by for a gander at the hauntingly beautiful remains
of Elizabethtown, the first incorporated town in New
Mexico dating back to 1870. The saloons and dance
halls are all gone now, as are the once thousands
of residents. Angel Fire Excursions (cti-excursions.
com) offer year-round thrills on ATV and snowmobile
excursions, while Roadrunner Tours (rtours.com)
takes a more leisurely pace with their horseback and
wagon rides. Mountain biking, hiking, golf, angling
and rafting round out the region’s sporty ‘to-do’ list.
Check out
enchantedcircle.org for more information.
Where to stay:
Lodging choices in Red River and Angel Fire are
not as refined as in some more famous Colorado
ski resort towns, or as in nearby Taos, New Mexico.
These two small ski towns do however offer plentiful
choices from condo rentals, to roadside motels and
larger ski lodges. During my visit to Red River, we
stayed at The Golden Eagle Lodge (redriverlodging.
com/goldeneagle), rooms and apartments here
sleep two to twelve, many with full kitchens. In Angel
Fire, choices are a bit more limited, but The Angel Fire
Resort (angelfireresort.com) seemed like the obvi-
Photography by Jack Affleck 2004 and Courtesy of Angel Fire Resort
ous choice with the ski lift right outside its back door.
At the resort, you’ll also find the standard amenities
for eating, drinking, even a small indoor swimming
pool.
Where to dine:
One of the best things about these small western
towns is that you really get to sample some great
homestyle cooking. In Red River, Mountain Treasures
Coffee Bar and Bistro really stood out for its terrific
soups and sandwiches, along with fresh baked treats
and caffeinated beverages. Also in Red River, Old
Tymers Café served up classic American breakfast
fare along with some regional specialties like Huevos
Rancheros. And there’s little need to worry about ad-
dresses in Red River, as nearly all the businesses are
located on Main Street.
While dining options are more limited in Angel Fire,
visitors would be absolutely remiss to not dine at The
Roasted Clove (roastedclove.com). This chef-driven
restaurant served up some of the best plates I’ve
ever had in all of New Mexico; no small feat in a state
known for its cuisine. Chef Tom and his team prepare
hearty dishes that reflect local flavors and freshness,
perfect for after a vigorous day on the slopes. On the
menu you’ll find Colorado elk, grilled trout and wild
boar. Don’t let the game and fish fool you, this is an
upscale eatery with a New World wine list that would
make even a big-city sommelier smile.
Hondo Valley Several “ladies of the night” along with a “man-lady
of the night” were there to welcome me to Red River.
February 2010 | RAGE monthly 45
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