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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fÉvÉÜÜÉ 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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gÜâà{ ÉÜVÉÇáxÖâxÇvxá 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.
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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
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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).
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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
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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
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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