Storrie Lake , [11] . is located four miles north of town on NM 518 (7th Street). This 80 acre park

Las Vegas [1] is a lovely town in New Mexico in the United States of America . It is an under appreciated gem and a far cry from the Southwestern chic of nearby Santa Fe , with a large collection of historic Victorian accommodation special rates sorrento homes and other remnants from when Las Vegas was a roaring railroad town. Other attractions include the Montezuma Castle, Storrie Lake, and the New Mexico Highlands University [2] .
Las Vegas, NM is not to be confused with the far larger and better known major city of the same name in Nevada . Within the confines of the northern New Mexico references to Las Vegas or Vegas are understood to refer to the local community. To avoid being considered rude, refer to the other Las Vegas as Las Vegas, Nevada. As the population is 83% Hispanic, accommodation special rates sorrento expect to overhear Spanish frequently as many people are bilingual.
Las Vegas is about 60 miles east of better-known Santa Fe , along Interstate highway 25. The nearest major commercial airport is in Albuquerque , about 125 miles away. There are public accommodation special rates sorrento airports in both Santa Fe and Las Vegas [3] that handle non-commercial aircraft. There is Amtrak [4] rail service via the Southwest Chief [5] , the main Amtrak line across the southwestern United States. This stop has no ticket office and no passenger assistance provided by station personnel, though on-board employees will assist passengers between trainside on the platform and the train itself. There is a waiting room open at train time, within which is a Quik-Trak self-serve ticketing kiosk (credit accommodation special rates sorrento card required to activate kiosk), accommodation special rates sorrento so tickets may be obtained at the station before boarding the train. The New Mexico accommodation special rates sorrento Department of Transportation also offers limited public bus service between Las Vegas and Santa Fe on a commuter schedule. [6]
Las Vegas was an important waypoint accommodation special rates sorrento on the Santa Fe Trail , and later on the railroad across the Southwest. There are over 900 structures listed accommodation special rates sorrento on the National Register of Historic Places. In the central area of town, it seems almost every single building you see is significant in some way. Walking tour guides are available. Here are some of the highlights:
The Plaza , where Las Vegas was founded in 1835. Today it is a shady park with a gazebo, surrounded by historic structures. accommodation special rates sorrento On the north side of the plaza is the Plaza Hotel , a railroad-era hotel which remains a fine place to spend the night in Las Vegas. Across the street from the southeast corner of the plaza is the old First National Bank .
Railroad District , where the Las Vegas train station is and so much of the city's growth centered accommodation special rates sorrento around it. The Mission Revival La Castaneda Hotel , an old Harvey House hotel, is definitely worth a look.
Carnegie Park , an area of town centered around Carnegie Park, which has a Carnegie Library that was modeled after Thomas Jefferson's home, the Monticello. accommodation special rates sorrento The surrounding blocks are filled with old Victorian homes.
City of Las Vegas Museum Rough Rider Memorial , 727 Grand Avenue, +1 505 454-1401, [7] . Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM accommodation special rates sorrento ( 10AM-4PM Sundays May-September accommodation special rates sorrento ). Exhibits on local history, the Santa Fe Trail, and Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, who held reunions in Las Vegas. Free.
North of Las Vegas on SR-65 (Hot Springs Blvd) is the town of Montezuma and the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West . On the campus is the gorgeous Montezuma Castle [8] , which was built as a railroad hotel and served a number of purposes before becoming part of the United World College campus. It is open for free tours, which start at 1PM on certain Saturdays and are led by students of the college. But even if you don't get inside the building, it's worth the drive up to at least see it.
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge [9] is just south of town and adjoins a larger state wildlife preserve. There are viewing platforms and a few short trails. Best visited in late fall and early spring, when migratory birds are passing through; winter can be bleak and summer hot, and the resident population of wildlife isn't as great as the number of seasonal transients. Entry to the Refuge accommodation special rates sorrento as well as McAllister Lake are free.
Lake McAllister , [10] . is a state preserve nestled in the middle of the Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge. Seasonal accommodation special rates sorrento fishing is available as well as limited dispersed camping during fishing season. Inquire locally for fishing conditions. edit
Storrie Lake , [11] . is located four miles north of town on NM 518 (7th Street). This 80 acre park is full-service accommodation special rates sorrento with showers, RV dump station, marina, and overnight camping. It is well known regionally for its windsurfing and windsurfers are a common sight on the lake during spring, summer, and fall. There is an entry fee to the park as well as a charge for overnight camping. edit
Montezuma Hot Springs , [12] . are located accommodation special rates sorrento five miles north of Las Vegas on NM 65 (Hot Spring Blvd.) Located on the property of the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West, these hot springs are open to the public. accommodation special rates sorrento Do not enter the college proper but look for the pull offs along NM 65. edit
Experience the quant and charming shops within the Plaza, Douglas/6th Street, and Railroad Historic Districts. These areas provides many small home-town shops, antiques, book stores, and coffee shops.
Plaza Hotel , 230 Plaza Street, +1 505 425-3591 (fax: +1 505 425-9659), [15] . Of all the historic buildings in town, the Plaza Hotel is the crown jewel of them all. It was lovingly restored in 1982, and has become Las Vegas' premiere place to stay, and is a very popular locale for meetings, parties, conventions and other events. Enjoy the Victorian atmosphere with elegant antiques accommodation special rates sorrento and exquisite architecture. The amenities offered include the Landmark Grill, an in-house restaurant, the old west Byron T's Saloon, spa massage treatment, guest computer and wireless high-speed internet access, pet friendly rooms, room service, and free parking.
Star Hill Inn [16] , between Sapello and Las Vegas is an "astronomy resort" where guests' lodging (rustic, comfortable suites) comes with use of several on-site telescopes, most of them in the 8- to 15-inch class but including one 29" scope of observatory quality. The proprietor gives helpful lectures not merely on using the scopes, but also on some of the objects visible with them, and there is an interesting astronomical library. There is some hiking on site, and trails into the mountains are nearby. No restaurant, so either bring food to cook in the reasonably well-equipped kitchens of the suites, or go into Las Vegas for meals. Reservations essential.
Fort Union National Monument [17] , about 30 miles east of Las Vegas via I-25, preserves the ruins of a major military installation along the Santa Fe Trail. There are interpretive exhibits and a 1.6-mile trail among the ruins. Day use, 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years); $3 fee, Park Pass applies. There are no services near the monument.
Villanueva State Park [20] is located 38 miles southwest of town. Take I-25 to the Villanueva exit and drive south 15 miles. Well-regarded for its picturesque setting, the park has overnight camping for a fee. The drive on SR 3 south from I-25 is especially appealing for those with a taste for rural Spanish settings.
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