Mountainair a place to go, relax, shop for art and have fun!
By Karen Smith SO area representative
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/leroysimmons_mountainair.jpg align=center border=1 vspace=5 hspace=5 alt="LeRoy Simmons of Dragon Ash Forge"><br><font size=3 Face="Arial Narrow" color=#000000>LeRoy Simmons of Dragon Ash Forge</font></center>
Mountainiar NM- In the last Steppin’ Out issue, I wrote an article on some of the people and businesses located in Mountainair.
After receiving a very positive response, I thought a part two would be a good idea. There are so many interesting things going on that I thought an occasional update would appeal to readers. If you haven’t been to Mountainair, the town was “officially” established in 1903. However, there are a few locals who will tell you about the days when Mountainair was a little village called Monte Alto. The ranching and farming communities expanded when the railroad decided to build a station, and as the town’s population grew, so did local businesses. Rains were plentiful then and well irrigation wasn’t needed. Many cattle ranches were converted to farms and pinto beans became the field of choice due to the promise of future annual bumper crops. With hopes of a better life farming beans, settlers arrived from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. Unfortunately these newcomers encountered difficulties when the Great Depression adversely affected the price of beans. This period in American history reshaped the progress of many small towns across the country. Only time and perseverance were able to lead to new development and growth.
Mike Padilla, from Padilla Ranch & Trail Rides is the third generation of a family that <img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/mikepadilla_mountainair.jpg align=left border=1 vspace=1 hspace=5 alt="Mike Padilla of Padilla Ranch and Trails">started with a small parcel of land. Little by little with a lot of hard work they increased their land to many acres, several homes, and a healthy herd of cattle and horses. The animals have the luxury of roaming on hundreds of acres, and the horses have the advantage of living barefoot in a natural herd environment. That’s why Mike’s horses are relaxed, responsive, and live long lives; the oldest being Chico, at 35 is still taking guests out for trail rides. Mr. Padilla has the calm, easy going personality that fits perfectly with his favorite job of trail guide. Mike often mentions that getting paid to ride his horses is a gift he doesn’t take for granted. Deer Canyon Preserve has been using his trail guiding services for some time now, with many return customers. Recently opened Two Ponyz Ranch is also using Mike for all their trail riding requests. If you want to see the beauty of the “backwoods” surrounding Mountainair, give Mike a call at 505-847-0941.
Another interesting resident of Mountainair is blacksmith LeRoy Simmons from Dragon Ash Forge. Originally from Denver, LeRoy served his country for six years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. It was at the ripe age of fourteen that he was first exposed to the world of working with steel and since then has been forging and pounding metal into kinds of all shapes and forms. Mr. Simmons can go from creating intricate flower-laden stair railings, to beautifully crafted fire screens and tools, to handsome yet sturdy ornamental gates. Like Mr. Padilla, LeRoy loves his work and embraces his exceptional talents with enthusiasm. He has an open forge once a month where anyone is welcome to experience and learn about the craft of blacksmithing. He is also in his studio weekdays and always ready to welcome visitors. I was fortunate enough to watch him at work. Knowing exactly where to heat and hammer is something that takes years of practice, and LeRoy is a true craftsman, blending beauty with symbolism. For a limited time you can view many of the works he has for sale at the local Alpine Alley Café. If you are interested in viewing his work, learning about blacksmithing, or would like to place a custom order, you may leave a message for LeRoy anytime at 505-847-0172.
The Rock Motel is one more example of the new energy & revitalization present in the area. Passing by the Motel, located on HWY 60, you will notice the meticulous restoration of this long-standing structure. The Rock Motel is now looking its best with new rooms and many amenities such as hi-speed internet, queen and king size beds, 500 thread count sheets, and a fridge and microwave in every room. The rooms are clean, comfortable and the service is exceptional. For those wishing to stay in town, The Rock Motel has all of the comforts one needs, even a covered patio complete with gas grills. Senior discounts and specials are available. Call 505-847-2577 for more info and reservations.
So many places and people in Mountainair are still yet to be discovered and mentioned. So please keep an eye out for more interesting and exciting things to do in Mountainair.
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Sunflower Festival Seeks Exhibitors
The 2008 Mountainair Sunflower Festival which takes place Saturday, August 23, is looking for exhibitors to sell their wares at the annual end- of- summer event. New categories added this year are collectibles and farmer’s market produce and plants. Indoor spots are $25 and outdoors are $10: call 505.847.0347 or email thecastlegallery@aol.com (thecastlegallery@aol.com) for an exhibitor form to reserve your
By Karen Smith SO area representative
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/leroysimmons_mountainair.jpg align=center border=1 vspace=5 hspace=5 alt="LeRoy Simmons of Dragon Ash Forge"><br><font size=3 Face="Arial Narrow" color=#000000>LeRoy Simmons of Dragon Ash Forge</font></center>
Mountainiar NM- In the last Steppin’ Out issue, I wrote an article on some of the people and businesses located in Mountainair.
After receiving a very positive response, I thought a part two would be a good idea. There are so many interesting things going on that I thought an occasional update would appeal to readers. If you haven’t been to Mountainair, the town was “officially” established in 1903. However, there are a few locals who will tell you about the days when Mountainair was a little village called Monte Alto. The ranching and farming communities expanded when the railroad decided to build a station, and as the town’s population grew, so did local businesses. Rains were plentiful then and well irrigation wasn’t needed. Many cattle ranches were converted to farms and pinto beans became the field of choice due to the promise of future annual bumper crops. With hopes of a better life farming beans, settlers arrived from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. Unfortunately these newcomers encountered difficulties when the Great Depression adversely affected the price of beans. This period in American history reshaped the progress of many small towns across the country. Only time and perseverance were able to lead to new development and growth.
Mike Padilla, from Padilla Ranch & Trail Rides is the third generation of a family that <img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/mikepadilla_mountainair.jpg align=left border=1 vspace=1 hspace=5 alt="Mike Padilla of Padilla Ranch and Trails">started with a small parcel of land. Little by little with a lot of hard work they increased their land to many acres, several homes, and a healthy herd of cattle and horses. The animals have the luxury of roaming on hundreds of acres, and the horses have the advantage of living barefoot in a natural herd environment. That’s why Mike’s horses are relaxed, responsive, and live long lives; the oldest being Chico, at 35 is still taking guests out for trail rides. Mr. Padilla has the calm, easy going personality that fits perfectly with his favorite job of trail guide. Mike often mentions that getting paid to ride his horses is a gift he doesn’t take for granted. Deer Canyon Preserve has been using his trail guiding services for some time now, with many return customers. Recently opened Two Ponyz Ranch is also using Mike for all their trail riding requests. If you want to see the beauty of the “backwoods” surrounding Mountainair, give Mike a call at 505-847-0941.
Another interesting resident of Mountainair is blacksmith LeRoy Simmons from Dragon Ash Forge. Originally from Denver, LeRoy served his country for six years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. It was at the ripe age of fourteen that he was first exposed to the world of working with steel and since then has been forging and pounding metal into kinds of all shapes and forms. Mr. Simmons can go from creating intricate flower-laden stair railings, to beautifully crafted fire screens and tools, to handsome yet sturdy ornamental gates. Like Mr. Padilla, LeRoy loves his work and embraces his exceptional talents with enthusiasm. He has an open forge once a month where anyone is welcome to experience and learn about the craft of blacksmithing. He is also in his studio weekdays and always ready to welcome visitors. I was fortunate enough to watch him at work. Knowing exactly where to heat and hammer is something that takes years of practice, and LeRoy is a true craftsman, blending beauty with symbolism. For a limited time you can view many of the works he has for sale at the local Alpine Alley Café. If you are interested in viewing his work, learning about blacksmithing, or would like to place a custom order, you may leave a message for LeRoy anytime at 505-847-0172.
The Rock Motel is one more example of the new energy & revitalization present in the area. Passing by the Motel, located on HWY 60, you will notice the meticulous restoration of this long-standing structure. The Rock Motel is now looking its best with new rooms and many amenities such as hi-speed internet, queen and king size beds, 500 thread count sheets, and a fridge and microwave in every room. The rooms are clean, comfortable and the service is exceptional. For those wishing to stay in town, The Rock Motel has all of the comforts one needs, even a covered patio complete with gas grills. Senior discounts and specials are available. Call 505-847-2577 for more info and reservations.
So many places and people in Mountainair are still yet to be discovered and mentioned. So please keep an eye out for more interesting and exciting things to do in Mountainair.
<hr width=50%>
Sunflower Festival Seeks Exhibitors
The 2008 Mountainair Sunflower Festival which takes place Saturday, August 23, is looking for exhibitors to sell their wares at the annual end- of- summer event. New categories added this year are collectibles and farmer’s market produce and plants. Indoor spots are $25 and outdoors are $10: call 505.847.0347 or email thecastlegallery@aol.com (thecastlegallery@aol.com) for an exhibitor form to reserve your