Mountainair
Beauty, charm, friendliness await visitors here
Story and Photos By Karen Smith
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/twoponyz.jpg border=1 align=center alt="Bed yourselves and your horses at Two Ponz Ranch"><br><font face="Arial Narrow" size=3 color=black>Bed yourselves and your horses <br>at Two Ponz Ranch</font></center>
Mountainair NM: Those of you who are native to New Mexico, or have lived here for sometime, may remember when Mountainair was a “booming little town” with car dealers, many shops, restaurants, and even a movie theatre. When given the chance, visitors and newcomers are remindedthat Mountainair was once the “Bean Capitol of the World” and G.I.‘s serving all over the globe during WWII were fed pinto beans from the farms of Torrance County.
Today Mountainair, located in the “heart of New Mexico”, has a different and exciting new face. She has emerged from a drought that forced many farms and businesses to close. But what remains, is the unchanged beauty of the land that surrounds this quaint town and the friendly, helpful people that continue to live & work within and around her.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/ancientcities.jpg border=1 align=right hspace=5 alt="Ancient Cities Cafe dining room">The “baby boomer” generation is now approaching retirement, plus a new group of adults is looking to find a way to embrace life at a slower pace. With the many who grew up here and those who moved away and have returned back “home”, together, these people have injected a new sense of pride and energy into Mountainair.
Sarah Kayser, from Ancient Cities Café is an example of the younger generation now taking the reins of an existing business, giving it new life. Open seven days a week, with a new Sunday buffet, and redecorated dining room (which is available to rent for parties, meetings and special occasions), Ancient Cities is sure to keep the regulars happy while bringing in new customers. Not on the menu yet, but readily available, their pizzas and calzones are tasty treats to try on cool evenings. Sarah’s eagerness to improve her and her husband’s business, is testimony toward their determination to make Mountainair an attractive destination.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/medsnmore.jpg border=1 hspace=5 align=left alt="The original, working soda fountain at Mountainair's Meds & More">Mountainair Meds & More is another example of a mainstay which not only provides the locals with a pharmacy, but also offers a wide selection of sundries and wonderful displays of seasonal items. Their soda fountain brings back memories of a time when gathering at the local drug store was a regular pastime, yet the ladies at Meds and More have brought the fountain up to date with a wide selection of “modern” shakes, sundaes and ice cream delights, named after popular celebrities and actors. They also offer a nice assortment of souvenir t-shirts, candies and postcards.
Scott Remmich from B Street Market (formerly Mountainair Grocery) is the perfect example of a newcomer who has taken an existing business and brought it into the 21st century. The interior has been revitalized and Scott has restocked the grocery with standard products as well as natural dry goods, specialty breads, free-trade coffees, and organic milk, eggs and produce. He continues to look to his customers to keep the inventory in harmony with their needs and wants and gives all who visit a free gallery tour by encouraging local artisans to display their works around the store.
Speaking of artists. The art community in and around Mountainair is growing and thriving.
The Cibola Arts Gallery is the place in town to visit when looking for that special inspirational gift for family and friend. Filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, tinwork, candles and textile arts, the gallery is sure to have something that will catch your eye and there is always a helpful artist on hand to answer your questions and assist you. www.cibolaarts.com (http://www.cibolaarts.com/)
Another recent addition to the positive development of Mountainair is Two Ponyz Ranch. Located just ten miles west of Mountainair, the ranch provides convenient access to the town and it’s attractions. It’s amenities include a peaceful, natural setting with a Santa Fe style guesthouse and boarding stable. Adjacent to the Cibola National Forest, horseback riding and hiking go hand in hand with the quiet surroundings and stunning views of the Mazano Mountains. The decorated guesthouse, complete with kitchen, kiva fireplace, satellite TV/Internet, and jetted tub, makes rest and relaxation an important part of Two Ponyz charm. www.twoponyzranch.com (http://www.twoponyzranch.com/)
So, there you have it. Current working examples of an active community striving to move forward with a positive approach. Just a taste of the many businesses in which Mountainair takes pride.
Beauty, charm, friendliness await visitors here
Story and Photos By Karen Smith
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/twoponyz.jpg border=1 align=center alt="Bed yourselves and your horses at Two Ponz Ranch"><br><font face="Arial Narrow" size=3 color=black>Bed yourselves and your horses <br>at Two Ponz Ranch</font></center>
Mountainair NM: Those of you who are native to New Mexico, or have lived here for sometime, may remember when Mountainair was a “booming little town” with car dealers, many shops, restaurants, and even a movie theatre. When given the chance, visitors and newcomers are remindedthat Mountainair was once the “Bean Capitol of the World” and G.I.‘s serving all over the globe during WWII were fed pinto beans from the farms of Torrance County.
Today Mountainair, located in the “heart of New Mexico”, has a different and exciting new face. She has emerged from a drought that forced many farms and businesses to close. But what remains, is the unchanged beauty of the land that surrounds this quaint town and the friendly, helpful people that continue to live & work within and around her.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/ancientcities.jpg border=1 align=right hspace=5 alt="Ancient Cities Cafe dining room">The “baby boomer” generation is now approaching retirement, plus a new group of adults is looking to find a way to embrace life at a slower pace. With the many who grew up here and those who moved away and have returned back “home”, together, these people have injected a new sense of pride and energy into Mountainair.
Sarah Kayser, from Ancient Cities Café is an example of the younger generation now taking the reins of an existing business, giving it new life. Open seven days a week, with a new Sunday buffet, and redecorated dining room (which is available to rent for parties, meetings and special occasions), Ancient Cities is sure to keep the regulars happy while bringing in new customers. Not on the menu yet, but readily available, their pizzas and calzones are tasty treats to try on cool evenings. Sarah’s eagerness to improve her and her husband’s business, is testimony toward their determination to make Mountainair an attractive destination.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/medsnmore.jpg border=1 hspace=5 align=left alt="The original, working soda fountain at Mountainair's Meds & More">Mountainair Meds & More is another example of a mainstay which not only provides the locals with a pharmacy, but also offers a wide selection of sundries and wonderful displays of seasonal items. Their soda fountain brings back memories of a time when gathering at the local drug store was a regular pastime, yet the ladies at Meds and More have brought the fountain up to date with a wide selection of “modern” shakes, sundaes and ice cream delights, named after popular celebrities and actors. They also offer a nice assortment of souvenir t-shirts, candies and postcards.
Scott Remmich from B Street Market (formerly Mountainair Grocery) is the perfect example of a newcomer who has taken an existing business and brought it into the 21st century. The interior has been revitalized and Scott has restocked the grocery with standard products as well as natural dry goods, specialty breads, free-trade coffees, and organic milk, eggs and produce. He continues to look to his customers to keep the inventory in harmony with their needs and wants and gives all who visit a free gallery tour by encouraging local artisans to display their works around the store.
Speaking of artists. The art community in and around Mountainair is growing and thriving.
The Cibola Arts Gallery is the place in town to visit when looking for that special inspirational gift for family and friend. Filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, tinwork, candles and textile arts, the gallery is sure to have something that will catch your eye and there is always a helpful artist on hand to answer your questions and assist you. www.cibolaarts.com (http://www.cibolaarts.com/)
Another recent addition to the positive development of Mountainair is Two Ponyz Ranch. Located just ten miles west of Mountainair, the ranch provides convenient access to the town and it’s attractions. It’s amenities include a peaceful, natural setting with a Santa Fe style guesthouse and boarding stable. Adjacent to the Cibola National Forest, horseback riding and hiking go hand in hand with the quiet surroundings and stunning views of the Mazano Mountains. The decorated guesthouse, complete with kitchen, kiva fireplace, satellite TV/Internet, and jetted tub, makes rest and relaxation an important part of Two Ponyz charm. www.twoponyzranch.com (http://www.twoponyzranch.com/)
So, there you have it. Current working examples of an active community striving to move forward with a positive approach. Just a taste of the many businesses in which Mountainair takes pride.