V I S I T O R S SILVER CITY GRANT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
G U I D E
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REDBARN Family Steakhouse
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• Happy Hour With Snacks 5-7 M-Sat 4-11pm Hwy. 180 East Silver City, NM
SILVER CITY
US Hwy. 180 East
Directly behind Wendy's
1103 Superior Street Silver City, NM 88061
1-800-HOLIDAY 505-538-2525
Holiday Inn Express SILVER CITY
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 cardio workout room, spa facilities, complimentary Express Start breakfast and free high speed Internet access in every room.
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Small town values and
t s e B
SMALL TOWN...
Silver City has become an American destination for vacations, relocation and retirement because its rich heritage and quality of life are plainly evident.
Small town values which entice former residents to “come back home” are the foundation supporting a solid arts community, the preservation of historic architecture, a university atmosphere, cultural diversity, endless outdoor activities (in one of the best climates imaginable) and a list of year-round events that just won’t quit. The writers who rank Silver City among the “Best Small Towns” in America base their conclusions on factors that ar e an integral part of the local lifestyle. Coffee houses and bakeries are simply where the locals discuss their literar y achievements, or the Olive Warbler spotted at Cherry Creek. The dinner menus, wine lists, and desser ts are excellent and when a new shop, a play, or an art show opens…everybody attends. Modern Maturity Magazine’s choice of Silver City as the #3 Small Town in America noted such factors as neighborliness, restaurants, ease of getting around on foot, ethnic diversity, recreational options, and most important, “cultural vitality." A presentation by the New Mexico Symphony, the five-day Tour of the Gila bicycle stage race and the Blues Festival are the types of activities this small
“cultural vitality” enhance the Silver City area lifestyle. above: The locally operated Silver City Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole experience. opposite, left to right: The Gila Rangers Cowboy Action Club takes a break at the Visitors Center cabin. Savory Barbeque is prepared at a Gough P ark festival. Lounging in the Gila River near their campsite brings the whole family together.
mountain community has come to expect. The Southwest and fine art found in galleries lining three of the historic downtown streets has become both an attraction and a significant year-round factor in the local economy. John Vilani highlighted Silver City in his book,
SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG3
Silver City is a vibrant community with lots to share. Hundred Best Small Art Towns in America. Histories of the area’s mining and cattle industries are displayed in its museums, as well as the world’s largest permanent display of ancient Mimbres Indian pottery. The Victorian style homes and buildings throughout the historic district reflect the prosperity of the boom eras and the desir e to build an enduring community. Silver City was chosen one of The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2002. The opportunities for both cultural and outdoor activities, in a crisp mountain air environment, no doubt contributed to Norman Ford including Silver City in the top 1% of The Healthiest Places to Live and Retire in America. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, located in the middle of mor e than three million acres of national forest, is the area’s biggest attraction. It is, however, only the beginning of the adventures surrounding Silver City. Forts, an opera house, ghost towns, lakes and streams, birding, historic chapels, unique recreational sites and extraordinary Sunday afternoon drives contribute to an unsurpassed outdoor agenda. Silver City is a vibrant community with lots to share with its neighbors, both far and near. One visit will make it your destination of choice. Above, left to right: Dan Pacheco and Greg Renfro perform at Vicki’s during the Blues Festival, Kevin McCauley shares a tale with cowboy poet Baxter Black, Dr. Brian and Margaret Robinson enjoy mountain biking with sons Mic hael and Patrick, and the Independence Day parade attracts walkers as well as horses and mechanized entries. left: An afternoon on Yankie Street in the historic downtown art district.
ON THE COVER: World-renowned bands set the crowd in motion at the Silver City Blues Festival. Top artists participate in the three-day festival held at Gough Park May 28-30, 2004. Special evening performances are held in area nightclubs.
Custom Homes Built with the Best in Materials and Craftsmanship
For Information Contact:
Mimbres Region Arts Council 1201 Pope Street Silver City, NM 88061 505-538-2505 1-888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org
CONTENTS 2
7
9
Best Small Town. An American Destination. Ideal lifestyles and surroundings garner national recognition.
11 Quality of Life. Involvement, Recreation and Climate. 14 Area Attractions. Diverse and Unique.
Historic Downtown. A Glance into the Past. Boomtown era buildings and sites continue to serve the community.
18 The Great Outdoors. Adventure Opportunities. Birding, biking, camping and fishing are among the options of the forest.
Cultural Commitment. Museums, Galleries & Performing Arts.
22 Special Events Major Annual Performances.
SILVER CITYVISITORS GUIDE Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce
201 N. Hudson St. Silver City, NM 88061 (800) 548-9378 www.silvercity.org Cissy McAndrew Executive Director
Project Coordinated by the Tourism Committee Neysa Pritikin Chairman
Floyd Robertson Patrick Conlin
Century 21-Thompson Realty Vice President
Henry Cwieka
Smith Real Estate Secretary
Raymond Welborn Am Bank Treasurer Directors
Dale Lane
Lois Lane Plaza
Linda McGee
Stone, McGee, CPA
Scott Mills
Mills Cooper Motors
Julie Morales WNMU
Lanny Olson
Holiday Inn Express
Neysa Pritikin
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Skip Thacker Retired
Ilene Wignall KNFT Radio
Alex Brown
Ex-officio City Manager
Becky Smith
Ex-officio Smith Real Estate
Tony Trujillo
Ex-officio Phelps Dodge
We are proud to be listed by the Small Business School as a respected and reputable business in our community and industry.
1 02 58 #0 Lic. N.M.
505-313-5140 l 888-217-7962 www.timberlandconstruction.com
ernie@timberlandconstruction.com
Jackie Blurton Cissy McAndrew Faye McCalmont Terri Menges Visitors Guide Committee
2004 BOARD OF Special Thanks To: DIRECTORS Susan Berry Copper Creek Ranch President
Member of: • National Home Builders’ Association • New Mexico Home Builders’ Association • Las Cruces Home Builders’ Association • Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce • Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce • Three Valley Business Association
Keith LeMay Luis Perez
Jackie Blurton Joseph Burgess Gerald C. Hammon Contributing Writers
Jackie Blurton Joseph Burgess Joe Butts Cissy McAndrew Bob Pelham Silver City Museum Dale and Marian Zimmerman
It’s why people move to Silver City!
L
ocated approximately 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy 180 W. bordering the Gila National Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breathtaking 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!
Contributing Photographers
Lynn Janes Mary Catherine Meek Advertising Sales
Silver City Visitors Guide is published annually by Zia Publishing Corp. with offices at: 611 N. Hudson Street Silver City, NM 88061 Phone: 505-956-1560 Fax: 505-956-1580 E-Mail: info@ziapublishing.com Website: www.ziapublishing.com © Zia Publishing Corp., 2004. This issue of the Silver City Visitors Guide is copyright under the laws of the United States of America. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher prohibited. For permission to use any portion of this publication email: info@ziapublishing.com. 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.
Wind Canyon Estates Enchantment Realty
501 Silver Heights Blvd. Silver Silver City, City, NM NM 88061 88061
1-800-456-3132 505/538-2931 www.silvercity-realestate.com
SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG5
SILVER CITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
the art of relaxation
AMBULANCE SERVICES
AEROMED ARIZONA. Service to All 4 8 States. Based in Silver City, New Mexico. Dispatch Toll Free 1-888-327-9538
AUTOMOTIVE
WERNER TIRE. Goodyear and most other tire brands, emergency road service, batteries, complete e xhaust service, complete front-end repair and service. 1155 Hwy . 180 E. 505-538-3807 MILLS COOPER MOTORS. New and Used Car and T ruck Sales. Cadillac/Chevrolet. New Car L easing, Service, P arts, 2810 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City. 505-538-5385 1-800-376-2233
BUILDERS
BLACKHAWK SOUTHWEST, INC. American Polysteel insulated concrete forms for residential and commercial construction. 505-538-0570. lagilahomes.com or Blackhawksw@zianet.com CHAVEZ CONSTRUCTION. We build custom quality homes to fit your budget. We 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 TIMBERLAND CONSTRUCTION. Specializing in Fine Custom Homes in Silver City , Grant Co., Deming and Las Cruces. Cell: 313-5140. 888-217-7962 timberlandconstruction.com
BUSINESS
SIGRED. Silver City Grant County Economic Development Corp. and SBDC: Small Business Development Center. Business assistance you can use! Besse-Forward Global Resource Center, WNMU. 505-538-6320 www.silvercity-business.com
DINING
S PA • S ALON • G ALLERY L ODGING • Y OGA Reservations & Appointments: (505) 534-1600 • Fax: (505) 534-1256 101 N. Cooper Street Silver City, New Mexico 88061
New adventure tours to Copper Canyon www.cienegaspasalon.com
ALOTTA GELATO. Serving wonderful Italian Ice Cream (Gelato) & Fresh baked dessert items. Open 7 days a week at Noon ‘til 9 or 10pm. 619 N. Bullard. 505-534-4 995 COPPER CREEK RANCH. Chuck Wagon Supper & Western Show. Family dining on Fri. and Sat. nights, Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Reservations appreciated. 20 Flury Ln., Silver City . 505-538-2971 www.coppercreeklady@zianet.com COPPER CREST COUNTRY CLUB. Serving the community for 37 years. Quality cuisine and e xcellent service in a relaxed atmosphere, family activities and swimming lessons combine to make membership a worthwhile and tim ely investment. 720 Fairway Dr. 505-538-2712 EL PAISANO. Authentic Mexican. Home of the c himichangas. Serving wine, a variety of Me xican and American beers and margaritas. 802 E. 15th Street, Silver City. 505-538-5803 VICKI’S EATERY. A locals favorite! Hearty , healthy soups, sandwiches, specials & vegetable fare. Mon.- Sat. 10:30-3:30. 107 W. Yankie, downtown, Silver City. 505-388-5430
FEED STORES
A & L FEED AND SUPPLY Full line of Equine Feed and Tack, Wild Bird Seed, Hay, Panels, Pet Food, Electric Fence Supplies. Your neighborhood feed store. Free coffee. Corner of Hwy. 90 S. and Truck Bi-Pass. 534-9200
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 EDWARD JONES & CO. Kevin M. Thompson. 106 W. 13th St. Ste. A, Silver City, NM 88061 505-538-3719. 1-800-376-3719 Providing conservative investments since 1871. FIRST NEW MEXICO BANK. Your Independent, Full Service Hometown Bank with local decisions. 1928 Hwy 18 0 E. and also Wal-Mart in Silver City. 505-388-3121 HOMETOWN MORTGAGE OF N EW MEXICO. Purchase, Refinance, Seconds. L ocally owned. Member of B BB. Equal Housing Lender. 212 E. 12th St. 505-534-2945 or 888-830-6800 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE CO. James Edd Hughs, Broker, 304 E. 17th Street, Silver City, NM 505-534-9480 WELLS FARGO BANK. Your local community bank. Corner of 12th & Pope, Silver City. 505-538-5302
FOUNDATIONS
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 www.silvercitymuseum.org
VG6 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. Taking care of southwest New Me xico. An unusually good hospital with a broad scope of quality services. 1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City , NM. 505-538-4000
FUNERAL HOMES
BACA'S FUNERAL CHAPELS. Full-service funeral firm, cremations, monuments, pre-arranged plans available, respecting all religious beliefs. Hwy . 180 at Delk Dr . 505-388-2334
FURNITURE & HOME DECOR
FURNITURE GALLERY INC. & SLEEP SHOP. Brand name furnishings: Lazyboy, LaCrosse, Sealy, Simmons and TempurPedic. 1300 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City. 505-388-3109 www.thefurnituregallery.com HOME FURNITURE. Largest Showrooms in southwest New Mexico. Family owned and operated in historic downtown Silver City for 67 years. 207 Bullard. 505-538-3767 SILVER CITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
LEGACY LIGHTING. We're lights & so much more. We also have framed prints, rugs, fountains, antiques and kitc hen and bar accessories. Many wonderful things for gift-giving, or for yourself! M-F 10am.-6pm. 13 04 N. Hudson, 505-388-1226 ...continued on page VG13
Photo courtesy Silver City Museum
Historic Downtown top, left: A photo taken on Bullard Street between 1917 and 1919, is from the John Harlan Collection, Book 1, Vol. 2 courtesy the Silver City Museum. top, right: Clock reinstalled on City Hall at the corner of Bullard and Broadway originally identified the local bank. above: A recent image looking north on Bullard Street in the historic downtown area.
Majestic columns, Victorian detail, innovative tile work, and ev en the old clock at B ullard and B roadway, provide an ex citing trip back in time for S ilver City visitors. A city or dinance passed in 1880 r estricted building materials to adobe, brick and stone, giving permanence to many early str uctures. Partnering with Silver City's MainStreet Project, the community has restored the do wntown area and cr eated a dynamic shopping, dining and arts district. Wooden buildings built prior to the to wn's incorporation included the childhood home of B illy the Kid. A log cabin, donated b y director Ron Howard from the movie set of The Missing, now sits near the original homesite. The town’s Main Street was r eplaced by a 55-foot crevice during flooding a centur y ago, and is no w a tranquil park and site of the Big Ditch Art Fair. The intricate Victorian home of A. B. Ailman became the Silver City M useum and is the point of origin for historic walking tours (av ailable by appointment). The recently re-constructed La Capilla Chapel provides an excellent vista of the town.
GRANT COUNTY TIMELINE– PRE-STATEHOOD ~ 3000 B.C. First evidence of farming north of Silver City. A.D. 900-1000 Mogollon culture began living in pit houses and multistory surface structures. Mimbres culture was a splinter group of the Mogollon. 1280s Gila Cliff Dwellings built by Mogollon culture. 1300 Mogollon culture disappeared. 1100-1540 Nomadic Apaches began moving into and through the area, mining turquoise and copper. 1539 Spanish Explorers marched about 60 miles west of the future Silver City. 1804-1806 Mexican merchant Don Francisco Manuel Elguea mined copper at Santa Rita for the Mexican mint. 1848 New Mexico became a territory of the United States. 1860 Gold discovered in Pinos Altos. 1866 Ft. Bayard established to protect the mines from the Apaches. 1870 Silver mining began near the San Vicente Cienega and Silver City was established as a town. 1873 Billy the Kid and his mother and step-father moved to Silver City. 1882 The first public school in New Mexico opened in Silver City. 1878 Silver City became the second incorporated community in NM. 1893 NM Territorial Normal School (WNM University) established. 1899 Gila Forest established by President McKinley. Fort Bayard becomes a government hospital. 1895 & 1902 Floods washed out Main Street leaving a 55-foot gulch known since 1910 as the Big Ditch, now a park. 1912 New Mexico becomes a state. — From Built to Last: An Architectural History of Silver City, NM, co-authored by Susan Berry and Sharman Apt Russell Ft. Bayard Historical Preservation Society
E K L E K T I K A S fine art • sculpture • folk art • antiques • jewelry • custom interiors Mexican colonial and contemporary furniture • lamps • Oriental rugs
EKLEKTIKAS 703 N. Black Street Silver City, NM 88061
EKLEKTIKAS II 104 Yankie Street Silver City, NM 88061
505.538.8081 www.eklektikas.com
Photo by Joe Butts
Museums, Galleries Performing Arts
&
"Cultural Vitality" is a phrase used by Modern Maturity Magazine to describe an important aspect of its community surveys. Silver City, the number three choice of small towns in one of the
above: Visiting performers from The Little Angels demonstrate oriental instruments at a reception in their honor.
recent national reviews, has a deeply embedded commitment to its histor y and the arts. Its museums, galleries and an impressive selection of live performances, help to position the community near the top of lists in significant national sur veys. Silver City’s recognition for its cultural depth results from the dedication and organizational expertise of numerous local groups, and the overwhelming volunteer efforts and financial support of the entire community. The city is proud of its achievements and is anxious to share them with its visitors from around the world. The museums of Silver City showcase both the ancient and modern histories of the ar ea. The H.B. Ailman home, built in 1881, was sav ed from destruction by an energetic and persistent group of local individuals who recognized its potential as a museum. The detailed Victorian design of the building clearly reflects the late 1800's era of confidence, pr osperity and anticipated future growth of the SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG9
WNMU Museum
Lois Duffy, in front of her painting of F rank Lloyd Wright, is a Yankie Street gallery owner.
community. Displays, photographs, and records depict the growth of the mining and cattle industries, and of the community itself . The Western New Mexico University Museum has the distinction of housing the world’s largest permanent display of ancient M imbres Indian artifacts. The museum also features a life-size cutaway replica of a Mimbres pit house to help visitors visualiz e homes built by the native inhabitants 800 to 1100 years ago. The growth of Silver City’s arts community is a result of the cultural and natural appeal of the area and from a concerted effort to diversify the regional economy. The establishment of an art market unique to Silver City is indeed contributing to the economic base. Regular openings, tours, galas, and other special ev ents have dramatically increased local involvement and developed Silver City as an arts destination. The arts play a role in almost every celebration and there are major festivals dedicated specifically to the arts. There is no doubt that ar t is an integral and key segment of Silver City’s lifestyle. The performing arts programs and the array of venues in the Silver City area support a growing pool of local talent and national/international touring gr oups. Recent renovations to the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater allow the 975-seat auditorium to handle large-scale professional productions. Dances, musicals, opera, theatre, and more (with truckloads of props and backdrops) can now entertain audiences of all ages throughout the year. The isolated mining camp of the 1800’s has come of age, providing superior performances to appreciative small town audiences and visitors. Self-guided art and historic walking tours offer an in-depth foundation for those wanting to discover more about the community that has always been full of vitality…cultural and otherwise. The reconstruction of La Capilla Chapel, overlooking the downtown district, resurrects an intriguing chapter of local lor e and other restoration projects are in early stages of development. Even the hundred-year history of Silver City’s “Big Ditch” has been a factor in defining the community. Come to Silver City and write your own page in history. Our doors are open for an unforgettable experience. VG10 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
The 30th anniversary of the Western New Mexico University Museum will be celebrated November 6th, 2004, 30 years and two days after it originally opened its doors to the public. The black and white gala event will serve as a fundraiser for the Silver City landmark. In 1973, to form the museum, the university accepted a gift consisting of the Richard C. Eisele Collection of Mimbres and southwest artifacts. Gift conditions included permanent public display, prohibition against the permanent loan of any por tion of the collection, and maintaining the integrity of the collection, (i.e. no par t could be sold or donated). The collection was originally purchased in the 1950’s with contributions from the Silver City Rotary Club and a number of local individuals and businesses. The museum’s first big gala was the Grand Re-Opening of the Museum’s Main Floor Exhibitions in 1997. Exhibition renovation was made possible by donations from E. Donald and Janet Kaye, and Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASWNMU) student fees. Included in the museum’s extensive collections are the world’s largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery, artifacts, and culture; the O.C. Hinman Collection of historic photographs; Maria Martinez pottery; and even the horse-drawn buggy of Colonel John W. Fleming that was donated by Scott Nichols. Fleming, as mayor of Silver City, insured the original 20-acre donation of town land on which the university was built in the 1890’s. Fleming subsequently became one of the first members of the board of regents and the building housing the university museum was named in his honor. The museum building, designed by southwest architects Trost and Trost in 1916, originally housed the university’s gym and science labs. Professor Jesse Bingaman conducted his classes in the downstairs labs. Admission is free to the museum and its gift shop. The museum is handicap accessible and is open Monday-Friday 9 to 4:30 and Saturday and Sunday 10 to 4. The museum is normally closed during university holidays and breaks, so please call ahead for schedules, special events and membership information: (505) 538-6386.
STATISTICS CLIMATE L Jan 23 Feb 25 Mar 29 Apr 33 May 42 Jun 52
Semi-arid.
H 46 50 57 66 76 88
L H Jul 58 88 Aug 54 78 Sep 49 78 Oct 39 67 Nov 28 54 Dec 23 48
Annual Moisture: 15.69 inches
POPULATION City 10,545 County 31,002 County Size 4,356 sq. miles
TAXES ’03 rate per $1000 net taxable value: Residential 14.033-18.953 Non-residential 19.255-25.071 ’03 Gross Receipts 6.625
GILA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 68 Beds, 610 Staff, 50 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 County-wide scheduled transportation.
LOCATION Silver City is located in southwest New Mexico, Grant County along the Continental Divide, 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 southeast 62 miles from Glenwood or west 52 miles from Deming. On N M 90 and US 70, travel 44 miles northeast from 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 services check our website:
SILVER CITY Quality of LIfe
Silver City’s proximity to mountain recreation, its clean air and fabulous climate are just some of the qualities considered with national writers when they recognize a community like Silver City as one of the Best Small Towns in America. Character, friendliness, a rich heritage, community inv olvement, culture, and state-of-the-art facilities are among the attributes required to make the cut. New Mexico moves at a slower pace than allowed by the internal gears of most urbanites, and so the local concern is that visitors will not be able to adjust and fully appreciate what the area has to offer. For some, a quiet cup of latté at a local bakery or coffee house is sufficient for stepping into a differ ent world. For those mor e severely impacted b y the unforgiving trials and tribulations of the city , a str onger antidote may be required to assist in the
above: Nestled in the foothills of the Mogollon Mountains, the university and historic districts can be viewed from La Capilla Chapel.
www.silvercity.org SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG11
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DEBBIE ROGERS
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Silver Advantage 314 E. 14th Street P.O. Box 1477 Silver City, NM 88062
505-538-3847
1-800-716-3847 VG12 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
“decompression and r elaxation” process. Excellent spa facilities ar e available for massage therapy or you could to catch a y oga class. A long soak in ar ea hot springs can also sooth the body. The majority of Silver City’s shops and galleries, b y the way, are within walking distance of a historic hotel, bed and br eakfast establishments, a first class spa and sev eral holistic healtlh facilities. The arts and performing arts, and a long list of major ev ents, help distinguish S ilver City from most small towns. Galleries at the university and throughout the historic district have become a d estination in their o wn right. Local, nation al, and international performances from ballet to drama ar e performed year-round in both ne w and renovated performing arts theaters. Nationally ranked mountain bike and r oad races and the Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo draw top international competitors. The Blues Festival continues to bring world-renowned bands to to wn and Fiesta de la O lla and Red Paint Powwow have rekindled the ethnic and cultural heritage of the community . Motorcycle rallies and car shows include strong participation from a three-state region. The four-year university with masters pr ograms and continuing education classes, intercollegiate sports and the ar ts is a major component of the small community . The university library and community libraries with internet access and inter-librar y loan systems connect the town to the world. Transportation includes regularly scheduled regional airline flights thr ough Mesa Air Group, a shuttle fr om major urban centers and a public transportation system that r uns throughout the county . High speed communications hav e propelled Silver City into cyberspace, and its own public television station keeps an ey e on local happenings. Regional medical facilities include a 68-bed hospital with over 50 physicians and both county and private rehabilitation centers. A state hospital is operated at Ft. B ayard. Area homes range from Victorian style brick abodes in the historic district to sprawling retreats in the wooded foothills that surr ound the city. There are still “good buys” to be found throughout the county, as well as properties that need a little TLC. Most major clubs and organizations can be found in Silver City and ther e are numerous opportunities for v olunteerism. Probably nothing defines a community mor e strongly than “a sense of place” which is one of Silver City’s greatest assets. As a regional hub, Silver City provides all the amenities of larger communities. Clockwise from top left: Western New Mexico University; Gila Regional Medical Center; Lawrence Churchill, owner of Signal Peak, a broadband internet system; Dawn Sanford and L ora Collins of Mesa Airlines; Thomas Ogas, Linda Ortiz, Linda Reneau and Aurelio Flores of Corre Caminos T ransit with passenger Virginia Chute; Ed Conley with Community Access Television of Silver (CATS).
GALLERIES
ART AND CONVERSATION GALLERY & GA THERING. 614 N. Bullard St., Silver City , NM 88061 505-534-4881 www.Artandconversation.com EKLEKTIKAS. A distinctive gallery in a fine historical home. Antiques, Paintings, Sculpture, Contemporary and Colonial Furniture, Custom Lamps, Oriental Rugs, Santos, Retablos, Handcrafted Timepieces, Unique Folk Art. 703 Black St., Silver City. PH/FX 505-538-8081 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 exhibits, and arts and culture tours. 505-53 8-2505 or 888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc
GUEST RANCHES
DOUBLE E GUEST RANCH. A ranch vacation with exciting horseback riding, roundups, spectacular scenery in southwestern New Mexico. 866-242-3500 www.doubleeranch.com GILA HOTSPRINGS RANCH, RV PARK, COUNTRY STORE & GAL LERY. Customized Wilderness pack trips. Natural hot springs, lodging, handcrafted gifts, b ooks, gas, groceries. 505-536-9551 www.gilahotsprings.com
INSURANCE
STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES. Chuck Johnson, agent, car, home, health and life, # 1 Ranch Club Road, Silver City, NM. 505-538-5321 or Toll free 1-888-616-0884
LODGING
BEAR CREEK CABINS. In the pines, 6 miles N. of Silver City in Historic Pinos Altos. Fireplaces, Hummingbirds, phones, TVs. 505-388-4501 or 888-388-4515 www.bearcreekcabins.com CASITAS DE G ILA GUESTHOUSES & ART GAL LERY. A Stress-Free Zone near Silver City . Our Casitas have full kitchens & fireplaces, solitude and wildlif e. 1-877-923-4827. info@casitasdegila.com www.casitasdegila.com COPPER MANOR MOTEL & R ED BARN STEAKHOUSE. Indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi. Coc ktails. 710 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City. 505-538-5392 or 800-853-2916 DRIFTER MOTEL, PANCAKE HOUSE & L OUNGE. AAA, outdoor heated pool, dancing, sports bar, pool tables. 711 Hwy. 180 E. Silver City, NM. 505-538-2916 or 800-853-2916 ECONO LODGE. Indoor Heated P ool & Spa, F ree Deluxe Continental Breakfast, F ree High Speed Access. 120 Hwy . 180 E., Silver City, NM. 505-534-1111 or 1-800-55-ECONO www.econolodgesilvercity.com ENEBRO DEL NORTE LODGING. 2 bd., 1 ba. apts. Short or Long Term options. Basic furnished or furnished with “e xtras”. Call RTT Properties. For more information: 505-388-2333. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. The perfect home base for your Silver City and southwest adventures. Complimentary breakfast bar. FREE high speed internet access in all rooms. Call our friendly staff. 1103 Superior St. (off Hwy . 180E.), Silver City. 505-538-2525 HOLIDAY MOTOR HOTEL. Direct Dial Phones, Color Cable TV, HBO, Clean, Low Daily & Weekly rates. All major credit cards. Soon to be Motel 6. 3420 Hwy 180 E., Silver City. 505-538-3711 SPIRIT CANYON LODGE & C AFÉ. 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 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 THE INN ON B ROADWAY. A B&B in historic downtown Silver City. Walk to galleries and restaurants. P rivate baths. 411 Broadway. 505-388-5485 www.InnonBroadwayweb.com WALNUT CREEK COTTAGES. Eleven miles NW of Silver City in the tall pines, private suites with fully furnished kitchens and decks. 1-877-220-9500 or 505-534-9624
MUSEUMS
SILVER CITY MUSEUM. Regional history: mining, ranc hing, arts, Victoriana, Mimbres/Apache cultures. Researc h/ 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 e xhibits. Gift shop. Handicapped accessible. F ree Admission. Fleming Hall, WNMU. 505-538-6386. www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm
• Indoor Heated Pool & Spa • Full Cable TV with HBO & ESPN • In Room Coffee Maker & Hair Dryer • AAA, AARP, Group, Gov’t., Corp. Discounts • Refrigerator/Microwave Rooms Available • Guest Laundry
• FREE Deluxe Continental Breakfast • FREE High Speed Internet Access in all rooms • Business Center with High Speed Internet • Conference Room • Fitness Center • Courtyard with Fountain
1120 Hwy 180 E. Silver City, NM 88061
FEMA Approved
Reservations:
(505)-534-1111 1-800-55-ECONO
www.econolodgesilvercity.com
EdwardJones & Co. Providing conservative investments since 1871.
Kevin M. Thompson
106 W. 13th St. Ste. A Silver City, NM 88061
505.538.3719 800.376.3719 www.edwardjones.com Call or drop in today!
• Stocks • Tax-free bonds • Mutual funds • CDs • Bonds • IRAs • Government Securities • Tax-deferred annuities ... and much more!
EdwardJones & Co.
Member NYSE and SIPC Serving individual investors from 9700 offices nationwide.
PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS
BORDER AREA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC. Helping People Help Themselves. 315 S. Hudson, Silver City , New Mexico. 505-388-4412. SILVER CITY OB/GYN. Donald H. Montoya M D. High risk pregnancy, Menopause, Inf ertility, Pelvic pain, Urinary Incontinence, Gynecological laparoscopy . 1290 E. 32nd Street, Silver City, NM. 505-388-3200. SILVER ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, PA. Treating the whole Person Naturally. Dr. Paul Stuetzer, Ph.D, D OM. Doctor of Oriental Medicine. 13 01 Virginia St., Silver City . Entrance on 13th Street. 505-388-8858. GRANT COUNTY ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES. Sports Medicine, Fracture Care, Hand & Foot Surgery, Arthroscopy. 1268 E. 32nd St. Silver City. 505-534-1919
PUBLISHERS
ZIA PUBLISHING. New Mexico’s elite design and publishing group. Quality advertising, brochures, catalogs, and magazines. Call for quotes. 611 N. Hudson, Silver City . 505-956-1560. ...continued on page VG21
SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG13
Lake Roberts
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Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Wilderness Area
Lake
Roberts Surrounded by the Gila 35 Gila National 15 National Forest Forest, Lake Pinos Altos Roberts is a Silver 152 man-made lake of over 180 City seventy acres that offers some of the finest mountain fishing, boating, and camping in New Mexico. Lake Roberts features two campgrounds, a variety of nature trails, and an authentic Mimbreno Indian site.
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Silver City borders the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest and serves as the hub for a diverse and exciting ar ray of ar ea attractions. Driving the T rail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway serves as an excellent intr oduction to the cultur e and rugged terrain of the r egion. The loop includes the old west gold mining village of Pinos Altos, the Gila Clif f Dwellings National Monument, Lake Rober ts, Bear Canyon Lake, San Lorenzo Mission (in the lush Mimbr es Valley), the Santa Rita open pit copper mine, and the Ft. Bayar d National Landmark. Highway 180 West through Cliff and Glenwood of fers Bill Evans Lake, the Catwalk National Recr eation Trail, and the scenic gold mining ghost town of Mogollon. Highway 180 East accesses the City of Rocks State Park, which will soon be developed as a night skies camping site for star gazing. Hot mineral baths ar e available near the clif f dwellings and City of Rocks.
a e r a
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Gila Cliff Dwellings
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A path wanders through a lush, secluded canyon. A shady brook 180 runs year round from the heart of 15 35 Pinos Altos 152 a vast mountain wilderness which an ancient people once called Silver City home. It is here, at the Gila Cliff 180 90 Dwellings National Monument, that visitors can trace the footsteps of the Mogollon tribe who lived, farmed and thrived in the high sheltered dwellings nearly 700 years ago. The National Monument is located approximately 44 miles north of Silver City, amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery and fascinating ancient wonders to be found. A walking tour explains the histor y of both the cliff dwellings and the people that lived within them. The caverns’ 42 rooms, some of which have been reconstructed, were used for living, storage and ceremonial purposes. FR150 Gila Wilderness Lake Roberts Area
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Pinos Altos
Once a thriving gold mining town and the county seat, Pinos Altos (Tall Pines) is now a quiet village, just nor th of Silver City. A rustic elegance graces the quaint ice cream parlor, museum, old-fashioned saloon and melodrama playhouse. Legends of gunslingers, gold miners, and Apache raids come to life at every corner. SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG15
Gila Cliff
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The Mimbres 15 River Valley offers Pinos• a scenic drive Altos 35 152 • br e through a canyon 180 historically signifiSilver City 180 61 cant for its 90 Apache and •City of Rocks Spanish campsites and the ancient communities of the Mimbres Culture. The intricately painted Mimbres pottery and a reconstructed pithouse can be viewed at the Western New Mexico University Museum. Picturesque chapels built in the 1800’s along the highway continue to ser ve the small farming villages. Mi m
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The City of Rocks, located 34 miles south of S ilver City, is the perfect place for a fun-filled daytrip or picnic. The park features giant monoliths that were formed from the erosion of volcanic materials over an extended period of time. These huge, unusually shaped boulders are perfect for sightseeing or climbing. Picnicking and camping spots can be found throughout the park.
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Gila National The Catwalk Forest The National Recreation Catwalk FR142 Aldo Leopold Trail is situated in Glenwood Wilderness • 15 Area Whitewater Canyon 180 Cliff/Gila • Silver 35 near Glenwood. The City 152 Catwalk is a series of 61 metal walkways secured 90 180 into the narrow canyon walls that leads through some of the most beautiful parts of the canyon. Picnic facilities are located under the huge cottonwoods.
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The old railroad and cattle shipping 180 town of Hachita is located at the • 10 Deming crossroads of the
border route (NM 9) from 146 El Paso, and NM Hachita 9 146 from Interstate 10 to the Antelope Wells/El Berrendo limited port of entry to Chihuahua. The new east-west highway was once the rail route of the Sunset Limited. The mining ghost town of Old Hachita can be visited by making prior arrangements through the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce.
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The ghost town of FR142 Aldo Leopold Mogollon, northeast Glenwood Wilderness • 15 Area of Glenwood, was 180 Silver 35 once a spirited gold City 152 and silver mining 61 community. With a 90 1 80 population of up to 2,000, Mogollon thrived up until the 1940’s, producing millions of dollars worth of silver and gold. Mogollon is now popular among sightseers and history buffs.
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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.
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila National Forest
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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.
Mining District
Gold fever created the need for a 15 Lake r Roberts Ri community, but it a Gil 152 was huge deposits of Silver 35 br e City copper that made 180 • Santa Grant County a Rita Mine world-class metals 61 180 90 of producer in the 20th •City Rocks century. Underground works quickly gave way to massive open pit haulage systems and ne w processing technology is driven by global competition. The Santa Rita pit can be vie wed from NM 152 east of Santa Clara. ve
M iddle Fo k r
Savor the peace and isolation of our incredible location just 30 miles northwest of Silver City.
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Casitas de Gila features 1- and 2-bedroom Guesthouses with full kitchens, kiva fireplaces, porches, bbq grills, picnic tables, and continental breakfast.
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Gila National Forest
cliff/gila
The farming and ranching communities of Cliff and Gila 180 Cliff Area & Gila 35 are located where the 15 Gila River flows out 152 61 of the Mogollon Silver City Mountains. Cliff, is 90 180 the home of the Grant County Fair, and Gila is where straw bale construction technology was revived (and which is now an acceptable and regulated building practice throughout New Mexico). Hearty trout fishermen can access Rain Creek and Mogollon Creek in the Gila Wilderness through either village. Check with the Forest Service for access information.
Casitas de Gila GUESTHOUSES & ART GALLERY 50 Casita Flats Rd.• P.O. Box 325 • Gila, NM 88038 505-535-4455 • www.casitasdegila.com TOLL FREE
A
1-877-923-4827
Specializing in Gila/San Francisco River Valley and Secluded Rural Properties. Action REALTY
8412 Hwy. 180 W P. O. Box 408 Cliff, NM 88028
Dale Spurgeon, Broker Toll Free 1-888-874-9891 dale@actionrealtynm.com • www.actionrealtynm.com
Doug Baird, Sales Associate 505-533-6838
FR142
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Bear Creek Motel Cabins LLC. Unique two-story cabins include fireplaces, secluded balconies, porches, phones, TV’s, 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
SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG17
Mimbres Realty, Inc.
Hometown Agents Helping Make Your Hometown Better Specializing in: • Residential • Land/Ranches • Commercial • Property Management Home & Apartment Rentals
Main Office: 3130 Hwy. 180 East Silver City, NM 88061
505-538-3789 1-800-827-9197 Fax 1-505-388-1348 Branch Office: 503 North Bullard Silver City, NM 88061
505-534-4616 Call Anytime! Visit Our Website at:
www.mimbresrealty.com VG18 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
Photo courtesy Mimbres Taxidermy & Guide Ser vice
OPEN 7 DAYS
OUTDOORS tgrheeat
By Jackie Blurton
Photo by Jackie Blurton
above: The vast Gila Wilderness surrounds the cliff dwellings highway and a narrow band of homes and hot springs. left: Outdoor activities in the Gila National Forest include fishing, hiking and mountain bike riding.
Recreation opportunities, fun, and adventur e are as numerous and varied as the landscapes ar ound Silver City and Grant County . From craggy deser t canyons to alpine mountain peaks, ther e isn’t a byway or trail without a gorgeous mountain backdrop under a dome of sapphire blue sky. The air is so clean and pur e that you imagine you’ve been granted the far sight of the eagle to see so clearly into the distance vistas. Grant County encompasses a large expanse of the Gila National For est and is a natural setting for your favorite outdoor activities. Although the region is mountainous, the southerly latitude and low humidity keep the climate moderate year round. Bicycling. Mountain biking is one of the most popular local spor ts. Scenic for est roads and trails offer moderate as well as challenging rides to test your skills. Road cyclists can enjoy scenic rides along the byways and river valleys on good r oads with light traffic. The moderate winters, topography and high altitude have made this a popular winter training site for competitive racers. Grant County is an excellent biking vacation destination. Hiking. The 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest and the Continental Divide have extensive systems of maintained trails and solitude. Fr om river valleys to forested mountain cr ests, the diverse ter rain and SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG19
Wooded • Views • Paved Streets Underground utilities City water Lot sizes from 0.75 acre to 2.8 acres
Real Estate for Your World Thompson Realty
sm
Specializing in • Land • Commercial Property • Residential Property • Property Management 607 North Hudson Silver City, NM 88061
505-538-0021 800-358-0021
www.silver-nm.com
Each office is independently owned and operated VG20 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
elevation also offer outstanding hiking in all seasons. Elk, mule deer, and wild turkey can often be seen. Motorcycling. There are several exceptional motorcycle day trips on the scenic byways of Grant County . Back roads with good pavement make this some of the best motorcycle touring in the Southwest.
Special Birds Come Here, Why Shouldn’t You?
By Gerald C. Hammon Within a short distance of Silver City you can find such rarities as the Olive and Red-faced W arbler, Painted Redstart, Grace’s W arbler, the endangered SW Willow Flycatcher, Greater Peewee, Common BlackHawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Hepatic Tanager, and Magnificent Hummingbird. At Cher ry Creek and McMillan campgrounds, a thir ty-minute drive north of town, you ar e in warbler heaven. A ways further, you can follow Signal Peak Road to the haunts of the Oliver Warbler and severa l species of owls. At the Gila River Bir d Habitat, a special management unit in the Gila National Forest, about 65% of the species found in New Mexico have been seen. The habitat is also noted as a nesting ground for the Common BlackHawk, as well as a major migration route and summer nesting gr ounds for a wide variety of songbir ds including flycatchers, tanagers, and warblers.
Photo by Bob Pelham
Photo by Bob Pelham
S DO O S GRIEG
Silver City’s Premier Subdivision
Photo by Dale and Marian Zimmer man
Now Representing
There are many excellent bir ding locations throughout the ar ea. You’ll appreciate the access to grasslands, piñon/juniper woodlands, riparian areas, and large tracts of ponder osa, mixed conifer, and aspen for ests in Grant County and ar ound Silver City . With such a diversity of habitat, it’s possible to view about 85% of New Mexico’s species. Birding opportunities are good throughout the year. Spring migrations begin in April and the moderate climate offers good bir ding for fall migration and wintering northern species. Birding maps and check lists ar e available at the Silver City/Grant County Visitors’ Center. Just bring your binoculars, Silver City and Grant County will take care of the rest! Fishing. It’s morning on the Gila River and the riffles speak in many voices as the river r olls gently by . The quiet surface of the deep hole reflects the first sunlight on the tall hills above the river . Your line ar cs perfectly through the air and the river rewards you with a strike. The Gila National For est, in Grant County, has rivers and several lakes with trout, bass, channel cat, and perch awaiting your line. Solitude and plenty of country allow you a quality fishing experience.
above, left: a hustle, bustle of immature Rufous Humming Birds at feeder. above, center: a prized sighting for anyone is the male Vermilion fly Catcher. above, right: With sightings ranging in elevation of our highest peaks in summer to our lowest desert plains in winter, the year round majestic Golden Eagle.
REAL ESTATE
ACTION REALTY. Specializing in Gila/San F rancisco River Valley Properties and Secluded Rural Properties. Located In Cliff, NM. 888-874-9891 www.actionrealtynm.com CENTURY 21 THOM PSON REALTY. Residential land, commercial sales, investment & property mgmt. 6 07 Hudson, Silver City. 505-538-0021 or 800-358-0021 www.silver-nm.com COLDWELL BANKER. For all your real estate needs “Call the Enchantment Team.” See our ad on Page 5. 501Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City. 538-2931 or 800-456-3132 www.zianet.com/cber HACIENDA REALTY GMAC REAL ESTATE. Service You Deserve. People You Trust. 1628 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City, NM 88061 505-388-1921. www.haciendasilvercity.com MIMBRES REALTY. Experienced, knowledgeable, professional realtors who care about your realty needs. Buying, selling, renting, homes, land, commercial properties. W e do it all! 3130 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City. 505-538-3789. RE/MAX SILVER CITY ADVANTAGE. Offering hometown experts with worldwide connections. See our ad on P age 12. 314 E. 14th Street, Silver City , NM. 505-538-3847 or 800-716-3847 www.remaxsilveradvantage.com SMITH REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MGMT. Quality People, Quality Service for over 3 8 years. 505 W . College. 505-538-5373 or 1-800-234-0307. www.smithrealestate.com askus@smithrealestate.com. SMITH REAL ESTATE MIMBRES BRANCH OFFICE. Servicing the Mimbres Valley. 3516 N. Hwy. 35, Mimbres, N M 505-536-3870. tim@smithrealestate.com www.smithrealestate.com
In the Mimbres Tim Donovan knows Land and Homes! From the Gila Cliff Dwellings to Faywood Hot Springs, Tim Donovan knows the land and the people of the Mimbres country. He has explored it on foot, by Jeep and on Horseback. He’s a Real Estate Professional with insight into people and issues from water rights to subdivision to hunting and forest regulations. As a resident of the Mimbres Valley he can tell you about the weather, how deep the wells are and what a place is really worth. He’ll help you find a contractor to build your home or the money to finance it. He’ll give you straight and honest answers to all your questions. Give a call or come by the Smith Real Estate office in Mimbres.
RV & CAMPGROUNDS
KAMPGROUNDS OF AM ERICA - 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 SILVER CITY RV PARK. 48 sites, full hookups, large shade trees, hot showers, laundry . Close to city park, restaurants, shops. Behind the Food Basket Supermarket. 1304 N. Bennett. 505-538-2239
Mimbres Branch Office 3516 N. Hwy. 35 Mimbres, NM 88049
505.536.3870 office 505.534.7955 cell
SHOPPING
A LA MODE F INE FASHIONS, ETC. Clothing and Accessories for the Young to Mature W oman in Petite to Plus Sizes. Located in Historic Downtown. 704 N. Bullard. 388-2474 MANY MOONS. Native American/New Mexican Products, Folk Art, Gallery, Coffee Bar. 4 Mi East of Silver City on Hwy 180, Arenas Valley. 10am-6pm, Sunday Too! Closed Tue/Wed. 505-534-2400 ROYAL SCEPTER GEMS AND MINERALS. Turquoise and Southwestern Jewelry, Fine Gifts, Minerals and F ossils, Free Mineral Museum. 1805 Little Walnut Rd. 538-9001 STAR MOUNTAIN TRADING. Handcrafted jewelry, gifts, Indian art, minerals, textiles, blown glass, pottery , books, music, jewelry supplies, 1000s of different beads. 409 N. Bullard. 505-534-0377 THE WESTERN & MEXICAN EMPORIUM. The most unique store in Silver City: decorative accessories. A “must see!” Located at 308 S. Bullard, Silver City. 505-534-0218 VINTAGE FANTASIES. Hats galore, fashions, shoes, home accessories from the 194 0s, '50s, '6 0s and '7 0s. Take a nostalgic shopping trip. 412 N. Bullard 505-3 88-4081 WESTERN STATIONERS. Cards, Gifts, Candy, Souvenirs, Arts & Crafts, T-shirts, Ribbon, Candles, Jewelry, Flags, Office Supplies, Rubber Stamps, Scrapb ook Supplies, Albums, F ax Service, Puzzles and Furniture. 703 N. Bullard, Silver City 538-5324
tim@smithrealestate.com “Personally, I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t get Tim for a Real Estate Agent.”
Full Service Camping
Silver City KOA
CIENEGA SPA. In the historic downtown area. C ienega 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
STORAGE
BY-PASS STORAGE. 4028 Hwy. 90 S., Silver City, NM 88061 505-388-2200 or 1-888-829-7277. AIRPORT SHUTTLE AND CHARTER SERVICE. Daily passenger and courier services between Silver City , Deming, Las Cruces and El P aso seven days a week since 19 85. 1-800-288-1784, and in Las Cruces 505-525-1784.
askus@smithrealestate.com www.smithrealestate.com www.realtor.com
John Ferrell
SPAS
TRANSPORTATION
Quality People, Quality Service for Over 38 Years
Your Hosts Jim and Jackie Blurton
We pride ourselves on cleanliness and outstanding service to our guests. 3.5 miles East of Silver City on Hwy. 180 (505) 388-3351 Great people. Reserve: 1-800-562-7623 Great camping.TM www.koa.com
UTILITIES
TEXAS NEW MEXICO POWER CO. Business Office is located at 302 Broadway and Construction Center is located at 3815 N. Swan. Business Office 505-53 8-3741
WILDERNESS GUIDE
GARY WEBB GUIDE & OUTFITTERS. Specializing in guided horseback trips in the Gila & Aldo L eopold Wilderness. Horse and Rider T raining, Pack Trips. HC 68, Box 149 K, Lake Roberts, NM 88061. 505-536-9368 GILA WILDERNESS VENTURES. Fun On Horsebac k! Day Rides, Sc heduled Pack Trips, Custom P ack Trips, Drop Camps. 866-677-2008. leah@ gilawildernessventures.com www.gilawildernessventures.com MIMBRES TAXIDERMY AND GUIDE SERVICE. Custom day, overnight and multi-day trips. Fishing trips, photo and sightseeing trips, wagon rides. 505-53 6-9685. HC 71 Box 497, Mimbres, NM 88049 www.gilaoutfitters.com SAN FRANCISCO RIVER OUTFITTERS. Horseback Vacations, Trail Rides to Multi-D ay Pack Trips, Beginners Welcome, Gentle Mountain Horses, Comfortable Camps. 505-53 9-2517 sfroutfitters@gilanet.com www.gilanet.com/sfroutfitters U-TRAIL. Gila Wilderness horseback vacations that friends and family can enjoy . Call for details and information pac kage. 505-539-2426 www.utrail.com email: utrail@gilanet.com
An independently owned and operated firm.
Service You Deserve. People You Trust. 1628 Silver Heights Blvd. • Silver City, NM 88061
505-388-1921
www.haciendasilvercity.com E-mail: haciendarealty@cybermesa.com SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE – VG21
Main Street Celebration of Spring
Red Paint Powwow
l a i c e sp
2004
Events
Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo
Tour of the Gila Bicycle Race. April 28-May 2. This National Geographic Adventure bicycle race is widely known as one of America’s most challenging events. The 5-day long stage race consists of appr oximately 24,000 feet of incline and also includes races for beginners and intermediates. Cycling along the edge of the nation’s first wilderness and over the rugged Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway, the Tour of the Gila is taxing for the best of cy clists. Laps through Silver City’s historic districts are the thriller for area residents, who watch the skill and contr ol exerted by experienced riders from across North America. Silver City Blues Festival. May 28-30. Blues is an art that has found a home in S ilver City. Thousands flock to the parks and lounges to experience the guitar sets and lyrics of some of America’s top blues bands. Set in the crisp mountain air of a gr owing arts community, blues enthusiasts celebrate the country’s renewed attachment to its deep-rooted music and dance into the wee hours of Silver City’s incredible summer nights.
Tour of the Bila
Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo. June 2-5. Silver City’s Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo lives up to its name, providing some of the most exciting entertainment in the region. Silver City’s purse attracts rodeo competitors and stock from the country’s best. Bronc riding, barrel racing and steer roping fire up the adrenaline, but it’s the bull riding that has spectators jumping out of their seats. The huge mass of animal muscle twisting and turning in the air makes any ride a feat and any finisher a champion.
Silver City Museum Fourth of July Ice Cream Social and Car Show
Silver City Blues Festival
Fourth of July Celebration. July 3. Parades, barbeque, craft booths and the Silver City Museum’s Ice Cream Social and car show fill the agenda for the I ndependence Day celebrations. Fiesta de la Olla. July 16-18. “From the neighbor to the south comes Mexico’s legendary potter, Juan Quezada, with his renowned Mata Ortiz creations. Based on the works of the ancient Mogollon and Casas Grandes cultures, Quezada and his family enlighten potters and ar tists of the Silver City area on the painting and firing of their ex quisite pottery. Weekend At the Galleries. October 8-10. “Silver City’s annual art extravaganza, Weekend at the Galleries, begins with ‘A Taste of Wine Gala’ and gallery preview on Friday night of Columbus Day weekend. The event is in full swing from the first clink of a wine glass. The galleries feature their original and uniquely Silver City works, while street events entertain children and minstrels fill the air with music
Silver City Blues Festival
Day of the Dead. TBA Special art shows in the galleries and decorated altars help celebrate the Día de los M uertos in customary Mexican fashion. Red Paint Powwow. January 7-9, 2005. In a flurry of eagle feathers and beaded vests, Silver City’s second annual gathering of Indians from throughout New Mexico and Arizona is an enchanting experience for the southern regions. Browsing through a large selection of indigenous crafts and tasting native food tops off the Native American ceremonies. Fiesta de la Olla
Day of the Dead
2004 SILVER CITY EVENTS April 2 Chris Smither. Folk Series at the Opera House. 538-2505, 1-888-758-7289 8-9 Culpepper & Merriweather Circus. 538-3785 9 MRAC Gallery Exhibit Reception, Works by San Vicente Artists. 1-888-758-7289 14Grant Co. Comm. Concert Assn. East Meets West Chamber Music Quintet. 538-3785 16Melanie Zipin at the Buffalo Dance Hall. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 16-18, 22-23 “Sylvia”.Production of WNMU Expressive Arts Depart. 538-6502 173rd Annual Southwest Golf Tourn. 538-0289 18Organ Instrumental Performances. 538-3578 23Student Exhibition Reception, WNMU. 538-6517 23Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart. Folk Series at the Opera House. 1-888-758-7289 24“Lozen – Woman Warrior” film documentary. 538-3785 25WNMU Band and WNMU Jazz Band Concert. 538-6617 25 The Man Without a Past,Int’l. Film Society. 538-5142 28-May 2 18th Ann. Nat’l. Geographic Adv. Tour of the Gila Bicycle Race. 388-3222 May 1-Oct 2 Grant County Art Guild Summer Time Art Show. 538-8216 1 Copper Cowbelles Shindig. 538-5864 5-8 Salt of the Earth Symposium. 538-5921 6,9 The “How To” workshop for success. 538-3785 7 Josh Bogin. Folk Series at the Opera House. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 7-9 Member Guest Golf Tourn. 538-5041 8 MainStreet Celebration of Spring Festival. 534-1700 16 Touching the Void, Int’l. Film Society. 538-5142 28-30 9th Annual Silver City Blues Festival.538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 28-31 Mr. & Mrs. Golf Tourn. 538-3785 or 1-800-548-9378 29 MainStreet BluesBerry Brunch. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 June 2-5 Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo. 538-3785 or 388-2586
VG24 – SILVER CITY VISITORS GUIDE
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6th Annual Rodeo Parade and Wild Wild West Days Celebration. 535-2567 11 MRAC Gallery Exhibit Reception, Works by Elsie Dean. 1-888-7587289 12 6th Annual Pinos Altos Art Fair. 388-4202 13 The Barbarian Invasions, Int’l. Film Society. 538-5142 19 Historic Downtown Music Showcase. 534-1700 19 “The Public Hanging” All Day Art Exhibits. 538-2505 19 Millie and Billy Ball at the Buffalo Dance Hall. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 July 3-5 Firecracker Golf Tournament. 538-5041 3 Independence Day Parade, Park Activities, Ice Cream Social and Car Show at the Silver City Museum. 538-3785 6 MRAC Gallery Exhibit Reception, Works by MRAC Print Project. 1-888-758-7289 16-18 Fiesta de la Olla. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 17-18 First Ann. Hummingbirds of NM Festival, Lake Roberts. e-mail: HBNM@gilanet.com 25 Since Otar Left, Int’l. Film Society. 538-5142 25 Solo Romantic Piano. Church of the Good Shepherd Recital Series. 538-3578 31 Hummingbird Banding at Grey Feather Lodge. 536-3206 August 6-8 Silver Invitational Golf Tournament. 538-5041 14-15 25th Annual Gun Show. 388-2360 15 TBA. International Film Society. 538-5142 20-22 Copper Country Cruizers’ Car Show. 388-3519 21-22 St. Vincent de Paul Annual Fiesta. 538-9373 22 Signal Peak Challenge: Mountain Bike Reg. Qualifier for Nat’l. Champ. 388-3222 September 3 John Tank at the Buffalo Dance Hall. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 4-6 Annual Gem and Mineral Show. 538-3216 4-5 12th Annual San Vicente Art Fair. 388-4854
2-4 Annual Billy Casper Golf Tourn. 538-4067 9-12Annual Gila Thunder Bike Run. 388-2427 17-19 Ft. Bayard Historic Days. 388-4477 24 Frula Balkan Dance Group. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 25 Taste of Downtown Silver City, Culinary Delights. 534-1700 29-Oct 3 Cliff, Gila, Grant Co. Fair. 388-1559 October 1-3 Club Championship Golf Tourn. 538-5041 2 Ann. Pinos Altos October Fiesta 538-0204 5-6 Silver Ladies President Cup Golf Tourn. 538-5041 7 Russian Seasons. Grant Co. Com. Concert Assn. 538-3785 8-10 Ann. Weekend at the Galleries. 538-2505 15-31 Elizabeth I Exhibit. 538-6350 16 Geronimo Trail Shootout, Gila Ranger Tourn. 388-2531 30 Ann. WNMU Homecoming Parade. November 6-7 Fall Partnership Golf Tourn. 538-5041 27 14th Ann. Lighted Christmas Parade. 534-1700 TBA Marine Corps Birthday Celebration. 388-1656 December 6 Annual Victorian Christmas. 538-5921 2005 SILVER CITY EVENTS January 7-9 2nd Annual Red Paint Powwow. 538-3785 15 Westwind Brass. Grant County Comm. Concert Assn. 538-3785 17-18 Greg Brown. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 21 Gregory Popovich. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 February 4 Folk Series at the Opera House. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 5 Annual Mardi Gras Dinner and Auction. 388-2331 12 Chocolate Fantasia. 538-2505 19 Teada/Ryan, Celtic Double Bill. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 March 4 Folk Series at the Opera House. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289 TBA Victorio’s Run: NM State Championship Shoot. 388-2531
Lake Roberts
Gila Wilderness
Grant County has it... Silver City Blues Festival
Tour of the Gila
All great reasons for visiting the Silver City area! Relax at a cool 6000 feet and then join in the fun and excitement. Tour of the Gila. April 28-May 2, 2004 This National Geographic Adventure cycling event features grueling high elevation mount ain courses and attracts professional world-class competitors. Silver City Blues Festival. May 28-30, 2004 Blues Festival fans look forward to enjoying top national artists playing lively blues. Wild, Wild, West Pro Rodeo. June 2-5, 2004 Top rodeo riders always put the Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo on their circuit, so spectators have come to expect the best in thrills and surprises. Fiesta de la Olla. July 16-18, 2004 World renowned potter Juan Quezada brings his Mat a Ortiz style to Silver City for the Fiest a de la Olla. Red Paint Powwow. Jan. 7-9, 2005 A traditional, competitive, powwow in the homeland of the Chihene Apache (Red Paint People-Warm Springs Apache).
Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 201 N. Hudson Street Silver City, NM 88061
City of Rocks
Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo
1-800-548-9378 info@silvercity.org
www.silvercity.org
Fiesta de la Olla
Red Paint Powwow
The Catwalk
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Western
New Mexico
University Museum
Photo by Anthony Howell
Most surprising and awe-inspiring about the WNMU Museum in Silver City, NM is that it houses the largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery and culture in the world. Open Monday through Friday 9:00-4:30 • Saturday & Sund ay 10:00-4:00
Free Admission • Handicap Accessible
505-538-6386 www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm
Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 201 N. Hudson St. Silver City, NM 88061
1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org
PRESRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Silver City, NM 88061 PERMIT No. 10