March 1st, 2010 by Richard
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We were recently contacted by a Travel Guide NEW MEXICO reader and watcher looking for suggestions about non-skiing activities in Angel Fire, New Mexico. We have a few recommendations and wanted to share them with everyone:
- El Monte Sagrado (www.elmontesagrado.com) is an incredible spa in Taos (there are none in Angel Fire) and about a 30-40 minute drive from Angel Fire. They have overnight accommodations, day spa and a great restaurant. We have visited many spas in the state and I would put this one at the top of our list. It is a great place to go and be pampered.
- Angel Fire Excursions offers snow mobile tours through Kit Carson National Forest. The folks at AFE are great folks and are terrific working with those who may not have been on a snow mobile before. We have been through Kit Carson and it is a wonderful forest. Lots of wildlife in the winter including Elk … and if you’re lucky you might spot a bear or two!
- Road Runner Tours offers winter horseback riding, sleigh rides and dinner sleigh rides, too. These folks have been doing tours for over 25 years and are wonderful people … and a lot of fun to be with/around.
- Enchanted Circle: This is one of the State’s scenic byways that goes up to Red River (shopping, etc.) and Taos and loops back to Angel Fire. It is a beautiful drive and depending upon the time of winter you go it is an easy drive. Be careful if there has been a lot of snow. Views are spectacular through the mountains and Red River is another of those fun places to visit.
- Shopping: Angel Fire has some great shops and art galleries. The town is small enough that you can park your car just about anywhere and walk Main Street. There is great shopping, too, in both Taos and Red River. Again … both an easy drive from Angel Fire.
We recommend a stop at the Angel Fire Visitors Bureau, on the far end of Main Street — they have lots of information and can help you with reservations and ideas for additional non-skiing opportunities.
A few last thoughts … make sure you treat yourselves to dinner at the Roasted Clove, which is near the Resort at Angel Fire. It is one of the finest restaurants we’ve eaten in while touring the state. Everything from incredible burgers to great steaks and sea food. You won’t go wrong. I think Monday night is their special burger night. Well worth checking out.
We also recommend that you get into your car at dusk or just around dawn and drive up the mountain. The roads are paved and clear of snow (99% of the time). If you want to see Elk you’re almost a shoe-in for great pictures. Lots of “critters” around and on the mountain.
March 1st, 2010 by Travel Guide NEW MEXICO
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Travelin Jack here – roving bull-dog reporter and today I would to sing a very special song that I have written about the state that I love so much…please sing along with me!
New Mexico, My Sweetheart, I’m in Love with You
Let me wander o’er your hills, And nature trails too.
From azure skies above, To waters oh so blue.
Let me call you sweetheart, New Mexico I love you.
I Love to view your beauty, All four seasons true
Summer, winter, spring and fall, Each lure my steps to you.
Let me Call you Enchanting, Words were ne’r so true
New Mexico My sweetheart, I’m in love with you.
March 1st, 2010 by Richard
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I have to admit … I’ve lived here permanently eight years and had never gone to Elephant Butte. Fishing has never been at the top of my priority list but that all changed with the introduction to Frank Vilorio, ace fishing guide and someone you would want to share a brew with after a great day on the water.
Frank has been a guide on Elephant Butte Lake for years and he knows every nook and cranny of the lake. I found this out right away when he put down the anchor in a little cove and said it was time to catch the bait we would use that day. Catch bait? Now there’s something I hadn’t heard of before … I thought you bought the bait in a store! Nope, Frank says you have to use live fish to catch fish. He was right!
Off we went and before long we were hauling in White Bass and looking for the elusive big Striper Bass. Jordan and Heather from Wyoming were along with us and Jordan showed us the “biggest” fish in the lake … about three inches long. But the second bite was one much bigger and the kind that would fit nicely into a campfire cook stove. We, of course, caught and released.
We were all enjoying the pristine New Mexico day – lots of sunshine and beautiful surroundings – when Heather snagged a Striper! This one was at least 15 pounds and gave Heather a nice fight before landing this “baby” in the boat. After everyone got to take a look this great fish was also returned to its native habitat.
Frank had us on the lake for about six hours and we could have stayed longer had we not had more filming to do for Travel Guide New Mexico. But he was quick to invite us back and we’ll take him up on that offer.
If you want to see some of the trophy fish that Frank has engineered for his charter participants check out his website and www.stripersnewmexico.com. Now these are some fish!
Thanks, Frank, for a great day at Elephant Butte. To see more click on our Elephant Butte video. And remember … Elephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest lake. In addition to fishing the boating and camping are terrific! Enjoy …
February 27th, 2010 by Travel Guide NEW MEXICO
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Pick your adventure in and around Taos, a small town that offers a respected artistic community, many treasures of history and access to worlds of sporting thrills. Get a real taste of frontier history at the Kit Carson Home and Museum, the notorious Governor Bent Home, or the Blumenschein Home & Museum. Take in the artistic side of the area at the Fechin Institute or the Harwood Museum of Art. Taos also puts you within reach of spectacular skiing at Taos Ski Valley or Wheeler Peak, or whitewater rafting at Taos Box on the Rio Grande. Visit Rancho de Taos for historic churches, or Taos Pueblo to see an ancient American Indian community.
February 27th, 2010 by Travel Guide NEW MEXICO
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Amidst the mystical beauty of Taos, New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa™ offers a secluded sanctuary in harmony with the Earth. Visit this Taos, New Mexico resort adorned with exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global culture and a dramatic art collection graced by world-famous artists.
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa™ is a well-known as a leader in alternative energy among other New Mexico resorts and hotels. Experience the extraordinary treatments of the Living Spa™ designed to heal mind, body and spirit, or simply meditate in the Sacred Circle among towering trees and waterfalls, and breathe in the tranquility.
February 27th, 2010 by Travel Guide NEW MEXICO
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The Rio Grande Gorge cuts through the high desert mesa around Taos, like a 650 ft. deep miniature Grand Canyon. The famous Rio Grande River flows through the Gorge on it’s way to the Gulf of Mexico. Gently gliding on the soft desert winds into the Gorge in the basket of a colorful hot air balloon, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop, this is the premier hot air balloon flight of the state of New Mexico. From snow covered mountains in the Winter, baby coyotes and deer in the Spring, blossoming flowers, bushes and cacti in Summer to colorful Fall foliage — there is ALWAYS majestic beauty everywhere!
Your Pueblo Balloon Company adventure begins bright and early on the day of your flight when someone from Pueblo Balloon Company picks you up at your Taos area Hotel / B & B. Our crew and FAA certified pilots are personable and entertaining, making even the drive to the Gorge fun.
After the flight we do the the 226-year-old traditional Champagne toast and we also fill out “Flight Certificates” for you as proof to the world that you are now Lighter-than-air-heads.
Come join the FUN! Read more about the Pueblo Balloon Company here.
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