New Mexico Voted “Best Domestic Tourism Destination” for 2010

Thank you, readers of Global Traveler! They voted our fair state “Best Domestic Tourism Destination” for 2010–—and we totally agree! According to the editors, “In the role as best domestic tourism destination, New Mexico definitely delivers.” In fact, it delivered better than Arizona, Hawaii, New York, Louisiana, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas (we snatched top spot from AZ, who claimed the title in 2009).

“Our survey is unique from others as our readers have the only say,” said Francis Gallagher, publisher and CEO of the travel magazine written for executive business travelers. “Our yearly awards are sought after, highly respected and an unbiased reflection of the best in travel from those who know.”

The award was accepted by Martin Leger, advertising manager for the Department of Tourism, who stated: “Our great state continues to offer opportunity for new exploration, knowledge and adventure. Diverse cultures have shaped this land, its history and its people. Many choices for fulfilling vacations exist in all parts of the state and these diverse, cultural resources provide a multitude of intriguing possibilities for our visitors.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Take a closer look at all New Mexico has to offer, including gorgeous expanses of prime land with breathtaking views and the peace and quiet you’ve been craving.

Photo by Kelly D Gatlin/La Luz Photography

New Improvements at Ponderosa Views

Progress is good! We’ve just put up additional power lines at Ponderosa Views, just minutes away from Pie Town, located right on the Continental Divide.

With 3,000 acres of wide open spaces, Ponderosa Views is the ideal spot to settle down on your own 10 – 20 acre piece and live out your very own version of the American Dream.

Stop by our offices or browse for your own spot online today!

Work in progress
New power line near lot 63 (cul-de-sac)
New power line near lot 63 (cul-de-sac)
New power line near lot 107
New power line near lot 107

Mark Your Calendar! February 19: GAME NIGHT/CARE PACKAGE BUILDING PARTY in DATIL

C’mon over and enjoy our GAME NIGHT/CARE PACKAGE BUILDING PARTY for the 2/5 Marines currently deployed.

When: Sat. Feb. 19    2-4 pm

Place: Datil Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Who: Friends, families and supporters of our military are invited to attend.  Regional reps Harold and Ann Jenkerson will host the event in conjunction with a similar event at Camp Pendleton.

What: Participants can play games and bring donations to fill Game Night themed packages for a deployed company of the 2/5 Marines. Suggestions include: small hand held games, travel size games, jerky, cards, magazines, cigarettes, dip, gift cards, iTunes cards, music, etc.

For more information contact Ann at 772-5156. Come for an afternoon of fun, or if unable to attend, drop off a donation to support these Marines. Thanks for your support.

A Little Food, A Little Music, A Little Art—A Lot of Fun! It’s Time For The Santa Fe Winter Fiesta!

Santa Fe Winter Festival

Be a pioneer! Head out to Santa Fe for the  first annual Santa Fe Winter Fiesta, taking place place February 18 – 27, 2011 throughout Santa Fe’s historic streets and in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Each day will be a celebration of the season with daily special events focusing on Santa Fe’s bountiful outdoor opportunities, Native American and Spanish cultures, the region’s savory and diverse cuisine, the city’s performing arts, and Santa Fe’s endless fine arts.

Click here to reserve your winter lanyard and enjoy a ton of discounts!

The festival will conclude with the 14th Annual ARTfeast, one of Santa Fe’s most popular annual events.

You Know You Wanna See It: Ski Apache Snow Cam!

Ski Apache

That winter storm dumped28 inches of snow at Ski Apache near Ruidoso  (just a hop, skip and a jump from Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch)— more than doubling its season total to 55 inches!

“Over 90 percent of the mountain should be operational,” Director of Operations Justin Rowland said. “Come on out and experience some amazing snow.”

Wanna see? Take a peek at the peaks right here…

Coming Soon! New Mexico Restaurant Week… M-m-m good!

Restaurant Week New Mexico

Back for its second year, New Mexico Restaurant Week is a four-week dining and vacation event established to introduce diners and travelers to the vast array of restaurants and hotels in New Mexico.  This year’s event kicks off in Las Cruces (February 20-27, 2011), and continues in Taos (February 27-March 6, 2011), Santa Fe (March 6-13, 2011) and Albuquerque (March 13-20, 2011).  Participating restaurants in other communities will join their nearest Restaurant Week.

Locals and visitors will have eight days in each region to enjoy all of their favorite restaurants and take advantage of first-class accommodations at a special value price. All participating restaurants will offer specially priced, three-course meals for the full eight days.

Don’t forget to enter your name in the Sweepstakes! Up for grabs: a chance to win gift certificates at many of the participating restaurants and hotels, such as an overnight stay at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa and dinner for two at the Old House at Santa Fe’s Eldorado Hotel!

For all the tasty details, visit the New Mexico Restaurant Week webpage…