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| partners | | As we traveled from Minnesota back to Arizona this past week, our second night was spent in historic Las Vegas, New Mexico. "Roadtrip" Randy (rwstorm) had recommended the old restored Plaza Hotel in the center of Old Las Vegas and even traveled from his home in Tucson to meet us at the hotel. Randy is intimately familiar with the area as he's an old railroad buff and a history buff and travels to the area frequently.
Once we got settled in our room, we met Randy in the Saloon and had some cold refreshing beverages while we talked about his plans to take us on a tour of the town. Las Vegas, at one time was the largest town in New Mexico due to its location along the Santa Fe Trail and as a major hub on the railroads. During the later part of the eighteen hundreds, there was a lot of money in Las Vegas and the rich town's people spent their money on elaborate homes, mansions and other buildings to show off their town. Today, there are more than 900 buildings in Las Vegas on the national historic register and many have been restored for viewing.
Randy drove us through the streets of town pointing out some of the more unique homes along the way. We then went to the outskirts of town where we saw the old Montezuma Castle that has now been converted into the United World College. We were unable to enter the grounds though, as it's only open to scheduled tours as it still houses students. Then it was a short drive down to the railroad station and one of the first Harvey Hotels along the ATSF Railroad. The old hotel was recently purchased by the same person who owns the Plaza Hotel and is in the process of restoring it into another hotel.
Las Vegas, NM is ignored by most travelers because of its proximity to Santa Fe and all the excitement going on in that area, but once here, it's easy to find anyone willing to brag up their town. Hollywood knows the Las Vegas area very well and has made several films within the area including Walker Texas Ranger, North Country, No Country for Old Men, and many more. Some of the rooms at the Plaza Hotel have a framed photo of the movie stars that have stayed in that room. Overall, its a pretty amazing town and I don't know why I wasn't aware of it until now. Guess I'll have to return again when I can spend a little more time hiking exploring. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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