Page 6 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide
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Colorful and Vibrant las Vegas, new Mexico
By Sharon Vander Meer
  Photo courtesy Deanna Roybal
Las Vegas has captured the art and melody of life. Passionate young entrepreneurs are in- vesting in eateries, boutique bars, and unique shops. The creative economy thrives with es- tablished galleries, antique shops and specialty stores, all featuring the work of local and area artisans. Local and regional musicians keep Northern New Mexico traditional and contem-
Photo courtesy Andy Kingsbury
porary music alive and thriving. The Castañeda Concert Series, part of the Meadow City Music Academy, brings classical, traditional and cul- tural offerings to the entertainment scene. For more information go to www.meadowcitymu- sic.org. For general information about arts and entertainment, go to www.lasvegasartscouncil. org.
Inspiration at work in Las Vegas is most evi- dent in the restoration of the iconic railroad era La Castañeda Hotel. Its Mission Revival archi- tecture captures the ambience of Northern New Mexico hospitality and charm, and is the cata- lyst for revitalization all along the MainStreet de Las Vegas business corridor and throughout the community. The hotel and its hospitality of- ferings are slated to open by June 2019.
Las Vegas is in the heart of the great outdoors. From sweeping vistas to remote byways in na- tional forests and wilderness areas, the scenery is fabulous and recreation opportunities abound. Trail rides, fishing, camping, hiking and biking adventures await bold individuals who want to experience nature in the raw. For the more ur- ban-minded there is the city’s museum, antiquing to your heart’s content, shopping, and arts and culture events year around. For a soothing and uplifting treat, experience the Hot Springs geo- thermal baths and Dwan Light Sanctuary, at the United World College.
Resources
To begin your journey, start out at the Las Ve- gas Visitor Center in the Historic Railroad Dis- trict Depot on Railroad Avenue, adjacent to the Castañeda Hotel. The abundance of information and brochures will make your visit to Las Vegas more enjoyable. Lodging establishments have informed staff who will gladly help you, and this Visitor Guide is available in nearly every shop, ho- tel and restaurant in town. The city’s visitor center is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Satur- day and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Las Vegas Citizens’ Committee for Historic Preservation and Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Cen-
Dichos Coffee at El Fidel Hotel, courtesy Bill Carroll
ter, 116 Bridge Street, houses an archive of histor- ical photos available for review, and information about Las Vegas and area history. The self-guided tour brochure showcases the historic districts and information about the more than 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Museums and history
Teddy Roosevelt left a lasting mark on Las Ve- gas. He had a fondness for the community because one of the 27 Rough Rider recruits from San Mi- guel County saved his life in the charge up San Juan Hill. The last Rough Rider Reunion was held in Las Vegas in 1969, attended by one vet. Gone are the days when Lincoln Park was filled with reunion festivities. What’s left are the memories, which re-
Fort Union Campfire, courtesy Richard Gonzales
side in the Las Vegas City Museum and Rough Rid- er Memorial Collection, along with artifacts of Las Vegas’ early years, and an archive of historical pho- tographs depicting cowboy and ranch life, colonial Spanish American life, and examples of Las Vegas in its railroad heydays. The museum is located at 727 Grand Ave.
With its skeletal remnants of adobe structures, Fort Union National Monument retains a haunting aura of military life in the 1800s. The fort, north of Las Vegas off I-25, is open to visitors daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Winter hours, Labor Day to Memorial Day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; summer hours, Memorial Day to La- bor Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free.
For insight into the Pueblo Indians of the Pecos area, spend an afternoon at Pecos National Histor- ical Park. The park explores the cultural exchange and geographic features that played crucial roles in the history of the Pecos Valley. The remains of pueblos stand as reminders of resilient people who once inhabited the area. Take I-25 south from Las Vegas to Exit 307 and follow the signs. Sight-seeing, shopping and dining
MainStreet de Las Vegas Corridor features di- verse food establishments, shopping and antiquing, beginning at the top of the Plaza with two antique shops. In the Bridge Street/ Plaza area you will find more antique stores, galleries, clothing stores,
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