SANTA FE: CHIMAYO and LAS VEGAS

Today we were off to Chimayo and then onto Las Vegas. N.M. We drove through some very beautiful high country with beautiful ranch lands, and small towns. Chimayo is the home of Santuario de Chimayo which is known as a healing site. The Chapel is small but full of history. 

Chapel Entrance

Chapel Detail

The Pilgrim

The Chapel

The town is also known for the Ortega Weaving Company which has been run by the same family for nine generations. Their woven rugs, coats, vest, etc. are beautiful.  If I had not purchased a wool vest at Mule Days this year, I would have been strongly tempted to get one at the Ortega Weaving Shop.

A Storm is Brewing

After a delightful lunch at the Rancho Chimayo Restaurant, we pressed on through the countryside to the small town of Las Vegas. 

The town of Las Vegas has a College, New Mexico Highlands University, and a Junior College. It is also the home of the Rough Rider Museum dedicated to the history of the Rough Riders led by Teddy Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War of 1898.

A Word of Warning

 

Art in The Park

George and Friend with Plaza Hotel in Background

Above the Desk at Plaza Hotel

Tin Chandelier in Plaza Hotel

Located in the town square is a plaque with the proclamation of General Stephen Kearny taking possession of the State of New Mexico for the United States. It really is an interesting read….

We visited the partially restored Plaza Hotel and drove by the  which is a Harvey House Hotel located next to the railroad station. 
 

Las Vegas, N.M. Railroad Station

The people who restored La Posada, own and are restoring the Plaza Hotel, and will be restoring the Castaneda Hotel.

There is a lot of work to be done, and I am sure it will be a couple of years before it is open for business.

Having had a late but delicious lunch we opted to call it a day when we returned to Santa Fe close to sunset.