• Home
• New Jersey Books
• Outdoor Tips
• Travels
• Product Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Holidays
• Contact Us

Fun Travels Across the United States

NEW MEXICO

NEWS

“Agnes Martin: Before the Grid,” opens Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Harwood Museum of Art

ACOMA SKY CITY

About Acoma Sky City

Sixty miles west of Albuquerque, atop a sheer-walled, 370-foot sandstone mesa, Acoma Sky City has remained suspended in time for hundreds of years. With an eye toward the future, North America's oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, Acoma Sky City is now the 28th National Trust Historic Site, named by the National Trust.

Overlooking a vast desert-and-mountain sweep of northern New Mexico and dating back to 1150 AD, Acoma Sky City is a vibrant community characterized by its adobe houses, plazas, walkways and the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church, completed around 1640. The Acoma people have long welcomed visitors to their community, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a Save America's Treasures site in 1999. Today, approximately 15 families live year-round atop the 70-acre mesa.

The Pueblo of Acoma owns Acoma Sky City, and the tribal council is responsible for all decisions and operations. By entering into the agreement with the National Trust, the pueblo will avail itself of the National Trust's expertise in preservation, conservation and interpretation as well as national standards, best practices and legal advocacy. Furthermore, the agreement allows Acoma Sky City access to technical services, special grant funds and cooperative marketing programs available only to National Trust Historic Sites.

For the National Trust, the addition of Acoma Sky City adds to an ever expanding group of diverse and cherished pieces of American heritage. From a massive castle overlooking the Hudson River to a tenement on Manhattan's Lower East Side, from Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio to Philip Johnson's Glass House, National Trust Historic Sites are both a legacy from the past and a gift for the future.

Hour-long tours of Acoma Sky City are offered throughout the year. Guided by Acoma residents, they provide an introduction to the history and culture of the pueblo as well as an exploration of the church, plazas and residential areas.

The mesa-top village is known worldwide for its unique art and profoundly rich culture. Potteryˇhand coiled and tempered with walls so thin that they ring with the clarity of a bellˇhas been revered by art collectors for more than a century. Visitors can see examples of the pottery at the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum or purchase pottery directly from the artists along the tour route in the village or from the expansive gift shop at the Sky City Cultural Center.

For more information, contact Brian D. Vallo, Director of the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum, at 800-747-0181 or visit web site www.skycity.com or www.nationaltrust.org .

ALBUQUERQUE

The new National Museum of Nuclear Science & History has reopened. This “new” museum has served as a national resource through its collections and programming for 40 years. Formerly the National Atomic Museum, which opened in 1969 and was chartered by Congress in 1991, the new museum will continue to serve as a repository and steward of nuclear-related historical items and remain a Smithsonian affiliate.

The new location at 601 Eubank Blvd. SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, includes a newly constructed 30,000-square-foot building and 12 acres of exterior space. For the first time in more than seven years, the public will be able to view the historic aircraft, nuclear missiles, and other large artifacts belonging to the museum, as those items have been moved from their location on Kirtland Air Force Base to the new site.

The interior space will continue to present nuclear history, power, medicine, weapons, uranium mining, energy and radiation in its major exhibits. Also included is Little Albert’s Lab, complete with an animatronic Little Albert, where children of all ages can learn the fundamentals of Albert Einstein’s famous formula of E=mc©˜.

The museum started out in 1969 as the Sandia Base Weapons Museum at its location on Kirtland Air Force Base. After September 11, 2001, the museum was forced to seek an alternative site that would allow visitors from other countries to continue to visit. Space was then rented in Albuquerque’s Old Town, a tourist destination.

The museum’s artifacts range from a minute sample of ekanite, an uncommon gemstone with a high Thorium content, to a B52-B bomber airplane, an item regulated in the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty to this day. The museum’s best-known artifacts are casings used for the Fat Man and Little Boy atomic bombs of World War II.

The Museum has a thriving education effort, designed for life-long learning. The museum's educational programs include docent-led school tours, summer camps, visits to schools by the “Up n Atom Mobile” and lectures for the public.

The museum is open 361 days a year. The museum’s web site is www.nuclearmuseum.org with the same phone number --- 505-245-2137.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express, which is a new light rail system running north and south through the Albuquerque metro area, is now running from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The trains have bike storage areas for easy transport and will soon have WiFi for business commuters. Day trips to Santa Fe have never been easier and visitors are enjoying the inexpensive $8 per day ticket. Learn more about times and service to Santa Fe online  www.itsatrip.org/railrunner/

One of Albuquerque's best assets is Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (the Nature Center) along the Rio Grande River. In both 2004 and 2006, Rand McNally recognized the park as one of the "Best of the Road" attractions nationwide.

The Nature Center is also recognized locally as a resource in which to learn and conserve nature through observation. Managed by New Mexico State Parks, the 270 acre park is situated along the Rio Grande Bosque, and is a haven for 270 species of birds in a forest of native Cottonwoods (Bosque). The Nature Center is unique in that it is located in the middle of one of the largest remaining tracts of Bosque along the State's Middle Rio Grande Valley (from Cochiti Dam to San Marcial).

The Nature Center celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007, with numerous events. The park is popular for its interpretive programs including "star parties," hands-on workshops, guided daytime and nighttime trail hikes, special events and outdoor educational programs throughout the year.

Over 8,000 schoolchildren visit the Nature Center each year on school-sponsored field trips, and another 2,000 to 3,000 visitors attend classes and special walks such as the full moon walks, owl prowls, and weekend bird and nature walks. The park contains two scenic trails - the Riverwalk Trail and the Bosque Loop Trail - which allow visitors to view the more than 60 species of wildlife and birds in their natural setting.

Resident birds include great-horned owl, western screech owl, house finch, northern flicker, red-winged blackbird and many others can be seen nesting or flying around the park. The park offers a viewing area, observation room and Discovery Pond in which to experience the flora and fauna of the Bosque through sight, touch and sound.

State Parks plans to make improvements to the park including expansion of trails, construction of a new educational facility, rehabilitation of wetlands and removal of non native vegetation.

Visitors to Albuquerque can also take short day or camping trips to other New Mexico State Parks, many which are only a few hours away. Spring runoff, resulting from abundant winter moisture, is expected to increase water levels at most of State Park's 19 lakes - providing excellent conditions for boating, fishing and swimming. State Parks Annual Camping Permit is the best way to experience New Mexico and any of its 34 parks, providing unlimited camping for a full year from month of purchase. In fact, it costs less than $4 for a family of four to utilize the camping permit each weekend for a year.

Most of New Mexico's parks are within close proximity to Albuquerque, providing an opportunity for visitors to see why parks like the Rio Grande Nature Center should be at the top of the "must see" list when it comes to authentically experiencing New Mexico.

For general information on New Mexico State Parks, call 888-NMPARKS (888-667-2757) or log onto www.nmparks.com. For information on Rio Grande Nature Center State Park contact the park at (505) 344-7240.

The mission of the New Mexico State Parks Division is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors.

Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club was recently ranked No. 3 in the United States for best public golf courses in a Readers Choice Poll by subscribers of Golf Magazine. Albuquerque is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Our forested mountains, lush river valleys and high desert plains combine to make central New Mexico a dream come true for golf course designers. In addition, Albuquerque’s weather allows for one of the longest playing seasons, making golf enjoyable year-round. Plus you get all of this and more at great value. Learn more about Albuquerque's golf at www.itsatrip.org/golf

Where to Stay

 Hilton Albuquerque Hotel to undergo renovations

The Albuquerque Hilton Hotel, a landmark in the city’s midtown area for nearly 40 years, is undergoing a comprehensive $14 million “greenovation” that will incorporate energy and water conservation and feature a fresh, contemporary Western style inside and out. The completion date of this "greenovation" is set for early this year. The "greenovation" includes redesigning of the outside property, hotel rooms, the hotel entryway, elevators, the fitness center and more. The already completed rooms include high-efficiency bathrooms and new furnishings from floor to ceiling. The hotel's entryway will be expanded to allow guests and visitors to check email, surf the internet or grab a quick snack or light meal. In addition, both existing elevators will be revamped to run more efficiently and a new entrance to the award-winning Rancher’s Club Restaurant will be added for the convenience of guests. A state-of-the-art fitness center will be relocated to look out over the hotel’s central courtyard. As part of the later stages of renovation, the Hilton plans to update meeting space with new carpeting and wall coverings and rework its Cantina Bar and Casa Chaco Restaurant.

GALLUP

More soon

SANTA FE

The new Santa Fe Geocaching Challenge uses GPS (global positioning system) technology and some of the city's most prominent landmarks in an adventurous new way to explore the history and culture of Santa Fe. A high-tech treasure hunt using GPS devices, the Santa Fe challenge takes participants on a tour of historic downtown with some unexpected surprises along the way and prizes for those who find all of the locations.

Geocaching has developed worldwide interest as a fun adventure activity. The idea is to use a GPS device and specific coordinates to find interesting locations and their associated hidden caches. Santa Fe has a number of players taking part in an international, city-by-city form of the game and now introduces its own challenge that is all about Santa Fe itself.

To take the challenge, participants first pick up a free Santa Fe Adventure Passport either by downloading it from www.santafe.org, or by visiting the Santa Fe Visitors Center in the Lamy Building, 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, or the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau information area–weekdays 8:00 to 5:00–at 60 E. San Francisco in the lower level of the Santa Fe Arcade. The passport contains specific coordinates for 8 different locations, their hours of operations, and instructions for finding a clue in each place. Players then use their own GPS devices'rentals* are available–to locate the eight different sites. Once a location is found, the passport is stamped, which is the cache in this adventure, and it's on to the next set of coordinates.

During the search players will experience Santa Fe's beauty and charm while being guided to some of the city's most interesting spots. Plus there are bonus prizes available, such as discounted entry fees to attractions, throughout the challenge. Once a player finds all 8 locations they can redeem their completed passports for gifts either at the Santa Fe Visitors Center in the Lamy Building or at the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Santa Fe Geocache Challenge will take several hours to visit all 8 locations and covers about 2 miles of walking. It is perfect for the whole family in a high-tech meets old world way and an innovative new approach to site seeing.

The Santa Fe Geocache Challenge is powered by Santa Fe Mountain Adventures.
*GPS devices are available for rental from Santa Fe Mountain Adventures for $25;
505-988-4000 or info@sfmadv.com

Nestled in the lush La Cienega Valley–just minutes from the shopping and culture of Santa Fe's historic downtown plaza–is a restorative retreat dedicated to nurturing body and soul: Spa Samadhi.

Samadhi is a Sanskrit word referring to the state of pure bliss that can be actualized through breathing deeply and living mindfully, and the philosophy guiding Spa Samadhi is one of healing from the inside out.

All elements are conceived with that vision in mind. Spa treatments are conducted in private rooms with windows that provide soft natural light, some with pond-side views, while sounds of nature mingle with the soothing scents of aromatherapy. Guests are provided with spa robes and sandals, and invited to unwind in the Relaxation Lounge, where they can enjoy fresh fruit and hot tea. Cedar sauna and outdoor hot tubs provide rest and relaxation.

Spa Samadhi boasts an exceptional range of intuitive and innovative bodywork, with a group of transformational treatments taking center stage.

Explore yourself through Holographic Therapy (which helps integrate the different levels of consciousness) and Medicine Helper (a deeply healing treatment for trauma that incorporates elements of Native American healing traditions, bodywork, fresh herbs from the property's heirloom gardens, traditional song, and prayer).

Other transformative treatments offered by Spa Samadhi:

Natural Medicine
Bartenieff Fundamentals: Movement Re-Education
Craniosacral Therapy
Polarity Therapy
Lymphatic Release
Intuitive Readings
Sound Healing
Reiki

The spa uses locally made, wild-harvested, organic wellness products, as well as the Naturopathica line. Indulge in one of Spa Samadhi's many rejuvenating treatments'a Cherry Blossom Regenerative Facial or a Hot Stone Massage featuring a blend of white pine, sage, and pink peppercorn oils.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa is also a thriving center for the contemplative arts, featuring diverse ways to integrate mind, body, and spirit. Sages Art Center offers custom private or group instruction to enhance your getaway–from cooking classes and Tai chi to Chinese brushwork and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

The resort maintains a dedication to the well being of visitors. The exquisite 70-acre property's tranquil walking paths, spring-fed ponds, and graceful cottonwoods offer visitors a myriad of ways to rediscover themselves. Respect for the environment manifests itself in the resort's commitment to sustainability.

To plan your own blissful spa break, visit web site www.sunrisesprings.com or call the reservationist directly at 800 955 0028.

Where to Stay

The Santa Fe Sage Inn

-- is offering two winter specials: The "Winter Warmth Upgrade Special" provides guests with one of the Inn's newly renovated Superior Rooms at the Standard price. Featuring two queen-sized beds or one king-sized bed, these bright and cheerful rooms decorated in true Southwestern style will take the chill off of any winter day. The special rate of only $55 plus tax per night includes a deluxe continental breakfast, high-speed wireless internet, and complimentary on-site parking. The "Let it Snow! Ski Package" includes three nights' lodging in our Superior guest rooms, a two-day lift ticket to Ski Santa Fe, and a collection of special amenities to enhance your fun in the snow. Pricing starts at only $191 per person, based on double occupancy.

Call toll-free 866-433-0335 for reservations. www.santafesageinn.com

The Eldorado Hotel & Spa

-- Santa Fe’s premier AAA four-diamond luxury hotel, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa is located next to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. All 219 lavish and newly renovated, non-smoking guestrooms boast 32” flat-screen HD-compatible televisions, terry-cloth bathrobes; a hairdryer; a workstation with task light, a cordless phone with voicemail and high-speed internet access; overstuffed lounging furniture paired with a reading lamp and tables; a refrigerated mini-honor bar, and optional turndown service. The Eldorado Court & Lounge offers a casual and comfortable environment for breakfast and lunch and is a perfect spot for evening drinks and entertainment. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and whirlpool, and a business center. The 4,300 square foot posh Nidah Spa features seven treatment rooms and offers a bevy of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments which use ingredients that are prepared fresh daily and draw from the natural healing properties of plants, legumes and herbs indigenous to New Mexico.

For reservations visit www.eldoradohotel.com or call 800-955-4455.

Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa

--offers a special 3-night, 2-day ski pass package for two adults. Package rates are $199 per night for a traditional room, $259 per night for a deluxe room, and $299 per night for a ridge room. This package is based on availability, and available for three nights or multiples of three. With a three-night stay guests receive two adult two-day lift tickets to Ski Santa Fe (not valid at any other ski area.) Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is just 25 minutes from the Santa Fe Ski Area. Fresh powder, blue skies, and warm sun are typical on the New Mexico ski slopes. The high altitude and dry air make for ideal ski conditions, mid-winter into spring. Other on-site resort activities include:

Horseback riding in the woods of the Tesuque Valley ($55 per person per hour for a private guided ride).
Skeet and trap shooting on the scenic Mesa Vista. Group and individual instruction are available for beginners, $35 per round (25 shots), 4-round minimum per session.
Hiking the trails. There are four main trails on the property and miles more on the adjacent Santa Fe National Forest.
Relaxing in the spa. Singles and couples' massages are available at the full service, award-winning SháNah Spa and Wellness Center. Guests can also soak in the outdoor hot tub or take a fitness class. (Massages range from $105 to $125 per person.)
Watch the sun set over a gourmet dinner (entrees $28-$38).

In addition to sumptuous culinary creations, Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar has a cozy fireplace and spectacular mountain views.

To make a resort or spa reservation, call 800-732-2240 or visit www.bishopslodge.com.

The Inn and Spa at Loretto

-- invites guests to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate by indulging in authentic Santa Fe spa treatments with the Spa Indulgence Package. It begins with overnight accommodations in a luxurious guestrooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the natural beauty of Santa Fe. Melt any remaining bit of tension with a $200 daily credit to the Spa and enjoy a very special amenity package which includes robes, slippers, and a beautiful gift box filled with scented body butter, soap and a scented soy candle. Relax with one of the many specialized treatments designed to pamper from head to toe.

This package is priced from $649 per night.

Call 1-800-727-5531 to book and ask for the Spa Indulgence Package. www.innatloretto.com

Hotel Santa Fe

-- has two packages for the winter traveler. The Romance Package includes room accommodations, fresh flowers, welcome basket, filled with strawberries, wedding cookies, mineral waters or champagne, a one-hour massage for two, and full breakfast. A two night minimum stay is required and prices range and start at $255.00 based on double occupancy and room type. The Ski Package includes accommodations, Ski Santa Fe lift ticket, and full breakfast. Prices range and start at $221.00 based on double occupancy and room type. Call 800-825-9876 for reservations or book online, www.hotelsantafe.com

Inn of the Governors

-- is providing winter discounts for travelers whether it is to ski, re-kindle a romance, or simply experience Santa Fe's azure winter skies. Rates vary from $99 to $199 for Traditional Rooms. Contact the inn for reservations at 800-234-4534 or online at www.innofthegovernors.com

The Sheraton Uptown recently renovated its floors and the entire public space of the hotel, which consists of the lobby, registration, hotel bar and meeting space. The $25 million project included renovation of the 17,000 square feet of meeting space and furniture upgrades to the 295 rooms and suites.  Upgrades were made to the ventilation, heating and air condition systems and the indoor swimming pool, as well as new additions including an Internet lounge and a media center.

NOTE: These are not all of the savings opportunities available this winter but a representative sample of ways to save on a Santa Fe vacation. To find out everything that is going on in town and for a free 2008 Santa Fe Visitors Guide, go to www.santafe.org or contact the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-777-2489.

Where to Eat

Rio Chama, part of the Gerald Peter’s Santa Fe Dining group, opens a few new doors to tourists and Santa Feans alike. The restaurant is hosting a grand opening, presenting guests with two new banquet rooms, a spectacular wine cellar that holds 11,000 bottles and a menu full of seasonal favorites. Offering five private dining facilities, a popular bar, eight cozy kiva fireplaces and an exquisite menu, it is easy to see why Rio Chama is a premiere dining destination in Santa Fe.

Since its opening in 2001, Rio Chama has entertained a solid local crowd while offering visitors a true taste of the "City Different." The restaurant is also a prime destination for lobbyists during the legislative session, as it sits next door to the New Mexico State Capitol building.

Executive chef Tom Kerpon continues to create a menu that reflects the expectations of guests while remaining unique to Santa Fe. Bar guests can enjoy a relaxing and cosmopolitan setting with an array of menu items such as seasonal Pacific Northwestern oysters on the half shell. Dining room guests are treated to classic comfort- think hearty slow roasted prime rib, slow braised venison osso bucco, and cinnamon chile rubbed beef tenderloin medallions.

President's Room

Kerpon anticipates a promising future for the restaurant. "Rio Chama is beautiful; the popular bar is one of the best in Santa Fe," he said. "Our food continues to get spectacular reviews. This is going to be a destination unlike any other in Santa Fe."

The President’s Room is the restaurant’s newest banquet area with handcrafted wooden doors opening to a banquet room with seating for 80 guests, and standing room available for 100. The dramatic white adobe walls pleasantly contrast with dark wood flooring and are accented with 18th century Navajo and American Indian woven rugs from Gerald Peter’s private collection.

Abiquiu Room

Downstairs in the Abiquiu Room, Rio Chama caters exclusively to private parties by offering four to seven course meals with wine pairings. Thick transparent glass allows dining guests to view the large capacity display cellar while enjoying their meal.The banquet rooms are booking up quickly. "We have been pleasantly surprised with the public response," said general manager Jim Hargrove. With the new space, Rio Chama will have the capacity to hold up to 300 guests, making it one of the largest restaurants in Santa Fe.

Rio Chama is located in the historic Barrio de Analco, at 414 Old Santa Fe Trail. For more information please visit www.riochamasteakhouse.com .

Shops and boutiques abound in The Sanbusco Market Center www.sanbusco.com, home to small retail shops such as fly fishing shop The Reel Life www.reellifesantafe.com, women’s fine clothing at Bodhi Bazaar, luxury pet boutique Teca Tu www.tecatu.com, and Wink www.winklifestyle.com, a salon and day spa which has been listed as one of the "Best in the West" by both Harper’s Bazaar, and Town and Country.

When you're done shopping and looking for a cozy hang out, you'll find it in the Aztec Café ( www.azteccafe.com ) with it's laid–back atmosphere and eclectic crowd. Or, stop by Cafe Dominic for a fresh salad or some of their trademark tortilla soup. Then head across the street to visit one of Santa Fe's best kept secrets, Double–Take. Vintage designer clothing, jewelry, cowboy boots and furniture cover two floors of the nostalgic shop.

The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant is an ever popular destination. Have dinner on the outdoor patio and listen to live music, or head inside and get a drink from one of the cowgirls behind the bar. Two doors down at Willie’s Blues Club live music draws a dancing crowd.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa, tucked into a lush cottonwood oasis in the high desert just outside of Santa Fe, is a refuge for those seeking peace and balance for the mind, body, and spirit. With a warm, art-filled setting in a century-old adobe building, the Blue Heron Restaurant reflects this with the use of produce from the resort’s own biodynamic gardens as well as close attention paid to the Slow Food movement and local Farm-to-Restaurant Project.

House-made herb infused oils, vinegars, liquors, yogurt, breads and greenhouse-grown vegetables along with an extensive biodynamic wine list are just a few of the offerings at the Blue Heron. The focus on organic and biodynamic produce is a compliment to the resort’s overarching mission for providing a luscious getaway that is also eco-friendly and green. Reclaimed wood and adobe building materials, water, glass and metal recycling, heirloom seeds and organic, wild-harvested locally made spa products make a visit to Sunrise Springs a destination spa and retreat for all, including the eco-conscious.

For additional information contact Sunrise Springs
505-428-3603

It is rare to stand at the summit of Ski Santa Fe, at over 12,000 feet, and see nothing but a white landscape within the 8,000 square mile view. But right now, from the Truchas Peaks in the north to the Sandia Mountains flanking Albuquerque in the south out to Mount Taylor near the Arizona border in the west, it's nothing but snow as far as the eye can see.

And good snow makes for great skiing. This winter Ski Santa Fe already has 95 percent of its terrain open with excellent coverage on everything from the smooth cruisers to the steep bowls to the perfectly spaced trees. The mountain is evenly split between blue and black runs so there are plenty of comfortable trails for intermediates while the steep fall-line runs, glades, and moguls are ideal for experts. Heavy and frequent December and January snowfalls have provided outstanding conditions area-wide.


Ski Santa Fe offers a highly-regarded children's program and ski school, indoor and outdoor dining at the base and mid-mountain, and over 660 acres of Rocky Mountain terrain covered with more than 4 feet of dry, New Mexico snow.

A new lift, the Millennium Lift, began running this season to serve a new, higher summit (12,075 feet) accessing 2 new intermediate and 4 new advanced trails. The new quad (four place) lift adds an extra dimension to the area with faster access to the northern runs and a greater variety of ways to get around the mountain.

For non-skiers and boarders, or at day's end when the lifts close, all the legendary amenities, culture, and comforts of charming Santa Fe are at the end of a short, scenic drive back into town. Winter is Santa Fe's slowest time of year so while museums, shops, restaurants, and attractions are open, the price of lodging is typically less, and town is at its most leisurely. There is still a busy calendar of events throughout this low season and reliable sunshine makes even the chilliest day comfortable. But in the winter, skiers and visitors will feel like they have Santa Fe all to themselves.

A number of Santa Fe properties offer package deals for skiers and snowboarders with combinations of multi-night rates, value priced lift tickets, and ski area services. Which makes any Santa Fe winter getaway a real value for skiers and snowboarders looking to play in the snow and spend a little time in one of America's great small cities.

Sample Packages:

Eldorado Hotel & Spa: $255 nightly/double occupancy with lift tickets at Ski Santa Fe for each guest and continental breakfast.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa: $190 per night per guest for two night stay, spa treatment, two half-day lift tickets each day at Ski Santa Fe, and lunch for two at the property's Fuego restaurant.

Hotel St. Francis: $435 for two nights in a deluxe guestroom, 2 all-day lift tickets at Ski Santa Fe, full American breakfast each morning.

The Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau web site -- www.santafe.org -- can help with hotel bookings and general information. Ski Santa Fe's web site -- www.skisantafe.com -- has the latest grooming reports and snowfall totals as well as lift ticket prices, trail maps, and services.
This campaign, when combined with New Mexico's natural beauty and places of interest, has created a new initiative dubbed Eco Tourism. "There's a wealth of environmental and energy-related activities that one can experience while they are here," according to Scott Fischler, president of energy technology consulting company, Netozoic. New Mexico's vast resources and exciting possibilities first attracted Fischler to the state. "My wife and I moved here a few months ago recognizing the great potential of New Mexico as a renewable energy state - one that provides enormous opportunities to promote environmentalism and eco tourism - and this led to the concept of energy tourism."

Examples of the type of energy-conscious amenities available to visitors include the newly launched Rail Runner Express, one of the country's first commuter trains to run on bio-diesel. "I am committed to promoting clean renewable energy in New Mexico," said Governor Bill Richardson. "The Rail Runner is fast and clean, and -- with the switch to biodiesel -- it will be green as well."

Other "green" transport enterprises include the biodiesel-powered Santa Fe Southern Railway, a piece of living history carrying passengers through high desert scenery on a 4-hour round trip from the historic depot in Santa Fe to Lamy, a sleepy little village 18 miles southeast of Santa Fe and reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Wild West days; Santa Fe's extensive network of compressed natural gas fueled buses; and Taos' Chili Line pilot program for bio-diesel powered buses. But, when it comes to transportation, the most ambitious project yet is New Mexico's partnering with Virgin Galactic to create the first spaceport for civilian spaceflight . Virgin Galactic creator Sir Richard Branson declared, "New Mexico will be known around the world as the launch pad of the new space industry." Scheduled for completion in 2009/2010, the environmentally friendly spaceport, largely to be constructed underground, will extensively use solar energy and an advanced water collection system.

Museums & More To Do

New Mexico boasts a number of museums that are devoted to or include energy-related exhibits, including the Bradbury Science Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Atomic Museum. Visitors to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo can learn all about hydrogen fuel cells and the hydrogen used for spaceflight.

The more adventurous eco tourist can enjoy such activities as gliding and hot air ballooning, with both holding the promise of magnificent views of New Mexico's spectacular landscape. Ballooning enthusiasts can also visit the dramatic Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.

Another area in which New Mexico is leading the way with its environmental and energy conscious approach is the construction industry. Santa Fe was the first city to sign the 2030 Challenge, a proposal adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to incrementally reduce green house gas emissions from new construction, with a goal of eliminating the carbon footprint of new buildings by 2030. The 2030 Challenge is being advanced by Architecture 2030 Founder and recognized Santa Fe green design expert, Ed Mazria. For Santa Fe, this pioneering spirit dates back to the 1970s when the city was a leader in solar design during the energy crisis. Santa Fe's progressive attitude continues today with its extensive green-oriented housing developments.

With Angels Nest and El Monte Sagrado, Taos showcases two pioneering examples of green construction. Angels Nest Retreat is an off-the-grid sustainable building that harnesses wind and solar energy for its power. Angels Nest is developing energy systems to harness renewable resources to produce hydrogen for powering the building and fueling the vehicles of its designers, Robert Plarr and Victoria Peters. Angels Nest, which offers public tours, utilizes rainwater and recycles wastewater to become what Plarr considers a model for off-the-grid buildings. "You have no other needs," Plarr told a local newspaper. "You don't have to worry about the outside world." A perfect place for the eco tourist to relax is El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa. Built in the shadow of the beautiful Sangre de Christo Mountains, El Monte Sagrado is an eco-friendly boutique haven which utilizes geothermal heating and recycled wastewater to pamper its guests.

Fischler forsees the myriad ways in which industry and tourism can cross-pollinate in the advancement of new renewable energy and environmental enterprises, with the emphasis on "tourism driving this forward as a catalyst for economic development as a complement to economic development being a catalyst for tourism." Amongst the areas of opportunity, Fischler envisions "tours of green homes and communities, solar and wind generating facilities, and waste-to-energy facilities, to name but a few. There's a whole facet of attractions that would appeal to an industry person, a lay person, a casual observer, a student or a family that is interested in learning more about renewable and sustainable energy."

In an effort to extend the progress being made by Santa Fe in green construction to the rest of the state, Governor Richardson has introduced a plan that includes building codes that promote lower energy and water use, and a tax credit to encourage the building of green homes and offices. There's also a $2.5 million program to give impoverished families low and no interest loans to make their homes more energy-efficient and an investment of around $9.5 million towards building public schools that can show a 50% increase in energy efficiency. The Governor's plan also incorporates several regulations aimed at reducing the level of greenhouse gases emitted by new trucks and cars.

Fischler was drawn to New Mexico's potential while attending the Southwest Renewable Energy Conference in Santa Fe. It's one of a number of energy-related conferences that New Mexico has hosted recently including the Border Energy Conference, the National Hydrogen Association's Renewables to Hydrogen Forum, and the New Mexico Hydrogen Business Council Annual Conference. These conferences bring in delegates from all over the world. What they, along with the millions of other visitors to New Mexico, find is a beautiful, unspoiled landscape, state of the art amenities, a wealth of attractions and also a state determined to do everything possible to be deserving of the title, the "Clean Energy State."

TAOS

THE HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO PRESENTS “AGNES MARTIN: BEFORE THE GRID”

“Agnes Martin: Before the Grid,” opens Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Harwood Museum of Art and will remain on view through Sunday, June 17. Concurrently, the museum presents “Agnes Martin:  Works on Paper,” a companion exhibition of her later works on paper.  The Harwood Museum of Art is home to the Agnes Martin Gallery, a permanent exhibition of seven large scale paintings donated by the artist in 1997.

Little attention has been paid to Martin’s aesthetic roots. “Agnes Martin: Before the Grid” is designed to fill this historical art gap. The exhibition, along with a series of lectures, films and a symposium, pays tribute to this remarkable artist while celebrating the 100th anniversary of her birth. The 30 paintings and drawings in the exhibition, many of which have never been exhibited before, were culled by curators Tiffany Bell and Jina Brenneman from private and public collections.  These pieces, dating from the early 1940s through the 1950s, comprise a little-known body of work demonstrating Martin’s evolution from portraits, still-lifes and landscapes to the biomorphic and geometric abstractions preceding the grid paintings for which she is internationally recognized.

Agnes Martin is among the most admired and influential American painters of the last half century.  With her spare but emotionally rich paintings, based on grid compositions and a severely muted palette, she created a singular genre, a combination of Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism that has inspired two generations of collectors, curators and fellow artists.  Her work is included in virtually every major museum of contemporary art.  In 1998 she received the National Medal of Arts awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

At the behest of art dealer Betty Parsons, Martin moved to New York City in 1957 and took up residence at Coenties Slip. Many in the art world assume that Martin emerged fully developed in her 1958 solo show at the Betty Parsons Gallery in New York. By then, Martin had been working for nearly 20 years, much of that time in the fabled but isolated art community of Taos, New Mexico, moving step by seemingly inevitable step from landscapes and portraits to biomorphic and geometric abstraction, resulting in the mature work that is perhaps the purest abstract art ever made.

Martin quickly came to prominence with Parsons’ financial backing and full support beginning in 1958. However, in 1967 she dropped out of the New York art world, bought a pickup truck and headed back west. She landed first in Cuba, NM, where she built an adobe home. Later she moved to Galisteo, outside of Santa Fe, where, after seven years of not painting, she went back to work and quickly regained her fame. In 1993 she returned to Taos. She lived and worked in Taos until her death in 2004 at the age of 92.

Agnes Martin: Before the Grid Catalogue
A 70-page color catalogue is being produced to accompany the exhibition with an art historical essay by Dr. Richard Tobin. The catalogue includes introductory text by Arne Glimcher of The Pace Gallery and artist and friend of Martin, Richard Tuttle. Info:  575-758-9826 (x102) or send an e-mail to shop@harwoodmuseum.org.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Exhibition Dates: February 25 – June 17, 2012

Friday, Feb. 24, 2012
4 p.m.   Director’s Circle and VIP Reception, (Private and invite-only.)
5-7 p.m.  Alliance Members’ Opening Reception  (Private and invite-only.)
Info: Juniper Manley, 575-758-9826 x 116.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
11 a.m.  Remarkable Women of Taos Kick-off News Conference at the Harwood Museum of Art. For decades, artists and free spirits of all kinds have been drawn to the beauty and mystery of the Northern New Mexico landscape. In 2012, the Town of Taos offers visitors a look at what inspired the Remarkable Women of Taos, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Agnes Martin, Millicent Rogers and Mabel Dodge Luhan. With self-guided and guided tours and itineraries, art exhibitions with never before seen paintings by Agnes Martin, and the photography and jewelry of Millicent Rogers, Taos unveils a yearlong celebration of its past and present Remarkable Women with a kickoff event at the Harwood Museum on March 22, 2012. Speakers: Jina Brenneman, Harwood Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Marsha Mason and many other Remarkable Women of Taos luminaries. http://taos.org/women.
Contact: Joan Griffin jgriffin@griffinassoc.com (505) 764-4444 ext. 222, (505) 261-4444 cell

12 p.m. A screening of “Remarkable Women of Taos: What's in the Water?,”  a 30-minute film featuring 40 remarkable northern New Mexico women.   The film explores the phenomenon that an uncommon proportion of the Taos community consists of remarkably independent, intelligent and brave women.  Many of the women featured in the film will be in attendance.   This film is produced by Peter Walker and Krystina Siebenaler of Swashbuckler Media.  Free and open to the public.

6 p.m.  Agnes Martin Centennial Birthday Party
March 22, 2012 marks the centennial of the birth of the internationally acclaimed artist Agnes Martin. Help the Harwood Museum of Art celebrate Agnes' birthday with a fundraising event at the Ranchos Trading Post Cafe, Agnes' favorite Taos restaurant.  Sponsor tickets are $250, general tickets are $175, and tickets for Harwood Museum Alliance members are $150.  Proceeds will benefit the Harwood's exhibitions.  For more information and to purchase tickets, contact development@harwoodmuseum.org. 

Friday, March 23, 2012 7p.m. Mary Lance & Film “Agnes Martin: With My Back to the World”
Discussion + Q&A Following
Cost: $8 for Harwood Alliance Members; $10 non-members, unless otherwise noted.  Tickets are available in the Museum Store. Info: education@harwoodmuseum.org.

Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m.--5 p.m. Agnes Martin Lectures                                                                       
As part of the exhibition “Agnes Martin: Before the Grid,” the Harwood presents a day long lecture program featuring scholars and artists focusing on the life and work of Agnes Martin.                                     

10 a.m.             Ann Wilson “Agnes Martin & Coenties Slip”
11a.m.             Christina Rosenberger
12 - 1:45 p.m.   Lunch Break
2 p.m.                Michelle Rumney& Beck Hunter “Meeting Agnes Martin”
3 p.m.                Kristina Wilson, “A Contribution to a Further Understanding of Agnes Martin “
3:15 pm Tiffany Bell & guest “Dialogue on Agnes Martin”

 4:15 p.m.          Panel with Q & A, led by Tiffany Bell, Co-Curator of “Agnes Martin: Before the Grid”

Tickets: $32 Harwood Museum Alliance Members; $40 non-members. Seating limited. Info: education@harwoodmuseum.org

Sunday, March 25, 2 p.m. “Gabriel,” a film by Agnes Martin
The Harwood will screen “Gabriel, “Agnes Martin’s only completed film.  This historically unique work both illuminates and complicates our understanding of the artist and her paintings. “My movie is about happiness, innocence, and beauty,” Martin observed, “It’s about this little boy who climbs a mountain and all the beautiful things he sees.” To those familiar with the luminous, tactile, exacting geometries of her paintings, the film’s elusive style and structure may come as a surprise: the lack of logical continuity; the point of view that shifts between that of the boy and an unseen observer; the handheld camera that is rarely at rest, but instead feels its way across the landscape, meandering and contemplating. Whatever tension exists in “Gabriel” comes from transition, variation, and difference: between shore and land, snow and desert, silence and Bach, solidity and movement, abstraction and nature. 78 min. Free with museum admission.

Hours
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday, 12- p.m – 4 p.m.., November through  February; Closed Mondays.  March  through October, the museum is open every Monday and until 5 p.m.

General Admission
$10 adults, $8 seniors (65+) and students; Free to children age 12 and under, members of the Harwood Museum of Art Alliance and University of New Mexico students, faculty and students and Taos County residents on Sundays. $25 Museum Association of Taos Ticket is available for admission to the Harwood Museum of Art, the Taos Art Museum, the Millicent Rogers Museum, the Blumenschein Home and Museum, and La Hacienda de los Martinez.

Ski and the Harwood Museum of Art Special
Bring your lift ticket or season pass from any New Mexico Ski Resort and receive either 20% off museum admission (one discount per lift ticket) or 10% off any item in the Harwood Museum of Art Museum Store.  (Films and special performances are not included).
Where: The Harwood Museum of Art of UNM, 238 Ledoux Street, Taos, NM
Directions: The Harwood Museum of Art is located on historic Ledoux Street, just south of, and within walking distance of the Taos Plaza.  If driving, turn west onto Camino de la Placita and go 0.1 mi. west onto Ledoux Street, and 0.1 mi. Info: 575-758-9826, www.harwoodmuseum.org

The Harwood Museum of Art, located in Taos, New Mexico, founded in 1923, is the second oldest art museum in New Mexico. In 2011, the Harwood Museum inaugurated its expansion which includes an auditorium, library, additional exhibition space, and a state-of-the-art collection storage facility.

http://www.harwoodmuseum.org/agnesmartin

Home | New Jersey Books | Outdoor Tips | Travels | Product Reviews | Holidays | Contact Us

All information and photography © 2007-2011 Arline Zatz. All rights reserved. Contact us if reprint permission is needed.

---