton featured it in his book, The 100 Best Small Towns in America. John Villani included Silver City in The Hundred Best Small Art Towns in America. National Trust for Historic Preservation chose Silver City in USA’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations-2002.

SILVER CITY

SC1

Silver City in his book,

Hundred Best

Small Art Towns in America.

Just walking ar ound Silver City is a

the Silver City M useum. Those with children will want to see P enny Park, a community playground complex for

joy. Starting from the site of Billy the Kid's

the town's children—built by local

former childhood home (curr ent location

townspeople without tax money.

of the visitor's center), it is a relaxing stroll

Increasingly, both trav el writers and

through Big Ditch Park, home to the city's

visitors reach the same conclusion–that

annual art festival. There are organized

Silver City is one of the best possible

walking tours through the historic district,

places to live and retire. In 2002, Modern

beginning and ending at the H.B. Ailman

Maturity Magazine chose Silver City as the

House (built in 1881), which now houses

#3 Small Town in America, taking into

this page: top—Built in 1892, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church adhered to an 1880 ordinance banning frame construction. center—Completely designed by elementary school students, Penny Park provides fun for all ages. bottom left—Charming streetlights entice visitors and residents to come out and enjoy evenings downtown. bottom right—The Gila Regional Medical Center provides state-of-the-art health care for the area.

account factors such as neighborliness, restaurants, ease of getting around on foot, ethnic diversity, recreational options, "and most impor tant, cultural vitality ."

Writer Norman Crampton has featur ed Silver City in his book,

The 100 B est

Small Towns In America, calling it a community of distinctiv e cultures and natural beauty. Silver City also ranked in the top 1% in N

orman Ford's book,

Healthiest Places to Live and Retire in the United States.

Indeed, the people of S

ilver City

pride themselves on the v

ariety of

cultural activities av ailable. The city's strong and vibrant ar ts council, film society, and local ar ts guilds pr oduce an enviable array of concer ts, exhibits, festivals, and other activities. S ilver City's numerous annual ev ents include a monthly art walk, an annual galler

y

weekend, and the popular B lues Festival held in Gough Park. Various concert series ensure a steady str eam of international musical talent flows through Silver City.

SILVER CITY EVENTS Feb 7 BYU Legends, FACT. 538-2505 13 MRAC Gallery Opening, Anderson Flenniken & Flenniken. 538-2505 14 "May Britt with Love" 538-2505 15 Chocolate Fantasia. 538-2505 22 Lazer Vandeville, FACT. 538-2505 Mar 14 The Buckarettes, Folk Art Series, The Opera House. 538-2505 20 Celebrity Waiters. 538-6320 21 Dancing on Common Ground Community Concert Presentation. 538-2159 27 Hopi Mesa & Zuni Pueblo Arts & Cultural Tour. 538-2505 Apr 3 MRAC Gallery Exhibit opening Harry Benjamin. 538-2505 12 2nd Annual Southwest Golf Tourn. 538-0289 12 Santa Fe Opera, Cobre Theater. 538-2505 18 Josh Bogin, Folk Series, The Opera House. 538-2505 26 Celebration of Spring. 538-1700 30 Tour of the Gila. 388-3222 May 15 Silver City Blues Festival Commemorative Print Opening 23 Annual Blues Festival. 538-2505 24 Mainstreet Blues Berry Brunch. 538-2505 28 Wild, Wild, West Pro Rodeo. 538-3785 31 5th Annual Rodeo Parade & Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo Days Celebration. 535-2567 Jun 21 Sterling Silver City Century. 538-3388 23-27 New Mexico Womens State Amateur Golf Tournament. 538-6310 Jul 4 Ice Cream Social. 538-5721 17-20 Mimbres Paquime. 538-2505 Aug 9 Festival de la Llanta GordaFat Tire Festival. 538-3388 16 St Vincent de Paul Fiesta. 388-2360 30 Gem and Mineral Show. 538-3216 30-31 San Vicente Art Fair. 388-4854 tba 24th Annual Gun Show. 388-2360 Sep 1 20th Annual Gem & Mineral Show 6 Gila Thunder Bike Run. 388-2407 13 Gila Inner-Loop Bike Tour. 538-3388 30 Big Ditch Art Fair. 388-4854 tba Billy Casper Benefit Golf Classic. 538-4067 Oct 10 Weekend at the Galleries. 538-2505 tba Spook Walk. 534-1700 Nov 29 Winter Wonderland Light Parade. 534-1700 Dec 18 Victorian Christmas. 538-5721

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce SC2

1-800-548-9378 • 505-538-3785 www.silvercity.org

There are also writer and ar

tist

Gila Cliff Dw ellings near S ilver City

workshops, the Tour of the Gila national

centuries ago, and those of the P aquimé

bicycle race, the S ignal Peak mountain

Ruins of M exico's Casas G randes

bike race, the Wild Wild West Pro

Culture, both produced pottery painted

Rodeo, and numer ous cultural ev ents

with geometric designs. Today, Juan

run by Western New Mexico University

Quezada, recognized as a National Artist

(WNMU). The community activ ely

of Mexico, produces his acclaimed

supports these activities with individual

pottery in M ata Ortiz, and has

memberships and corporate sponsor-

demonstrated his techniques at Western

ships. Other support comes fr om the

New Mexico University. Thus Silver City

National Endowment for the Ar ts, the

continues

Kennedy Center Partners in E ducation,

importance of Mexican culture from past

and the New Mexico Arts Commission.

to present.

to ackno

wledge

the

this page: top left—Successful Main Street renovations, and an infusion of stores and galleries, make the historic downtown area a vital and captivating place to work and shop. bottom Left—The annual Billy Casper Golf Tournament raises money for Gila Regional Medical Center Foundation. bottom —The Besse-Forward Global Resource Center on the campus of Western New Mexico University resulted from a university/and Silver City Grant County Economic Development Corp.

(SIGRED) partnership.

The Mimbres Paquimé Pottery Symposium, sponsored by the Ar ts Council and the WNMU Museum, acknowledges and builds on the cultural and economic ties betw een Silver City and its sister community of Casas Grandes, Mexico. The people of the Mogollon Culture who inhabited the

SILVER CITY

SC3

Mimbres Region

Arts council Promoting all the arts in their richness to people of all ages.

• Performance series September thru May. • Silver City Blues Festival-Memorial Day Weekend.

• Weekend at the Galleries-Columbus Day Weekend.

• Mata Ortiz Pottery Workshop - July.

1201 Pope St. • Silver City, NM

505-538-2505

888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc

Silver City

Museum Gift Shop In the H.B. Ailman House Books & Regional Gifts Tues.-Fri. 9:00-4:30 Sat.-Sun. 10:00-4:00 Closed Monday

312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM

505-388-5721

Western New Mexico University Museum Houses the largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery and culture in the world. Located in Fleming Hall on the WNMU campus.

Open Mon.-Fri. 9:00-4:30 Sat.- Sun. 10:00-4:00 Free Admission Handicap Accessible

505-538-6386 www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm

for casual elegance EKLEKTIKAS

EKLEKTIKAS II

104 Yankie Street 703 N. Black Street Silver City, NM 88061

505-538-8081 www.eklektikas.com

á la mode

fine fashions etc.

“a truly unique shopping experience” Color Me Cotton BrazilRoxx Jeans Earth Creations Donna French Dressing

harvé benard Gepetto Lauren Vidal Tribal

Mesmerize Madeline Nicole Liz & Jane Petites to Plus Sizes

704 North Bullard • Silver City, NM 88061

505.388.2474 • 505.388.2484 (fax) SC4

SILVER CITY BUSINESSES

GALLERIES BLUE DOME GALLERY. Contemporary and timeless art. 307 N. Texas, Silver City 88061. 505-388-4309 www.bluedomegallery.com e-mail: bluedome@zianet.com

EKLEKTIKAS. A distinctive gallery in a fine historical home. Antiques, P aintings, Sculpture, Contemporary and Colonial Furniture, Custom Lamps, Oriental Rugs, Santos, Retablos, Handcrafted T imepieces, Unique Folk Art. 703 Black St. Silver City. PH/FX 505-538-8081 GIFTED HANDS GALLERY. Discover this unique 3600 sq. ft. gallery f eaturing fine art, jewelry , pottery, glass and metal by local and regional artists. 315 N. Bullard. 505-534-2104.

LEYBA & INGALLS ARTS SUPPLIES & GALLERY. Carries the finest in art supplies and art for the discriminating collector. 217 N. Bullard, Silver City .

505-388-5725 MIMBRES REGION ARTS C OUNCIL. Promoting the Arts through festivals, events, performances, youth programs, visual arts e xhibits, and arts and culture tours. 505-538-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc SILVER WINDS GALLERY. Fine contemporary Southwestern art including stained glass, sculpted canvases and figurative sculpture. 29 Main Street, Pinos Altos. 505-388-5202

MUSEUMS SILVER CITY MUSEUM Regional history: mining, ranching, Victoriana, arts, Mimbres/Apac he cultures.

Research/photographic archives. Excellent gift shop.

312 W. Broadway, Silver City. 505-388-5721 WNMU MUSEUM Features the largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery and artifacts. Additional exhibits. Gift shop. Handicapped accessible. F ree Admission. Fleming Hall, WN MU. 505-538-6386 www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm

SHOPPING FURNITURE GALLERY INC. & S LEEP SHOP. Brand name furnishings: Lazyb oy, LaCrosse, Sealy , Simmons and Ashley. 1300 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City. 505-388-3109 www.thefurnituregallery.com HAMILTON’S FURNITURE. Family owned. Your one stop furniture store. “F rom ordinary to extraordinary”.

We have it! Reasonable prices and great service.

2706 32nd St. By Pass North, Silver City. 505-388-0700 HOME FURNITURE. Largest Showrooms in SW New Mexico. Family owned and operated in historic downtown Silver City for 6 6 years. 20 7 Bullard.

505-538-3767 JACK’S & M IKE’S GILA HIKE & B IKE. Most excellent bikes. Repairs on all brands. Since 19 88.

Camping gear, hiking b oots, maps and trail guides.

103 College, Silver City. 505-388-3222 REPEAT BOUTIQUE. Unique, fun shopping experience! Antique to modern furniture, trinkets and gifts, Native American jewelry . 311 N. Bullard, Silver City. 505-388-5262 STAR MOUNTAIN TRADING. Handcrafted jewelry, gifts, Indian art, minerals, textiles, blown glass, pottery, books, music, jewelry supplies, 1000s of diff erent beads. 409 N. Bullard. 505-534-0377 THE WESTERN & M EXICAN EMPORIUM. The most unique store in Silver City: decorative accessories, pottery and gifts from Me xico. A “must see!”

Located at 308 S. Bullard, Silver City. 505-534-0218 TWIN SISTERS CYCLING AND FITNESS. Bicycles, exercise equipment, clothing, and accesories, expert salespeople and mechanics. Come on in! 303 N. Bullard, Silver City. 505-538-3388 VICTORIAN MOMENT. A linen shoppe and more.

515 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 505-388-1767

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES STREAM INTERNATIONAL. Stream has unlimited opportunities! F ull time and part time, customer service and technical support positions are available.

3031 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City. 505-956-1100. Apply on-line at www.stream.com

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce

1-800-548-9378 • 505-538-3785

For a complete listing of ser vices please check our website: www.silvercity.org

museums

GALLERIES

&

performing arts

Stroll into the many ar t galleries,

By Mary Alice Murphy

events such as the B

lues Festival

especially in the fe w short blocks of

(Memorial Day weekend), the F olk

Yankie, Bullard and B roadway

Series, or special Christmas program.

streets, to disco ver the w ealth of

Cobre and Silver High Schools and

talent that caused S ilver City to be

the WNMU Drama Department

listed in The Hundred Best Small Art

present award-winning plays. In the

Towns in America. Other galleries lie

summer season, take par t in the

scattered in and around the town.

melodramas that unfold at the

Do not miss the annual Weekend at the G alleries, sponsored by The Mimbres

Region

Arts

Pinos Altos Opera House.

The Silver City M useum on

Council

Broadway gives you an overview of

(MRAC), Columbus Day weekend in

life in the early days. The museum

October. Enjoy the annual B ig Ditch

at WNMU highlights a collection of

Art Fair on Labor D ay weekend

Mimbres pottery artifacts.

sponsored by San Vicente Artists (SVA) of Silver City. Indulge in a selfguided art walk using SVA's brochure.

The McCray Gallery at Western New Mexico University (WNMU)

this page: Gallery openings and visual arts events, internationally acclaimed performing arts programs and fashion fill the local calendar on a year-round basis.

holds world-class exhibitions.

Take in a musical concer

t

sponsored by the G rant County Community Concert Association or MRAC. E njoy the y early special

SILVER CITY

SC5

www.silvercity.org

Silver City’s art community springs into the limelight with gallery tours, a wine tasting gala and musical entertainment. Experience the extent of the region’s original works, from crystal and jewelry to metal and fine ar t.

October 10-12

Weekend At the Galleries (505) 538-2505 Toll Free: 888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc

An intriguing symposium based on the pottery techniques of famed Mexican artist/potter, Juan Quezada, who demonstrates the painting and firing of his exquisite earthenware creations.

July 17-20.

Mimbres Paquimé Pottery Weekend (505) 538-2505

1-800-548-9378

www.mrac.cc

Local parks and clubs fill with the l yrics of some of Americas’s top blues bands on Memorial Day weekend. Artistic endeavors, food and drink, friends and fresh mountain air add to the emotionpacked blues extravaganza. May 23-25.

Silver City Blues Festival Call (505) 538-2505 Toll Free: 888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc

Photo by Bob Pelham

e vents

major

SC6 SC6

SILVER CITY

A grueling and exciting5-day stage race for bicycles,the tour climbs along the edg e of the Gila Wildernessand through the streets of Silver City. Local,nationaland international men’s and women’s teams compete .

April 30-May 4.

Tour of the Gila Call: 388-3222 Toll Free: 888-758-7289 www.silvercity.org

Bull riding, barrel racing and steer roping generate a high-pitched level of excitement at the spirited rodeo event of the year. Include Cowboy Golf, Rodeo Parade, Cowboy Breakfast and nightly dancing in your itinerary.

May 28-31.

Wild,Wild, West Pro Rodeo Call: (505) 538-3785 Toll Free: 800-548-9378

www.silvercity.org

A powerhouse event in its 15th year, the Gila Regional Billy Casper Benefit Golf Classic is a PGA-sanctioned ProAm Tourney. Billy began his career in Ft. Bayard and returns to Silver City to help promote the fundraiser for the Gila Regional Medical Center Foundation. September-TBA. Billy Casper Benefit Golf Classic (505) 538-5041

Silver City Rated One of the Nation’s Best Places To Live & Retire

Discover the colorful history dating back to 1870 when silver was discovered. Tales from those early days tell of characters like Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Judge Roy Bean, and the Hearst family.

Explore the ancient cultures and see collections of the distinctive black-on-white pottery that was developed over one thousand years ago by Mimbres Indians.

Visit the Gila National F orest and wilderness area, and discover a region of wildlife, wildflowers, and endless outdoor activities. Shop for unique Southwestern art and souvenirs, and enjoy authentic Mexican food. Stroll down historic Victorian streets to coffee houses, museums, galleries, theaters or parks to complete the day.

Choose any season, there’s always a reason to come to Silver City.

NEW MEXICO

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 201 N. Hudson Street • Silver Cit y, NM 88061 www.silvercity.org

1-800-548-9378

Step inside.

Get a feel for the place.

607 North Hudson Street Silver City, NM 88061

Carol Thompson Broker

SILVER CITY BUSINESSES

FINANCIAL AMBANK. Your home owned and managed independent full service bank. Decisions are made here. 3 locations: Hurley , Bayard and Silver City .

505-534-0550 or 800-440-8751 FIRST NEW MEXICO BANK. Independent full service Bank. Neighb ors Helping Neighb ors. 1928 Hwy. 180 E. and at Wal-Mart. 505-388-3121 HOMETOWN MORTGAGE OF N EW MEXICO. Purchase, Refinance, Seconds. L ocally owned.

Member of B BB. Equal Housing L ender. 212 E. 12th St. 505-534-2945 or 8 88-830-6800

MAGAZINES

Patrick Conlin Assoc. Broker

ZIA PUBLISHING. New Mexico’s elite design and publishing group. Specializing in quality advertising, brochures, catalogs, and magazines. Call for quotes.

611 N. Hudson St., Silver City. 505-956-1560

Century 21 Thompson Realty 607 North Hudson Silver City, NM 88061 505-538-0021 800-358-0021 www.silver-nm.com

WILDERNESS GUIDE U-TRAIL Gila Wilderness horseback vacations that friends and family can enjoy . Call for details and information package. 505-539-2426 www.utrail.com email: utrail@gilanet.com

SERVICES BEAR MOUNTAIN MOTORCYCLE SHOP. A motorcycle maintenance shop focused on all makes and models. Specialized in Harley Davidson. L ocated at 117 W. Market St. on the corner of Market and Texas.

High Touch & High Tech When you need quality health care you can take comfort in the broad scope of our services — 48 dedicated physicians on our active medical staff matched with millions of dollars invested in stateof-the art diagnostic equipment.

CLIMATE Semi-arid.

L H Jan 23 46 Feb 25 50 Mar 29 57 Apr 33 66 May 42 76 Jun 52 88

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Annual Moisture: 15.69 inches

L 58 54 49 39 28 23

H 88 78 78 67 54 48

POPULATION City 10,545 County 31,002 County Size 4,356 sq. miles

TAXES Inside City.

Wind Canyon Estates Located approximately 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy 180 W. bordering the Gila National Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breath-taking views–some as far away as Arizona. Enjoy the native vegetation of beautiful wildflowers, yucca, and stately piñon, juniper, cedar and oak evergreens. 10 acre parcels priced from $60,000. Definitely a place to explore!

501 Silver Heights Blvd. • Silver City, NM

’01 rate per $1000 net taxable value: Residential 15.935 Non-residential 17.397 ’03 Gross Receipts 6.500

GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 68 Beds, 590 Staff, 45 Physicians

WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY Graduate, Undergraduate and Associate Degrees

GRANT COUNTY AIRPORT Serving the area with daily commercial flights.

SILVER CITY GOLF COURSE 18-hole championship course.

CORRE CAMINOS TRANSIT

505-538-2931

http.//www.zianet.com/cber

Quality People, Quality Service for over 37 Years.

We are an established team of professionals whose success is built on quality ser vice and customer satisfaction. Call us today and put Silver City’s oldest, largest and most recommended real estate company to work for YOU! 505 W. College • Silver City, NM

505-538-5373 800-234-0307

www.smithrealestate.com askus@smithrealestate.com

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County-wide scheduled transportation.

LOCATION Silver City is located in S outhwest New Mexico, Grant County, in the foothills of the Pinos Altos Range, an extension of the Mogollon Mountains.

Silver City is centrally located at the junction of US 180 and NM 90 almost equidistant to Denver, Dallas and Los Angeles... and to El Paso and Tucson.

DIRECTIONS

On US 180, travel northwest 62 miles to Glenwood or southeast 52 miles to Deming.

On NM 90 and US 70, travel 44 miles southwest from Silver City to Lordsburg.

MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 201 N. Hudson Street, • Silver City, NM 88061

1-800-548-9378 • 505-538-3785

For a complete listing of ser vices check our website: www.silvercity.org

& lifestyle homes

By Mary Alice Murphy

Iron your jeans and thr ow a blaz er

right next door to a

Victorian house

over your t-shirt to attend a dr essy

with all the r equisite decoration. R ed

occasion. The casual lifestyle of S ilver

tile roofs on M editerranean-style

City appeals to many who hav e come

houses on sev eral acres dot the

here to escape the ties and high heels of

hillsides. Only the dust from a moving

corporate and urban America. B ut do

truck on a long private dirt road might

not throw those formal clothes away ,

mark the existence of old ranch houses

because you might want to show off for

on large acreages.

an art exhibition opening, a concert, or

Mountain retreats help the occupants

a special evening out. At any event you

relax. Weekend cottages at Lake

attend, you will see clothes fr

Roberts beckon the world-w eary to a

designer to Levis and whatev

om

er you

wear, you will fit right in.

Because of S ilver City's "four gentle seasons," enjoyment of the outdoors figures prominently in ev eryone's life.

Bikers, hikers, and r unners all find happiness in the surr ounding forest.

Walk around downtown and y ou will find that dogs often accompany their

simpler existence.

Affordable homes are available for all income levels. this page: Silver City home styles var y with the area and range from classic V ictorian or historic adobe in the downtown area to Mediterranean in the foothills and high-pitched roof lines in the surrounding foothills and mountains.

masters on jaunts about town.

Homes run the gamut from milliondollar mansions to r enovated historic homes in the do wntown district. A small adobe house can live in harmony

SILVER CITY

SC9

TheCelebrating Palace Hotel 100 Years Located in the downtown historic district.

Reminiscent of a small hotel in the European Tradition.

• Affordable Rates • 18 Rooms & Suites • Continental Breakfast 106 W. Broadway Silver City, NM 88061

505-388-1811

www.zianet.com/palacehotel

Holiday Inn Express The Holiday Inn Express in beautiful Silver City is your ticket to a Southwest adventure. Let our friendly staff aid you in exploring the wonders of the S ilver City area from a convenient homebase that features a fully equipped fitness center and spa facilities.

1103 Superior St. • Silver City, NM 88061

1-800-HOLIDAY 538-2525

www.hiexpress.com

Copper Creek Ranch Chuck Wagon Supper & Western Show Family Dining Friday & Saturday Nights Memorial Day thru Labor Day Reservations Appreciated

20 Flury Lane • Silver City, NM

505-538-2971

www.coppercreeklady@zianet.com

The

RED BARN

FAMILY STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE

the COPPER MANOR Motel

• Char-broiled Steaks • Salad Bar • Prime Rib • Soup • Chicken • Hot Beans • Seafood • Desserts LUNCH & WEEKEND SPECIALS 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT

• Spacious Rooms, Computer Desks with Data Ports, Analog Phones for the Business Traveler • Cable TV w/Remote & ESPN. • Indoor Heated Pool & Jacuzzi

505-538-5666

800-853-2916 • 505-538-5392

708 Hwy 180 E, Silver City, NM 88061

710 Hwy. 180 E. • Silver City, NM

Dos Griegos Our goal has been to blend the comfor ts of luxurious community living while preserving the pristine environment in which Dos Griegos is situated.

With its open space, nature trails, and protective building covenants, it’s Not just a subdivision...It’s a neighborhood!

501 Silver Heights Blvd. • Silver City, NM

505-538-2931

http.//www.silvercity-realestate.com

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SILVER CITY

SILVER CITY BUSINESSES

SERVICES

continued BROCOM. Southern New Mexico’s leading established telecommunications company. Unmatched for quality and reliability. 1402 N. Bennett St., Silver City .

505-388-2645 PETERS AGENCY INSURANCE. Where your friends go to save money . Auto, Home, Lif e, Medical, Disability, Commercial, Workers Comp. Barbara P eters. 601 19th St., Silver City. 505-538-3787 SIGRED. Silver City Grant County Economic Development Corp. and S BDC: Small Business Development Center. Business assistance you can use! Besse-Forward Global Resource Center , WNMU. 505-538-6320 www.silvercity-business.com SOUTHWEST SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS. Computer and printer sales and service. W e carry Dell, H P and custom built computers. L ocated in historic downtown at 414 N. Bullard St., Silver City. 505-534-4861

REAL ESTATE CENTURY 21 THOM PSON REALTY. Residential land, commercial sales, investment and property management 607 Hudson, Silver City , NM. 505-538-0021, or 800-358-0021. www.silver-nm.com COLDWELL BANKER. For all your real estate needs “Call the Enc hantment Team.” See our ad on P age 8.

501Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City . 505-53 8-2931 or 800-456-3132 www.zianet.com/cber MIMBRES REALTY. Experienced, knowledgeable, professional realtors who care ab out your realty needs.

Buying, selling, renting, homes, land, commercial properties. We do it all! 313 0 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City.

505-538-3789.

RE/MAX SILVER CITY ADVANTAGE. Offer hometown experts with worldwide connections. See our ad on Page 11. 314 E. 14th St., Silver City. 505-538-3847 or 800-716-3847 www.remaxsilveradvantage.com SMITH REAL ESTATE and Pr operty Management.

Quality People, Quality Service for over 37 years.

505 W. College 505-53 8-5373 or 1-8 00-234-0307. askus@smithrealestate.com.

HOME BUILDERS CHAVEZ CONSTRUCTION. We build custom quality homes to fit your budget. W e do roofs, remodels, additions, etc. Call today for a free estimate.

505-388-1886 www.chavezconst.com HOLRAY C ONSTRUCTION. Residential and commercial. Silver City’s premium builder .

License # 8 0967. Contact us today for your building needs. Phone/Fax 505-388-1524 holray@gilanet.com

DINING ADOBE SPRINGS CAFÉ. Specializing in homemade breads and pastries. Breakfast served any time. Open daily 7am–8pm. L ocated in Piñon Plaza at 1617 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City. 505-538-3665 BUCKHORN SALOON & OP ERA HOUSE. Serving up hefty portions of history along with steaks and seafood. F ull bar. Open Mon. – Sat. 32 Main St., Pinos Altos. 505-538-9911 EL PAISANO. Authentic Mexican. Home of the chimichangas. Serving wine and variety of Me xican and American beers and margaritas. 8 02 E. 15th St., Silver City. 505-538-5803 GOLDEN DRAGON RESTAURANT. Extensive Chinese Menu, Cantonese and Szec hwan, Lunch specials. Friendly Service. Open Mon.- Sat. 11–8:30.

914 Pope St. 505-388-9101 SILVER SPOON. Specializing in Italian dishes, homemade soup, salads and desserts. Two unique dining rooms and patio dining. Handicap accessible. 501 N. Bullard, Silver City. 505-534-0848 VICKI’S EATERY. A locals favorite! Hearty , healthy, something for everyone. Breakfast & L unch 7 days.

Dinner Fri & Sat (May-Oct). 107 W. Yankie. 505-388-5430

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce

1-800-548-9378 • 505-538-3785

For a complete listing of ser vices please check our website: www.silvercity.org

Escape To Our Stress-Free Zone!

Perched on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek and the Gila Wilderness, Casitas de Gila Guesthouses makes a perfect base for your exploration of the entire Southwestern New Mexico area.

Visit cliff dwellings, ghost towns, and galleries.

Hike our 70 acres and nearby Gila Forest trails.

Nap in a hammock under the cottonwoods.

From the hot tub watch the moon rise above the cliffs. Explore the clear, starry skies through our 10” telescope.

Relax with a book in our adobe courtyard.

Visit our art gallery.

Casitas de Gila

Guesthouses Spectacular Views • Incredible Quiet Brilliant

Savor the peace and isolation of our incredible location just 30 miles northwest of Silver City.

Night CasitasSkies de Gila features 1- and 2-bedroom

Spend a night, a week or longer in full these wonderGuesthouses with kitchens, kiva fireplaces, ful southwestern guesthouses.

Fullgrills, kitchens, porches, bbq picnic tables, andwildlife, continental breakfast. porches, fireplaces, hiking trails, hot tub, 10-inch telescope.

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ 30 minutes NW of Silver City 310 Hooker Loop • Gila, NM 88038

Ward Arthur Rudick, a 4th generation Silver Citian, per forms and sings Broadway music for local charities and fundraisers.

& entertainment lodging

dining

Members of the New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association

TOLL FREE

Casitas de Gila

GUESTHOUSES & ART GALLERY 1-877-923-4827

50505-535-4455 Casita Flats Rd.• P.O. Box 325 • Gila, NM 88038

505-535-4455 • www.casitasdegila.com www.casitasdegila.com TOLL FREE

1-877-923-4827

By Mary Alice Murphy

Indulge in a pamper ed stay at a spa. E njoy nature's ambiance in the natural setting surr ounding your lodge, cabin or adobe casita. Thrive in an estate-like atmospher e seconds from town. Park your recreational vehicle at any of several RV parks. Stay at any of the locally-o wned motels and chains. B e right wher e the action is in an authentic old-time hotel.

Discover New Mexican food or enjo y many M exican specialties at several restaurants in Silver City. Polish off a rare steak in a saloon atmospher e. D ine deliciously on European or Chinese cuisines. Relax with a latte made from freshly roasted beans. P artake of chuckwagon dinners and wild west shows during the summers.

Take in a first-run movie or watch a foreign film presented by the I nternational Film Society. Look for easy-listening, folk tunes, or blues per formances by local musicians and singers. Enjoy open-mike nights or hear fr ee coffeehouse type performances.

Walk down Bullard, Yankie and Broadway streets to take in the art galleries and find out for yourself why visitors rate the art as "surprising and rivaling that found in much larger and better-known communities."

Outstanding Agents Outstanding Results!

SILVER ADVANTAGE 314 E. 14th Street • PO Box 1477 Silver City, NM 88062

505.538.3847

800.716.3847

www.remaxsilveradvantage.com

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America’s First Wilderness is Outside Our Back Door.

ARIZONA

NEW MEXICO I-40

I-40

FLAGSTAFF

I-10

ALBUQUERQUE

I-25

PHOENIX

SILVER CITY

I-10

★

TUCSON EL PASO, TEXAS

ARIZONA MEXICO

Visit The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Mountain Lodge in Silver City, New Mexico.

SILVER CITY BUSINESSES

Relax in our exquisitely restored 1920s hacienda. Eleven rooms, private baths, balcony views. Enjoy an outing with our staff naturalist.

Hike. Bike. Explore. Immerse yourself in one of the last great places.

COPPER MANOR MOTEL & R ED BARN STEAKHOUSE. Indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi. Cocktails.

710 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City . 505-538-5392 or 800-853-2916 THE COTTAGES. Mineral baths, A.C. and fireplaces.

Nestled in hundreds of acres of virgin forest on a canyon. Just 3 minutes to town.

800-938-3001 www.zianet.com/cottages DOUBLE E GUEST RANCH. A ranch vacation with exciting horseback riding, roundups, spectacular scenery in southwestern New Mexico. 505-535-2048 www.doubleeranch.com DRIFTER MOTEL, PANCAKE HOUSE & LOUNGE. AAA, outdoor heated pool, dancing, sports bar , pool tables. 711 Hwy. 180 E. Silver City , NM. 505-538-2916 or 800-853-2916 GILA HOT SPRINGS RANCH. Doc Campbell’s Post. Natural hot water, lodging, RV park, horse back riding. Customized retreats. Country store. Gallery with fiber art and local art forms.

GREY FEATHERS B&B, C AFÉ, GIFT SHOP. Thousands of hummingbirds eac h summer. 25 Miles North of Silver City, JCT Hwy. 5 & 35. 505-536-3206 stay@greyfeathers.com HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. The perfect home base for your Silver City and southwest adventures.

Complimentary breakfast bar . Call our friendly staff.

1103 Superior St. (off Hwy . 180E.), Silver City.

505-538-2525 LAKE ROBERTS MOTEL & RV PARK. One mile to lake. Sleeping rooms $4 6, kitchen units with 2 beds $56, cabin and mobile sleeps 6 $76 & $90. Satellite TV, microwave and coffee pot in all rooms. 505-53 6-9393 SPIRIT CANYON LODGE & CAFÉ. Located in the Gila Wilderness – Lake Roberts area. Small mountain lodge, rooms, cottages. Phone/ Fax 505-536-9459 www.spiritcanyon.com or email: info@spiritcanyon.com

For more information call: 1(877)620-2327 On the web at: www.bearmountainlodge.com

Kampgrounds of America Silver City KOA

When visiting Silver City stay with a name you can tr ust.

Our full-service campground is centrally located to all the sight-seeing destinations. We cater to Birders, Hikers, Bicyclists and Motorcyclists with custom brochures and personal recommendations

koa.com

(505) 388-3351 Reservations: 1-800-562-7623 3.5 miles E. of Silver City on Hwy 180

A Great Place To Meet, Retreat, Play The Besse-Forward Global Resource Center Western New Mexico University Campus • Silver City, NM

Our new state-of-the-art auditorium seats 260. Also available are meeting rooms for groups of 20 to 60.

Combined with our great weather, art galleries & outdoor possibilities in the Gila National Forest — Silver City is a great place to meet!

Find out more, call SIGRED at 505/538-6320.

S PA • S ALON • G ALLERY L ODGING • Y OGA the art of relaxation

101 N. COOPER STREET SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO 88061 Reservations & Appointments: (505) 534-1600 • Fax: (505) 534-1256 New adventure tours to Copper Canyon www.cienegaspasalon.com

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SILVER CITY

LODGING

RV PARKS KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA - Silver City KOA .

50 and 30 amp RV Sites. Deluxe tent sites, Kamping Kabins®, heated pool. Modem hookup. 3 miles east of Silver City on US 18 0. 1-800-562-7623 MANZANO’S RV PARK. 18 full hoodup sites. 3 0-50 amps. 5 minutes to town. Surrounded by trees, nature and tranquility. 103 Flury Ln., Silver City. 505-538-0918 SILVER CITY RV PARK. 48 sites, full hookups, large shade trees, hot showers, laundry . Close to city park, restaurants, shops. Behind the F ood Basket Supermarket. 1304 N. Bennett. 505-53 8-2239

SPAS CIENEGA SPA. In the historic downtown area.

Cienega provides serenity and personal service.

Suites for spa treatments, salon and yoga studio.

Spend an hour or a day. 101 N. Cooper St., Silver City.

505-534-1600 www.cienegaspasalon.com

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce

1-800-548-9378 • 505-538-3785

For a complete listing of ser vices please check our website: www.silvercity.org

t a e gr area

attractions Climb the w ell-maintained walkway up to the G ila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which sho wcases the unique remains of cav e homes built in the 13th centur y by Tularosa Mogollon people. Stop at the I nformation Center for an informative movie.

The Catwalk of Whitewater Canyon northwest of S ilver City pr ovides a unique venue that combines natural beauty and man’s ingenuity. Visitors can walk above the pools and cascades of the creek on a suspended metal walkway that clings to the shear cliff walls. E very twist and turn of this narr ow canyon passage is a photo opportunity.

City of R ocks State Park features a tour through eerie clusters of giant boulders that resemble a prehistoric city.

The monoliths become buildings and the pathways become str eets. Take a picnic lunch and enjo y the limitless vistas and photogenic r ock formations.

Campgrounds invite y ou to stay to watch the sunrise.

The Gila River Bird Management Area is a major migration r oute for songbirds.

Add a new bird to your life list while you enjoy the ser enity of this lush riparian habitat. Fort Bayard, which once housed the famed Buffalo Soldiers, that Congress is considering making a N ational Landmark, is only minutes east of to wn.

Visit the overlook to one of the largest open pit copper mines in the countr y.

Earlier cultures mined her e for nativ e copper making this the oldest, continuously operated mine in the

By Mary Alice Murphy

country. S ee the memorable Kneeling Nun monolith rise above the pit.

Stroll through historic do wntown to see Victorian architecture and renovated buildings that hav e preserved the landmarks of the past, ev en as they embrace the pr omise of the futur e.

Explore history at the S ilver City Museum, and mar vel at the M imbres artifacts at the Western New Mexico University Museum.

In the historic mining to wn of Pinos Altos, north of Silver City, visit a saloon and have a chat with the resident Indian, take in a melodrama at the opera house and visit the art gallery in the old Hearst Church during summer weekends.

Dramatic sunrises and sunsets complement Silver City’s four gentle seasons.

this page: below—The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located on the edge of the nation’s first Wilderness. The caves have been used as shelter for passing hunting and gathering cultures for thousands of years, but the existing walls were constructed by the Tularosa Mogollon culture around the A.D.1280s. bottom left —The Victorian structures surrounding the parade field at Ft. Bayard are still being utilized.

GILA NATIONAL FOREST

To the north and west of Silver City lie the 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest, which includes the Gila and Aldo Leopold W ilderness areas. Scenic drives and mountain trails are here for you to explore. Outdoor recreation opportunities like birding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding abound.

505-388-8201.

GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Follow the “Trail of the Mountain Spirits” two hours north from Silver City along NM 15 or 35. This scenic drive through cool forests and broad river valleys takes you into the heart of the Gila W ilderness. Once the home of the Tularosa Mogollon people in the 13th centur y, the dwellings are well preser ved and accessible. Stop at the Monument Visitor Center for an enlightening movie about the ruins. 505-536-9344.

CATWALK NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL

This Gila National Forest recreation site is located adjacent to Glenwood, an hour northwest of Silver City.

Picnic in the shade of the giant sycamore trees and hike the metal walkway suspended from the cliff walls above Whitewater Creek. Contact the Glenwood Ranger Station at 505-539-2481.

CITY OF ROCKS

A half hour southeast of Silver City is a fascinating area.

These strangely shaped boulders rise abr uptly and unexpectedly out of the deser t landscape. A loop drive around the park has picnic areas, campgrounds, and paths that lead into the “city.” 505-536-2800.

GILA RIVER BIRD MANAGEMENT UNIT

Follow US 180 west to the tur noff to Bill Evans Lake.

The area is managed by the Gila National Forest as a bird habitat and sees some of the earliest spring migrations. The best birding in southwest New Mexico.

505-538-2801.

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outdoors great

the

Nestled against the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest, Silver City offers many outdoor activities. Both r esidents and visitors partake of the abundance that nature has provided.

The hardy and adventurous can hike the Gila Wilderness, which was cr eated in 1924, the first to r eceive that federal designation. N o motorized vehicles are allowed in this por tion of the national forest, nor in the adjacent Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area.

Drive up S ignal Peak road or hike the trail to see native lupines, penstemons and even rare orchids. Scarlet gilia in the summer season invite hummingbir ds to enjoy the nectar and visitors to photograph the brilliant color. Flowers usually abound along streams and rivers during the spring, summer and early fall.

By Mary Alice Murphy

Campgrounds in the for est provide rustic sites to sav or a close encounter with nature.

Birding, with permanent r esidents, migrants and seasonal residents, offers over 339 different species that can be viewed in different habitats fr om riparian to mountain to desert.

Hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking draw outdoor enthusiasts to the forest. Trail maps and bir d and mammal lists can be obtained at the F orest Service information office.

For those who prefer fishing, Bill Evans Lake and Lake R oberts provide areas for electric motor boats.

The Gila River and v arious streams challenge the fly fisherman. O utfitters can take y ou into the G ila for est and wilderness for fishing, hunting, or simple enjo yment of the outdoors.

this page: left—The Middle Fork of the Gila River flows through the rugged Gila Wilderness and offers spectacular hiking, fishing and pack trip opportunities. below left—Herds of majestic elk roam the forests surrounding Silver City. below—An August birding experience is the banding of hummingbirds by Joan Day-Mar tin at Grey Feathers Lodge. above—Extensive hiking and biking trails are found throughout the Gila National Forest.

SILVER CITY ADVENTURES

BIRDING

The Gila River Bird Management Area near Bill Evans Lake attracts birds such as the showy vermillion flycatcher and the rare willow flycatcher with its riparian habitat. Birdwatchers can see raptors such as Cooper's and red-tailed hawks flying overhead in most parts of the area. Several species of hummingbirds frequent the area in the summer. 505-388-8201

HIKING

Marked hiking trails abound in the Gila National Forest, the Gila W ilderness, Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Ft. Bayard Game Refuge. Be warned that water is not always available so carry plenty, especially if an over night stay is planned.

New segments of the Continental Divide T rail are easily accessed. 505-388-8201

BIKING

In the spring, the Tour of the Gila national 5-day bike race draws competitors from all over the world. The challenge of the Signal Peak road and trail entice recreational mountain bikers to test their limits.

Trails at Fort Bayard Game Reserve are tamer. Road bicycles can travel the T rail of the Mountain Spirits scenic byway from Silver City up through Pinos Altos and back through the Mimbres Valley.

BACK ROADS

Forest Service roads pierce the woods and can take four-wheel drive vehicles to stunning views and remote and lonely spots in the forest. A favorite place in the fall to view the aspens in their golden glory is the McKnight Road off NM 35.

505-388-8201

FISHING

You can cast a lure at Lake Rober ts or Bill Evans Lake. Electric boats are allowed. Fly fisher men can try their luck on the Gila River . Outfitters can take you to remote areas of the Gila National Forest.

Contact the New Mexico Depar tment of Game and Fish for information on hunting licenses and seasons at http://www.state.nm.us/or 505-827-7911.

SC14

c|ÇÉá TÄàÉá

By Joe Burgess

After the Gold Rush An era rich in frontier history, cavalry forts, and Apache warriors

\

this page: The historic Hearst Church, built by the famed San Francisco publishing family, is now utilized as a community art gallery.

t was the discovery of Gold in 1859 that turned historic Pinos Altos into a boomto wn and the first county seat of G rant County.

Located in the "tall pines" just sev en miles above Silver City, the village has evolved into a mountain ar ts community with the lingering flair of an Old West mining town.

Memorabilia and ar tifacts of gun fighters, Apache warriors and the ancient Mimbres culture can be seen in the Buckhorn Saloon and R estaurant.

Indian Joe, the most widely kno wn character of these par ts, quietly contemplates his drink 24 hours a day at the end of the bar.

A replica of Fort Cobre and the old Hearst Church Gallery complete the image of a b ygone era. O h, but y ou don’t want to miss an O pera House melodrama where throwing popcorn at the actors is encouraged…and deserved.

Pinos Altos o verlooks the three-million acre Gila National Forest on the r oad connecting S ilver City to Lake Roberts, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and the nation ’s first designated wilderness area.

3130 Hwy. 180 E.

538-3789 • 1-800-827-9197 www.mimbresrealty.com

Bear Creek Motel Cabins LLC. Unique two-story cabins include fireplaces, secluded balconies, porches, phones, TVs, and BBQ grills.

Cabins with kitchens available.

Nestled under the pines in historic Pinos Altos.

Gateway to the Gila Wilderness.

Seven miles north of Silver City.

505-388-4501 888-388-4515

P.O. Box 53082 Pinos Altos, NM 88053

www.bearcreekcabins.com

EVENTS Jun 14 5th Annual Pinos Altos Art Fair. 388-5202 Oct 4 5th Annual Pinos Altos October Fiesta. 538-0204

DIRECTIONS Pinos Altos is 7 miles north of Silver City on NM 15 to the G ila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

PINOS ALTOS

SC15

rich in

history

By Mary Alice Murphy

Geologic forces and water er osion created the mountains and v alleys that surround Silver City. Prehistoric groups, including the Mimbres Mogollon and the Salado inhabited the ar ea for over 10,000 years until about A.D. 1400 when they ceased to inhabit the area.

The nomadic A paches followed in the 1600s and wr eaked havoc on the settlement of La Cienega de S an Vicente.

The Treaty of G uadalupe Hidalgo, in 1848, ceded much of N ew Mexico to the United States.

Mining of copper deposits first developed by Don Francisco Manuel Elguea in 1804, resumed in 1852. In 1860 and again in 1866, pr ospectors rushed here when gold was disco vered in the Pinos Altos Mountains to the north.

In San Vicente Cienega in 1868, a

group of Americans built log cabins near the junction of what is no w Broadway St. and Hudson St. In 1880 the city passed an ordinance requiring that all buildings be of constructed out of adobe, brick or stone for fire prevention.

On May 29, 1870, the y ear Silver City was incorporated, John Bullard and others officially filed the first silv er claim, called the Legal Tender, about one mile east of the courthouse on B roadway. They soon began planning the to wnsite that they named Silver City. They laid the town out in a grid pattern, ignoring the arroyos, and floods that in 1895 and 1902 car ved the Big Ditch out of Main Street.

Visit the S ilver City M useum for a glimpse at authentic ar tifacts and documents and stroll along the B ig Ditch Park, some 35 feet below street level.

this page: upper left—A beautiful example of Mimbres potter y, as seen at the Western New Mexico University Museum. left—Floods carved the Big Ditch in the early 1900s.

Nowadays stroll along the paths of the lighted park. bottom left—In the 1800s Buf falo Soldiers were garrisoned here. This statue stands in the Parade Grounds at For t Bayard. center bottom—The Pinos Altos Opera House hosts ever ything from melodramas to folk concer ts to book signings. top right—A few residents still call the mining town of Mogollon home and enjoy a remote lifestyle far from urban life.

SC16

GHOST TOWNS

By Lorenda Rojas SHAKESPEAREOnce a lawless metropolis of 3,000, visitors may go on guided tours on the second Sunday of each month, and the Saturday preceding it. The 90-minute tours start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 4th weekend of April, June, August, and October Janaloo and Manny Hough host reenactments and living histor y presentations. Call 505-542-9034 for reservations.

STEINS Just east of the Arizona border, on I-10 at Exit 3. It is named after Captain Enoch Stein, the first anglo to sign a treaty with the Mimbres Apache.

Established in 1880 as a work station for railroaders, it died when steam engines no longer delivered water to the site. Open daily from 9-7 during Mountain Daylight Time, and 9-5 the rest of the year. Call 505-542-9791.

MOGOLLON Mogollon, named for the New Mexican Gover nor Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon (1712-1715), sits high in the Gila National Forest’ s majestic beauty.

Located 90 minutes nor th of Silver City off U.S. Highway 180. A mining town of about 5,000, it has dwindled to 15 residents today . The town has a museum and two businesses that accommodate visitors. Call 505-539-2015 for more information.

LAKE VALLEY Lake Valley, along NM 27, was reputed to be quite a rough town in its time. It was a booming mining town of more than 4,000, but died with the silver panic in 1893. The largest find in mining histor y, called the Bridal Chamber , was discovered here.

More than 2.5 million ounces of silver were removed from that mine during its life. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the site.

WINSTON Located 38 miles NW of T or C on NM 52, W inston was settled in 1881. This town grew to more than 3,000 residents before declining as silver prices dropped. Many of the original str uctures still stand today, and are open to the public. A tree, located on Wall Street - known as "the hanging tree" - is over 200 years old. For more information call 1-800-831-9487.

_ÉÜwáuâÜz

Destination

LORDSBURG

By Lorenda Rojas

Ghost towns date back to the 1800s

In Old West Country

An early day stopover for the Butterfield St age

“The Lady of the Lake”, Roger McKasson Roger McKasson Studios, Rodeo, NM

Visit the “Old West” town of Rodeo and experience another inspiring destination.

f this page: The railroad ghost town of Steins, just west of Lordsburg, opens daily for public tours.

LOCATION Lordsburg is located on I-10 near the ghost towns of Shakespeare and Steins.

TOUR Travel 60 miles east on I-10 to Deming.

MORE INFORMATION Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce (505) 542-9864

urrounded by the ghost to wns, the Old West still comes to life in Lordsburg. I ts museum on 2nd Street boasts authentic artifacts and documents dating back mor e than a century.

Charles Lindbergh landed his aircraft on the r unway here during his record-setting cross-country flight in 1927. E lizabeth Garrett, the blind daughter of famed Sheriff Pat Garrett, penned the wor ds to New Mexico’s state song, O Fair New Mexico in Lordsburg. The words were adopted in 1917, and in 1928, John Philip Sousa set it to music. Three miles south is the ghost town of S hakespeare, known in the 19th and early 20th centuries for its lawlessness. It was a stop for the Butterfield Stage

Line. In 1870 it was called Ralston City. That is wher e the Ralston Great Diamond Swindle occurred, when a local salted the ar ea with diamonds to defraud investors.

The Bootheel Co wboy Poetry Fiesta convenes the second weekend in February. Other activities during the year include re-enactments and living history demonstrations in Shakespeare. They are held the 4th weekend of A pril, June, August, and October.

Jan Feb Apr

Jun Aug

Oct

Lion's Club Gun Show. 542-9864 Cowboy Pottery Fiesta. 542-9864 Gunfighters Reunion & Wild West Days. 542-9864 Shakespeare Ghost Town Re-enactment. 542-9864 Shakespeare Ghost Town Re-enactment. 542-9864 16th Cowboy Hall of Fame Dinner.

Shakespeare Ghost Town Re-enactment. 542-9864 Tejano Fiesta. 542-9864 Rodeo Chili Festival. 542-9864 Shakespeare Ghost Town Re-enactment. 542-9864 Air Show. 542-9864

Tour Hidalgo County In Old West Country • Art Galleries • Shakespeare Ghost Town • Steins Ghost Town • Bird Watching • Rockhounding • Gila & Coronado Forests • History Lordsburg located on the old Butterfield Stage Route was a stop on Charles Lindburgh’s 1927 International Flight, and is the birthplace of New Mexico’s state song.

Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce 117 East 2nd Street Lordsburg, NM 88045

(505) 542-9864

lordsburgcoc@aznex.net

Days Inn & Suites 1100 West Motel Drive Lordsburg, NM 88045

(505) 542-3600

LORDSBURG

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WxÅ|Çz

By Joe Burgess

Rockhounding, duck racing and ancient cultures An unbeatable quality of life makes Deming a great c hoice

g

he climate in Deming

is perfect for living (golfing),

so you know that it ’s right for rockhounding and duck racing.

Duck racing? I f you have never been to a duck race, y ou have missed one of life

’s special

experiences. This unforgetable annual event in A ugust includes parades, outhouse races(!), costthis page: top—The Luna County Courthouse is a historic landmark surrounded by a cottonwood-shaded park utilized for local events. right—Rockhound State Park in the Florida Mountains draws participants to Deming’s gem and mineral events. opposite: top—The Great American Duck Race in August claims high stakes for winners and an unforgettable experience for all.

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ume contests, ar ts and crafts, dances, and a cash priz e for the owners of winning ducks.

If you prefer to look for r ocks, specimens literally litter the ground at Rockhound State Park, just southeast of D eming. Each year, rockhound events include

save time for the exhibits, fairs

historic Armory building and

guided trips, r ock auctions and

and fiestas that fill D

Customs House.

judging seminars.

calendar of events.

eming’s

In Columbus, just south of

If golf is tr uly your passion,

The Deming Luna Mimbres

you will cer tainly enjoy a r ound

Museum maintains the ar ea’s

park preserve details of the only

historic perspective with its

assault on the continental United

18-hole

collections of potter y from the

States prior to S eptember 11.

course.

native Mimbres culture and

The resulting invasion of Mexico

Just be

artifacts from early settlers. The

proved to be a v aluable experi-

sure to

museum complex includes the

ence for WWI with the first use

OLD WEST TRAILS

on Deming’s

Deming, a museum and state

of planes and gr ound support vehicles for military purposes.

DESTINATION

Additional day trips fr om Deming include shopping and dining in Palomas, Mexico, picnicking and hiking in City of R ocks State Park and scenic driv es into the G ila National Forest.

DEMING

NEW MEXICO, USA Come for a Day Stay for a Week • Mild Seasons • 362 Days of Sunshine • On I-10 Between Tucson and El Paso • 18-hole golf course •Rockhounding • 4 State Parks • Historic Museum • Hub for touring the “Old West” in SW New Mexico & Northern Mexico

EVENTS Feb Mar Apr May Jul Aug Sep Oct

Dec

Old West Gun Show. 546-3727 Gem & Mineral Rockhound Roundup.

546-0348 Smok'n Oldies Car Show. 546-6243 90th Old Timers Celebration.546-9074 Cinco de Mayo 800-848-4955 July 4th Fireworks/Parade. 546-2674 St. Ann's Festival. 546-3343 Great American Duck Race. 544-3483 St Ann's Fiesta. 546-3343 Southwestern New Mexico State Fair.

546-0177 Columbus Day Festival. 531-2917 St. Clair Wine Festival. 546-9324 Klobase Festival. 546-9324 Green Tea at the Museum. 546-2832 13th Annual Tin Street Luminaria Display. 546-9535 Christmas Light Parade. 544-2855

LOCATION Deming is located on I-10 near R ockhound and Pancho Villa State Parks.

TOUR ROUTE On I-10, travel 59 miles east to Las Cruces or 60 miles west to Lordsburg.

On US 180, travel 44 miles north from Deming to Silver City or south on NM 11 to Columbus.

MORE INFORMATION Deming Luna County Chamber of Commerce (505) 546-2674

Info packet: Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 8 (NMT), Deming, NM 88031. Ph: 1-800-848-4955.

Internet: www.demingchamber.com

Efromnchantment the

Land

• Winery Tours • Tasting Room Open 7 Days • Hand Painted Bottles

1325 DeBaca Rd. • I-10 to Deming, exit 85 (Hwy 549, 3 miles east of Sisbarro) Toll Free 1-866-336-7357 • www.stclairvineyards.com DEMING

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_t`xá|ÄÄt

By Joseph Burgess

History comes alive

Indulge in Historic La Mesilla’s natural beauty, fine shops and inventive restaurants

g this page: Farolitas light up the plaza during holiday festivities. opposite: Traditional Mexican fiestas held throughout the year are a special treat for plaza area shoppers and diners.

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LA MESILLA

he white to wers of S an Albino Church rise discr eetly above one end of a tr ee-shaded plaza. The traditional bandstand in the plaza ’s center cr eates the vision of colorful fiestas and lively music. Quaint, well-kept adobe shops surrounding the plaza and lining every adjoining str eet deliver the message that La Mesilla remains the central market place for fine ar t, fashion and nationally r ecognized cuisine in southern N ew Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley.

Just minutes fr om down town Las C ruces, visitors ar e attracted by the relaxed Mexican/ Old West atmosphere and of course, the mouthwatering ar oma of roasting chile, enchiladas and thick steaks drifting along the

narrow streets and side walks.

Every door opens to a galler y, an antique shop, a bookstor e, a coffeehouse, a dr ess shop or a collection of handmade je welry.

The charm and ser enity of La Mesilla may w ell transform one's hectic, modern outlook on life to a calmer, more rational state.

La Mesilla was acquir ed by

the United States in the Gadsden Purchase and in 1858 it became Regional Headquarters for the Butterfield Overland Mail and Stage Line. S ome of the finest hotels and restaurants, including El Meson, flourished during this period. The Confederate army established a r egional headquarters in La M esilla in

1861, but fled the follo wing year, just ahead of the arriv al of the California Column. The community served as a commercial and transpor tation center for the region’s mining and agricultural industries and as a vital link for the West’s transportation network.

It was a liv ely (and wild) social center in the 1880s with its dances, bullfights, cockfights, and theater productions. It also attracted its shar e of unsavory characters. B illy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang in La Mesilla in 1881, but escaped before the sentence could be carried out.

Traditional fiestas ar e held in La Mesilla the w eekends just prior to

EVENTS May Cinco De Mayo Fiesta. 525-1965 Sep 16 de Septiembre Fiesta. 525-2933 Oct Mesilla Jazz Happenings: Good Food, Great Jazz on the Mesilla Plaza.

647-9698 Nov El Dia de los Muertos. 647-2639 Dec Christmas Eve Luminarias and Caroling on the Plaza. 523-1654 LOCATION La Mesilla borders I-10 on the Don Juan de Oñate Trail, just south of Las Cruces.

DIRECTIONS Travel north on Avenida de Mesilla into Las Cruces or south on NM 28 to La Viña, Sunland Park and El Paso.

MORE INFORMATION Old Mesilla Association (505) 526-6220.

Double Eagle THE CROWN JEWEL OF HISTORIC OLD MESILLA

The Gadsden Room shown above is one of 8 different dining rooms in this 150-year old home listed on the National Historic Register.

Filled with art and antiques, the Double Eagle offers steaks and seafood, veal and poultry, lobster and pastas plus an extensiv e wine list.

For casual lunches or elegant dinners, choose the D ouble Eagle.

DOUBLE EAGLE RESTAURANT On the Plaza, Historic Old Mesilla

505-523-6700

www.doubleeagledining.com LA MESILLA

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C U L I N A R Y OW18

OLD WEST TRAILS

A R T S

Southwestern, Steak, Seafood New Mexican Steak Continental Mediterranean

KTA ILS

CRIP TIO N

DES

DINING Double Eagle 308 Calle de Guadalupe 523-6700 La Posta de Mesilla 2410 Calle de San Alvino 524-3524 Mesón de Mesilla 1803 Avenida de Mesilla 525-2380 International Delights 1245 El Paseo 647-5956

RTA IN

505-524-3524

PATIO MENT D RES INING ER CRE VATIONS DIT CA COC RDS

LA POSTA DE MESILLA

Famed for Mexican Food and Steaks Since 1939 2410 Calle De San Albino Mesilla, NM 88046

INE

Located on the plaza in historic O ld Mesilla, and not far from the intersection of Interstate 10 at the Rio G rande, is a tr uly authentic southern N ew Mexico dining and shopping experience.

Established in 1857 as a B utterfield Stagecoach stop, La P osta has felt the footprints of such notables as Kit Carson, Judge Roy Bean and Billy the Kid. The chile r ellenos, enchiladas, tamales, and empanadas ar e a melding of the Mexican-Indian dishes uniquely influenced by the New Mexican culture. Their best kept secrets, however, may be their delicious steaks and r efreshing tropical drinks.

The warm, friendly ser vice and consistently excellent cuisine make it not only popular among locals, but also a memorable stop for visiting national and international dignitaries. D on’t forget to visit our La P osta Chile S hop...

The Hot, Hot spot in Old Mesilla.

ENTE

A TRULY AUTHENTIC DINING & SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.

TY CUIS PE OF

LA POSTA

Mexico's two independence days, Cinco de M ayo (May 5th) and Dieciseiz de S eptiembre (September 16). Colorful skirts and the silv er studded suits of the caballer o grace the plaza and music of the M ariachi fills the air. B lindfolded children try to break piñatas full of candy, and vendors sell their ar ts and crafts. I f you are in the area on D ecember 24th, the traditional Christmas Car ols and farolitas on the P laza provide an impressive display of holiday spirit.

The adobe and red brick buildings and homes of La M esilla have been carefully restored to pr ovide visitors a glimpse of southwest communities of a hundred years ago. Tile work, colorful doors, and cactus beds of ev ery variety imaginable enhance the ar chitecture throughout the village.

Fields of chile border the roadways of La M esilla, and ar e especially colorful as the chile ripens in early fall.

Nearly half of N ew Mexico’s chile is grown in the M esilla Valley. A basic ingredient for most N ew Mexican dishes, red or gr een chile smothers enchiladas, chimichangas and burritos, chile may be added to tacos and quesadillas, and gr een chile cheese-burgers are common.

Just a mile south of the sev enth fastest growing community in the nation and 40 minutes nor th of the world’s largest international metropolis, La Mesilla offers a leisur ely stroll through a galler y, a quiet candlelight dinner and a balcony r oom for watching the moon rise o ver the Organ Mountains.

Casual Lunch, Dinner Fine Dining Lunch, Dinner • • • Casual Breakfast, Lunch, • • • • • Dinner Fine dining Breakfast, Lunch, • • Dinner •

•• •

1245 El Paseo Rd. Las Cruces, NM 505-647-5956 fax: 505-647-3016 www.internationaldelightscafe.com

Mediterranean Cuisine Espresso Bar Fresh Baked Desserts Specialty Import Groceries

M-Th 7am-10pm F-Sat 7am-Midnight Sun: 8am-10pm

_tá VÜâvxá

By Ed Teja

Stepping out in “America’s Best” New Mexico’s second largest city is rated one of the best small cities in America

V this page: The city of Las Cruces was ranked the nation’s BEST small metro area for business and careers. opposite: Area lifestyle factors include spacious valley and foothill golf communities, museums, bi-cul-tural events and shopping, and rugged outdoor recreational opportunities.

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ities form naturally wher e

Here, 3,900 feet abo ve sea lev el

New Mexico State University and

travelers meet and trade flourishes.

where the Rio Grande flows through

local Las Cruces businesses keep the

Las Cruces, at the cr ossroads of

the Mesilla valley, New Mexico's

city connected to high technological

El Camino Real and the Butterfield

second largest city spr eads out

developments of the White Sands

Trail, grew out of the need for

before the pictur esque Organ

Missile Range on the east side of the

well rooted settlements that would

Mountains. Conscious of its historic

Organ Mountains. Meanwhile,

ensure continuity of commer ce.

roots, the modern Las C

local farmers continue to pr oduce

Only the trails have changed. Today

continues to fulfill its time-tested

pecans, onions, and world famous

Las Cruces sits at a cr ossroads of

roles in both tourism and trade.

green chiles.

interstate highways and railr oads,

Las Cruces is a rapidly

OLD WEST TRAILS

ruces

The economic and cultural

still serving

growing city and no w ranks as the

diversity that ev olved here has

not only the

11th fastest gr owing metro area in

produced a thriving city of just o ver

exchange

the United States. Its economy is

85,000 people that, in 2002, The

of goods,

diverse, with segments inv olved in

Forbes/Milken Institute ranked as

but also

manufacturing, farming, processing

the Best Small Metro Area for

cultures.

and the high tech community

business and car eers. Basing this

.

ranking on job gr owth, earned income

Area museums and Ft. Selden State

and "activity in critical technologies that

Monument show visitors exactly ho w

foster future growth," this study

settlers and soldiers of the 1800s lived in

acknowledges the dynamic character of

this region, and the F

the Las Cruces business community.

Ranch Heritage Museum on Dripping

arm and

Last year, Money Magazine listed

Springs Road depicts the histor y of

Las Cruces among the eight top ar eas

New Mexico's farming community .

of the US to r

Las Cruces truly is a place where the past

etire. This ranking

demonstrates that Las C ruces is ev en

and future are both celebrated.

more than a vibrant business town. The community's cultural r esources have kept pace with its economic and population growth. The lyric opera, symphony, ballet and community chorus enhance the dev elopment of the arts. Both the community and university theaters r eproduce full playbills each season. And the farming community has its celebrations as w ell, such as the Whole Enchilada Festival, held

every

festivals

September.

such as the M

Cultural ariachi

Conference each N ovember, help retain and celebrate the community's historically close ties to M exico, only 45 miles south.

LAS CRUCES

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An arts advocacy,

& cuisine

culture

By Ed Teja

non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, foster and strengthen the general welfare,

knowledge and appreciation of performing, visual and

Acclaimed playwright Mark Medoff (far right) prepares a community group for a university performance.

literary arts in southern New Mexico.

DOĂ‘A ANA ARTS COUNCIL 505-523-6403 Fax: 505-523-4760 224 N. Campo Street Las Cruces, NM 88001 PO Box 1721 Las Cruces, NM 88004 e-mail: daac@zianet.com www.zianet.com/daac

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OLD WEST TRAILS

Las Cruces is home to many

For less formal musical enjo yment,

writers, performance artists, craft

there is an array of coffee houses,

workers, filmmakers, and musicians. I t

lounges and bars with liv e entertain-

is only natural, then, that it offers an

ment of nearly every musical style.

abundance of ev ents, exhibits and liv e

For theatergoers, the American

performances. Among its v ariety of

Southwest Theater Company performs

activities,

of

at the H ershel Zohn Theater on the

Las Cruces is The Whole Enchilada

NMSU campus. The Las C ruces

Fiesta, a 3-day tribute to New Mexico's

Community Theater and the B lack

flavorful dishes and customs.

Box Theater both perform downtown.

the classic festiv

al

While the Las C ruces Chamber

History buffs visit the Las C ruces

Ballet and the B allet Folklorico de la

Historical Museum to see displays of

Tierra del Encanto (Folkloric Ballet of

photographs from the early days of

the Land of E nchantment), directed

Las Cruces or an exhibit of mining

by Jose Tena, entertain dance lo vers

artifacts that were used in mines in the

with a v ariety of per formances. The

Organ Mountains east of the city .

Las Cruces Community Concerts and

The pervasive influence of N ative

Mesilla Valley Concert Band entertain

American Indian culture on this

music lovers during the academic year.

region is not confined to museums.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Where a 19th century Union soldier meets a 21-year-old outlaw.

You can see it in the hand-wo ven rugs and blankets, baskets, jewelry, pottery, paintings and woodcar vings available in local stores and boutiques. Old and new, there is something in Las C ruces for all tastes.

Las Cruces stands at the crossroads of time. You can almost hear the echoes of long-gone cavalrymen at Fort Selden as they prepared for a skirmish. Or sense the presence of a legendary outlaw by visiting the cell where Billy the Kid was held (but not for long).

®

Jan Apr May Aug Sep Oct

Nov

11th Annual Wells Fargo Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. 541-2444 Trinity Site Tour. 678-1134 15th Annual Frontier Days. 526-8911 La Vina Blues & Jazz Thing. 882-7632 Annual Fiesta de San Ysidro. 541-2444 N.M. Wine & Chile War. 541-2444 Hatch Chile Festival. 541-2444 N.M Wine Harvest Festival. 541-2444 The Whole Enchilada Fiesta. 526-1938 La Vina Wine Festival. 882-7632 Southern N.M. State Fair. 524-8602 Trinity Site Tour. 678-1134 Cowboy Days. 522-4100 32nd Renaissance Craftfaire. 523-6403 International Mariachi Conference.

525-1735

LOCATION Las Cruces is located at the junction of I-10 and I-25 between the Rio Grande and the Organ Mountains.

DIRECTIONS On I-10, travel south 44 miles to El Paso, Texas, or west 59 miles to Deming. On I-25, travel north 75 miles to Truth or Consequences.

MORE INFORMATION Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 343-7827 or (505) 541-2444 www.lascrucescvb.org

Ranked one of the best places to live and work by Money Magazine and Forbes/Milken in 2002.

Re Ne no wly va ted

EVENTS

It is a city filled with the ghosts of history: famed Native American warriors, Spanish explorers, and pre-historic tribes. They have all come and gone and left their mark. For a free visitor’s ™ guide on our timeless city, call www.lascrucescvb.org 1-800-FIESTAS, ext. 92.

de Las Cruces • Magnificently decorated Old Mexico style ambiance throughout property • Meeting and function space for up to 750 people with the largest dance floor in Las Cruces!

• Fitness room and child’s arcade • Indoor swimming pool & child’s pool

• Hair salon, newsstand, boutique, shopping on property • Pancho Villa Cafe and Cantina (kids eat free) • Aggie Sports Connection lounge • Adjacent to New Mexico State University

Special corporate, government, group, AAA, and AARP promotions available

201 E. University Avenue, Las Cruces, New Mexico

(505) 526-4411 fax (505) 524-0530 I-10 EXIT MAIN STREET I-25 EXIT UNIVERSITY

LAS CRUCES

OW23

THE BEST OF LAS CRUCES

New Mexico

Farm & Ranch

Pecans Pecan Products Chile Products

Heritage Museum Between the lush irrigated farmlands of the Rio G rande Valley

Gifts of all kinds Warehouse & Gift Shop

and the cattle ranches on the slopes of the O rgan Mountains lies the 47-acre Farm and Ranch H eritage

2301 S. Main St. Las Cruces, NM 88005

Museum. Exhibitions, New Mexico food, beer and wine, liv e milking

505-526-5745 fax 505-526-2794 www.sansabapecan.com

FINE CUISINE IN AN ARTISTIC ATMOSPHERE SERVING LUNCH & DINNER EXTENSIVE WINE LIST 1120 COMMERCE DRIVE 505-522-7777 RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED

demonstrations, farm animals and machinery are all par t of the Heritage Museum experience.

Visitors are able to wor k their way through the eras of the ancient

JME STUDIOS Fine Art Gallery • Custom Framing

Anasazi and M ogollon cultures, horse-drawn plows and early mechanized farm equipment into the computerized, laser lev eling imple-

• Original Fine Art, Sculpture, Ceramics and Textile Arts • Custom Framing and Custom Mirrors • Art Consultations for Home and Business

ments of the modern, w ell-educated agricultural specialist.

Outdoor exhibits include the adobe blacksmith shop , a log cabin relocated from Northern New Mexico, a windmill with a 20 foot fan, and “ Watering Place,” a huge steel sculpture by Gallup artist Armando Alvarez.

Regular demonstrations include

665 University Avenue, Bldg 2, Suite B (Corner of El Paseo) Las Cruces, NM 88005 Tue.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 12-5

quilting, and butter churning. The milking demonstration in the dair y barn, however, is the most popular

505.526.6164 jmestudios@zianet.com

OW24

blacksmithing, sewing, weaving,

OLD WEST TRAILS

among old and young alike.

While in Old West Country Make the Holiday Inn Express your home away from home.

Holiday Inn Express PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 17TH ANNUAL

Tour of the Gila April 30-May 4, 2003 The Holiday Inn Express in beautiful Silver City is your ticket to a southwest adventure. Let our friendly staff aid you in exploring the wonders of the Silver City area from a convenient homebase that features a fully equipped fitness center and spa facility.

1103 Superior (Off US. Hwy. 180 E.) Silver City, NM 88061

(505) 538-2525 1-800-Holiday

For more information about the race or to become a sponsor please call (505) 388-3222, email us at mbighley@zianet.com

www.hiexpress.com

Desert Bloom Lake Roberts VLA Catwalk Duck Races Steins Mercantile

Our Lady of Health Church

DEMING SOCORRO LAS CRUCES GLENWOOD DEMING LORDSBURG

DEMING

Golf Course

SILVER CITY

Silver City Museum

LAS CRUCES

Farm & Heritage Museum

SOCORRO

SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO

T OR C

OLD WEST y r t n u o C

GLENWOOD

Shakespeare

SOCORRO

Mineral Hot Springs

LORDSBURG

Bosque del Apache

Oregon Mountains

T OR C

Elephant Butte

Cliff Dwellings

LAS CRUCES

Mogollon

Willow Creek

SILVER CITY

Painted Desert

SILVER CITY

GLENWOOD

Deming • Las Cruces • Lordsburg • Reserve/Glenwood • Silver City • Socorro • Truth or Consequences

OLD WEST COUNTRY Southwest Region 2

P.O. Box 884 Silver City, NM 88062

1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com

PRESRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Silver City, NM 88061 PERMIT No. 10