Welcome to Las Vegas... New Mexico!
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Welcome to the Original Las Vegas... in New Mexico!
Beautiful music - from the plucked strings of a Mariachi's guitarron to the elegant classical voices of the New Mexico Highlands University choir - often echos from the Plaza Park's gazebo as local dancers salsa and two-step during cool summer evenings. A stroll through the Las Vegas Arts and Cultural District reveals an array of aesthetic riches - from carved wooden saints and softly painted retablos, to bold modern offerings from new, up-and-coming artists. The Las Vegas Arts Council hosts art openings and receptions, theater and dance projects for children, as well as a full complement of concerts throughout the year.
Authentic and original, Las Vegas is home to over 900 buildings on the National Historic Register, from lovingly restored indigenous adobe structures to the state's largest number of intricate Victorian homes to the Plaza Hotel's classic Western ambiance.
Traditional tastes offer a luscious melding of the two cultures that first met at the river Gallinas. The end of September in Las Vegas means chile, means waxy green pods stuffed in burlap bags. Deep-red ristras can be seen hanging from balconies, and men operate caged machines where the green chiles are turned over shooting flames to produce a blistered skin. Las Vegas eateries - from Northern New Mexican to sophisticated American cuisine - offer spicy stewed chile year round.
Historical artifacts, clothing, and photographs can be seen at the Las Vegas City Museum, housed in a 1940 WPA funded building, as well as at the Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation office on Bridge Street. A stone lion stands on the corner of Lincoln and Grand Avenues, a testimony to temperance.
Unique and mysterious, sunny and green, Las Vegas counts natural hot springs, mountain hiking trails, striking architecture, and a rich blend of culture as some of its finest offerings. Once the biggest and baddest of the Old West towns, Las Vegas has come a long way without losing the best of what it has always been: a jewel on the Santa Fe Trail.
Everything You Need to Know About New Mexico's Las Vegas
We've got ranchers, cowboys, rodeo queens, academics, writers, artists and a castle!
- What to do in Las Vegas, New Mexico!
- Las Vegas, NM, has incredible architecture
- Las Vegas New Mexico Controversy: The School Systems
- Las Vegas, NM is an Arts and Cultural District!
- This Weekend in Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Scenes from Las Vegas
- A Few Favorite Las Vegas, NM Stories!
- Where - and What - to Eat 'Round These Parts
- Which Las Vegas Yummy Do You Love Best: Red or Green Chile?
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Map of My Tiny Vegas
- Art is a HUGE part of Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Get a Cool "Calumet Says Howdy" t-shirt or mug!
- Take a Walk to King Stadium
- Stories, News, and Gossip from Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Celebrities that call Las Vegas, New Mexico HOME!
- Watch the movies Las Vegas, New Mexico made great!
- Las Vegas, New Mexico Stats
- Read GALLINAS Magazine - Las Vegas' Arts and Entertainment Magazine
- Do they Twitter about Las Vegas, New Mexico?
- About Birdie Jaworski
What to do in Las Vegas, New Mexico!
Have time on your hands in my fair city?
Wondering what to do in Las Vegas, New Mexico?The Hot Springs near Montezuma Castle are a local favorite spot. You can soak in the 112 degree hot pool while your young children splash in the 100 degree warm pool. These natural hot springs have been used by the local population for hundreds of years. The pools are free, outside, and are maintained by the students of the Armand Hammer World College, a two-year dormitory college prep school which has students from over 100 different countries.
The Plaza Hotel and Byron T's Saloon, on the Plaza in Old Town Las Vegas, New Mexico, is the site where the Rough Riders first met. The hotel has been restored and features a wonderful restaurant and wild west accommodations with a modern touch. The Plaza Hotel has an incredible new expansion - the Ilfeld Building, located right next to the hotel on the Old Town Plaza. The building features a gorgeous newly renovated ballroom and theme rooms. Don't miss it!
Each Saturday and Sunday on Grand Avenue, the People's Flea Market offers fun, excitement, and some amazing bargains! Find a used leather holster, or buy a crate of live chickens! Farmers, ranchers, cowboys, and townspeople set up free tables where they sell their extra goods. Don't miss the fresh tamales and prune empanadas - mmmmmm!
The Rio Gallinas splits Las Vegas into East and West. The river boasts a pretty gravel river walk, where you can enjoy the pinon trees and watch the numerous beavers work on their dams. Pick up a smothered green chili burrito at Charlie's Spic and Span on Douglas Ave, and enjoy some lunch at the river's edge.
The Las Vegas Museum and Rough Riders Museum on Grand Avenue is a free museum crammed with photographs and artifacts from the town's Wild West days. The historian on duty will describe what life was like when Billy the Kid terrorized the town.
The haunted La Castaneda Hotel is located next to the old Las Vegas Train Depot. The hotel is closed, but the saloon on the ground floor is still open - and it looks exactly like it did during Doc Holliday's years. Grab a Corona and sit on the hotel deck. If you're lucky, you might spy the ghost!
You've read about our Original Las Vegas in your history books: the rooftop where New Mexico was first declared a part of the United States, the biggest stop on the entire Santa Fe Trail, Doc Holliday's last - and most deadly - shingle, the city, and still-standing saloon Teddy Roosevelt chose for his Rough Riders.
You've seen the "reel" Las Vegas in the movies - the sheer cliff of Hermit's Peak and our cowgirl mural in "Red Dawn," our neighborhoods and vintage Serf Theatre in "No Country for Old Men," and our rolling prarie lands in "The Astronaut Farmer." Hollywood has disovered us! Now it's your turn...
Come, begin your adventure in Las Vegas. Let us show you our hospitality, our vintage architecture, our welcoming kindness.
Las Vegas, NM, has incredible architecture
Dusty, colorful, wild, western.... beautiful!
With over 900 homes and businesses on the National Historic Register, Las Vegas is an architect's dream city!
Las Vegas is home to adobe structures hundreds of years old, Painted Lady Victorians, several haunted hotels... plus a castle!
Enjoy this slideshow of a few of our historic homes.
Las Vegas New Mexico Controversy: The School Systems
I love Vegas... but I don't love her high schools...
Do these girls know what their high school future is like?Hey, listen. I love Las Vegas, New Mexico. I love my town, my dusty, windy, artistic, unusual, historic, hysteric, funny town. But today I'm grouchy. I'm tired of settling for a school system that is - at best - below average. I taught school here, taught 8th grade at the public charter school, and have interacted with teachers and staff from every school in the city. I have always been one of those super volunteers at every school my boys have attended.
I have two boys in the system - one is 14, tall, intelligent, a gentle giant. The other is 12, crazy, filled with visions of art and penguins. My boys are good boys, smart boys, boys who care about learning, who want to travel the stars, who want to write, create, draw, explore.
I worry about them.
Mr. 12 attends Rio Gallinas Public Charter School on the West side of town, the same school at which I taught. He's happy there - routinely scores off the charts in math, science, and reading - and he has an overflowing pocketful of friends. My older son attended Rio Gallinas, too, until he graduated 8th grade last June.
There are several excellent elementary schools in both school districts of Las Vegas, New Mexico: Rio Gallinas, Los Niños, Paul D. Henry, Sierra Vista. Memorial Middle School in the City School district has wonderful teachers and a caring staff. If your child is in elementary school, you can find a solid Kindergarten through 8th grade education 'round these parts. But that's where it ends.
The publicly recognized problems at Robertson High School on the East side of town are just the tip of the iceberg. The horrific football team hazing incident that made unfortunate national news, the hip teacher who allegedly sexually preyed on a student over the course of years, the principal who was no pal and who allegedly groped a potential hire - these are incidents that didn't have to happen, that have no place in a warm and loving educational environment.
My older son, 14, attended Robertson for a short period this academic year. He's an intelligent kid who has tested "Gifted," who scores higher than 99% of students his age on all of the standardized tests. He was excited about High School, about the cool courses he would be able to take, about the possibility of fun extracurricular activities. Robertson High is just a few blocks from our home, and until my son entered it, I assumed the local hype that Robertson was the better high school was right.
My son's excited expectations soon turned to disappointment and sorrow. He saw fights break out in classrooms - with teachers idly standing by, one of his teachers asked him if he were Anglo or Spanish - asked as if the answer mattered - while another teacher sat, eyes closed, as students talked for the entire period about anything but the subject at hand. A teacher or two attempted to share relevant material, attempted to engage their students in discussion, but the overwhelming culture was clearly one of disrespect and ennui.
Want to read more about my Las Vegas, New Mexico schools rant? You can check out my post on the crummy high schools at My Tiny Vegas: All About Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Las Vegas, NM is an Arts and Cultural District!
We received our designation from the State of New Mexico!
Photograph of the female matadora is by local artist Elaine QuerryDowntown Las Vegas received one of only two prestigious Arts & Cultural District designations from the State of New Mexico via a highly competitive process. Lt. Governor Diane Denish and three Cabinet Secretaries presented Las Vegas with its designation in January of 2008.
Our new Arts & Cultural District spans a mile-square portion of our three downtown areas, (Railroad, Old Town and New Town), but its long-term impact will benefit the entire city of Las Vegas and the surrounding region. The District encompasses a rich mix of galleries, historic architecture and artists' studios, including portions of our town's historic neighborhoods.
Please join us for our Second Saturday Artwalks - held every Second Saturday of the month!
Second Saturday Artwalk
Next Artwalk: May 9, 2009
Live Music - Tall Tales - Poetry - Wild Outlaws! - Hot, Hot, Salsa!
Crazy Tattoos - Sopapillas - Astounding Paintings!
Throughout Old Town, New Town, & the Railroad District
This Weekend in Las Vegas, New Mexico
Stuff to do! Things to see! People to Meet!
A Weekend Rainbow over Las Vegas, New MexicoThis weekend is the Second Saturday Artwalk!
Here is the schedule of events:
Friday Pre-Artwalk Events:
9:00am - 5:00pm Local Art Exhibition
Fiber Arts, Music, Jewelry, and Handmade Furniture
All Created by Local Artists
Furniture-N-More
519 6th Street 505-454-9133
12:00pm - 6:00pm Brisket and Ribs
Beef Brisket and Beef Ribs
by Private Chef Keith Robbins
Super Delicious! Enjoy Our Patio!
Three Brothers BBQ
400 Grand Avenue 505-425-0936
12:00pm - 4:00pm Cat and Dog Shot Clinic
No Appointment Necessary!
Get Your Pet Immunized!
$10 for rabies, parvo/distemper and feline distemper
Worming available from $5 to $15
Las Vegas City Shelter
1700 North Grand Avenue 505-470-8765
5:00pm - 8:00pm Tea Party
Enjoy a cup of tea while you
peruse A Little Gypsy's Junk
Handmade Jewelry
Herbs and Herbal Consultation
Mariposa
www.mariposaherbs.com
123 Bridge Street 505-454-9240
5:30pm - 7:00pm Try Dessert!
Free Dessert Samples Made By
Master Pastry Chef Beatrice
of Talita's Bakery!
Talita's Bakery
525 Grand Avenue 505-454-1999
5:30pm - 8:00pm Hair Party!
Free Hair Care Samples
Complimentary Wine Spritzers
Learn About New Hair Products!
Hair Innovation
521 Douglas Avenue 505-425-2887
6:00pm - 9:00pm An Evening of Espresso
Coffee Bar, Espresso, Capuccino
Italian Sodas - Must See Our Incredible
Historic Lobby! Open Courtyard Seating
At the Historic El Fidel Hotel
Corner Brew Coffee Bar
500 Douglas Avenue 505-425-6761
7:00pm - 10:00pm Live Music
Byron T's Saloon
Pat Duran - Music of the 60s - 90s
Ask About Our Special
Second Saturday Room Rate!
Plaza Hotel
www.plazahotel-nm.com
230 Plaza Street 505-425-3591
7:00pm - 11:00pm: Friday Night "Party On"
Get Down at the Haunted Castaneda Hotel!
Live Music, Dance Floor, Pool Table
No Cover Charge! 21 and older, please
Castaneda Hotel: 524 Railroad Avenue
Saturday Artwalk:
6:00am - 9:00pm Coffee Bar
Coffee Bar, Espresso, Capuccino
Italian Sodas - Must See Our Incredible
Historic Lobby! Open Courtyard Seating
At the Historic El Fidel Hotel
Corner Brew Coffee Bar
500 Douglas Avenue 505-425-6761
7:00am - 2:00pm: Artwalk Breakfast
Estella's Cafe: 148 Bridge Street
505. 454. 0048
7:00am - 12:00pm: Tri-County Farmer's Market
Tomatoes, Lettuce, Grapes... and MORE!
Aritsan Natural Soaps and Lotions, too!
Dozens of local farmer's share their wares
Farmer's Market: 6th and University
8:00am - 2:00pm Free Drink with Burrito!
You haven't lived until you've tried
one of MaryAnn's Famous Burritos!
Best green chile in town!
Get a free can of Coke with ANY Burrito purchase!
MaryAnn's Famous Burritos
528 Grand Avenue 505-426-8929
9:00am - 5:00pm Learn About Skin Care
Light Refreshments
Ask the Esthetician Your Beauty Q's!
Advanced Skin, Hair & Body
600 Railroad Avenue 505-426-8224
10:00am - 6:00pm A Bit 'O Clarity
Learn about Fairtrade products!
Come in, ask any question you like!
New summer fashion for hot, hot summer nights
Clarity Gifts & Gallery
166 Bridge Street
10:00am - 11:00am Walking Tour
Walking Tour of Old Town
Plaza and Bridge Street Districts
Free! One Hour of History and Exercise!
Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation
lasvegasnmcchp.com
116 Bridge Street 505-425-8803
10:00am - 1:00pm Tea Party
Enjoy a cup of tea while you
peruse A Little Gypsy's Junk
Handmade Jewelry
Herbs and Herbal Consultation
Mariposa
www.mariposaherbs.com
123 Bridge Street 505-454-9240
10:00am - 3:00pm Estate Sale
10% Off Special Items
Light Refreshments
Incredible Antiques and Collectibles
Useful Items, Too!
The Former Lion Park Gift Shop
501 6th Street 505-425-3450
10:00am - 5:00pm Learn About Antiques
Get your questions answered about Antiques
along the Santa Fe Trail
and peruse our fine selection of antiques and
estate sale pieces.
Rough Riders Antiques
501 Railroad 505-454-8063
10:30am - Patio Splash & Dash
Fun event for children of all ages!
Tome on the Range
158 Bridge - 454-9944
11:00am - 1:00pm Art Class
Pen & Ink and Watercolor Demonstration
"Drawing from Your Garden"
Free Art Class!
Hyperbole Gallery and Studio
Open 10 - 3 on July 11
1205 5th Street
11:00am - 5:00pm Spiritual Readings
Spiritual Readings by Noted Psychic
Reverend Howard
10% Discount on all items!
Wide Variety of Elvis Collectibles, antiques, jewelry and gifts
J&H Collectibles
167 Bridge Street 505-205-0408
12:00pm - 2:00pm Artist Event
"The Subconscious" by Berly Laycox
Light Refreshments
Come and make your own collage
and black out poetry!
Traveler's Cafe
1814 Plaza Street 505-426-8638
12:00pm - 6:00pm Brisket and Ribs
Beef Brisket and Beef Ribs
by Private Chef Keith Robbins
Super Delicious! Enjoy Our Patio!
Three Brothers BBQ
400 Grand Avenue 505-425-0936
1:00pm - 4:00pm Bridge Street Gang
Chuck, Dewey, Birdie & Kayt
pick and sing your old timey favorites.
Bring your instrument and join the Gang!
Light Refreshments, 10% discount on art
Broken Saints Studio
131 Bridge Street 505-426-6688
1:00pm - 3:00pm Live Music
Live music outside of Love Music
Join the jam session!
Love Music
1125 E. National Ave 505-426-9429
1:00pm - 3:00pm Think Outside the Box!
Grand Opening of "Blue Sky"
A Rarity of Treasures
Special Sales - Please Welcome Us!
Blue Sky
717 University 505-429-2342
2:00pm - 4:00pm Pasion de Los Tambores
Drum Circle with Various Drummers
and Involving the Community
Bring your drum! Join us! Dance! Sing!
Lincoln Park 505-429-7891
2:00pm - 5:00pm: Spinning Demo and Gabfest
Area Spinners Bring Their Wheels and Spinning
They even spin dog hair!
Bring In Your Own Project And Sit and Visit!
ThreadBear: 150 Bridge Street
505. 425. 6263
2:00pm - 5:00pm Artist Reception
Noted Southwestern Artist
Toni Truesdale Discusses Her art
Toni combines dream imagery and historical research
and transforms them into wondrous paintings of women
Tito's Gallery & Gifts
157 Bridge Street 505-425-3745
3:00pm - 6:00pm Artist Demo and Reception
Loretta Forbes Demonstates and Shows
Clay Angels, Crosses Embellished With
Copper and Stones, Paintings
Refreshments ALL DAY!
WarDancer Designs & Gallery
125 Bridge Street 505-425-3877
4:00pm - 6:00pm Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting Event
Featuring Chirapada Wines from
New Mexico. Art by Famous Local Artists
@ the Plaza
224 Plaza, Historic Plaza Hotel
505-425-3591
4:00pm - 8:00pm Artist Reception
Photographs by Royal Mastodon Society Artists
Plus: Vexing Messages Graffiti Art Show continues
Featuring Graffiteros TUK and MENIIK
Light Refreshments
Royal Mastodon Society
www.royal-mastodon-society.com
127 Bridge Street 505-454-9330
6:00pm - 8:00pm Meet the Editors
Meet the Editors of GALLINAS!
Birdie Jaworski and Elizabeth deMare
Answer Questions, and read selections from
their popular art and entertainment magazine!
deMare Fine Art
1206 National 505-426-1011
7:30pm - 8:30pm Open Mic Night
www.worldtreasuresimports.com
Traveler's Cafe
1814 Plaza Street 505-426-8638
Sunday Post-Artwalk Events:
10:00am - 12:00pm Brunch / Live Music
Landmark Grille
Carl Bernstein plays Classical favorites
Ask About Our Special
Second Saturday Room Rate!
Plaza Hotel
www.plazahotel-nm.com
230 Plaza Street 505-425-3591
10:00am - 12:00pm Tea Party
Enjoy a cup of tea while you
peruse A Little Gypsy's Junk
Handmade Jewelry
Herbs and Herbal Consultation
Mariposa
www.mariposaherbs.com
123 Bridge Street 505-454-9240
10:30am - 4:30pm Featured Artist
Loretta Forbes is Our Featured Artist
Clay Angels, Crosses Embellished With
Copper and Stones, Paintings
WarDancer Designs & Gallery
125 Bridge Street 505-425-3877
11:00am - 8:00pm Brisket and Ribs
Beef Brisket and Beef Ribs
by Private Chef Keith Robbins
Super Delicious! Enjoy Our Patio!
Three Brothers BBQ
400 Grand Avenue 505-425-0936
1:00pm - 3:00pm Think Outside the Box!
Grand Opening of "Blue Sky"
A Rarity of Treasures
Special Sales - Please Welcome Us!
Blue Sky
717 University 505-429-2342
Scenes from Las Vegas
New Mexico at its most wild!
Las Vegas has four full seasons. Due to our altitude - 6400 feet above sea level - we get a decent amount of snow in the winter. We are home to groves of pinon trees as well as tall forests of aspen and ponderosa pine.
Please enjoy this little slideshow of a few scenes around town. Our architecture, sense of style and whimsy, friendly people, and beautiful tree-lined streets can't be beat!
We're not big and fancy like the 'other' Las Vegas in Nevada - but we have a LOT of heart!
A Few Favorite Las Vegas, NM Stories!
Read about some of my favorite local adventures!
Want to learn about our school system? Our collection of historic homes? Click on the links below and read up on My Tiny Vegas...
Please enjoy my stories about life on the edge of forever...
- 108 Degrees of Bliss: Hot Springs Outside of Las Vegas New Mexico
- The hot springs at Montezuma, near Las Vegas New Mexico, are relaxing. You can see the United World College as you soak.
- Roasting Green Chile
- My lungs filled with the rich aroma of roasting green chile as I waited my turn at the gas pumps...
- State of Confusion: Coen Brothers Shoot 'No Country for Old Men'
- The Coen Brothers shoot No Country for Old Men in my town, Las Vegas New Mexico.
- Cloud Dancers | My Tiny Vegas
- Drought hits Las Vegas, New Mexico
- A Rant about the High Schools in Las Vegas, New Mexico
- I Love Las Vegas, New Mexico. I don't want to move. But the High Schools stink. Big time. We had had troubles with administrative corruption, horrific hazings, teachers who prey on students as well as general low academic standards. We need educational help.
"In 1879 Doc Holliday rode into Las Vegas, where he hung out his shingle for the last time."
Where - and What - to Eat 'Round These Parts
Green Chile, Sopapillas, and the BEST Breakfast Burritos East of the Pecos!
The burrito above can be ordered at La Risa!
Visitors to Las Vegas, New Mexico, usually want to try the local cuisine. New Mexican food has some unique dishes including sopapillas - a fried-dough that you douse with honey, red and green chile, green chile stew, and the best Huevos Rancheros east of the Pecos!
If you are stopping in Las Vegas, New Mexico, don't miss these wonderful restaurants:
Charlie's Spic and Span on Douglas Ave in New Town serves breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. The restuarant closes at 6 pm, so plan ahead. Try the Spanish skillet, which has eggs and papitas smothered in fresh green chile with a side of pancakes. Another great dish is the carne adovado enchiladas - spicy pork in red chile wrapped in corn tortillas and smothered in red or green chile. Charlie's makes their tortillas in the restuarant - you can watch the tortilla machine roll fresh dough, while a cook fries the tortillas on a hot grill.
The Hillcrest on Grand Ave is a Las Vegas institution. Ex-Mayor Sanchez and his cronies eat here every weekday morning. Sit near the corner table and catch the best political gossip in town! The Hillcrest has a dish called "Hermit's Peak," a pile of hashbrowns smothered in red chile with two eggs any style and a big slice of country ham. Yummy!
Smiling Faces is easy to find. Situated on the South side of town on Grand Ave, the building is covered in wild yellow happy faces. The menu is extensive, and they make the best sopapillas in town. Huge portions, too! A great family restaurant.
Estella's Cafe on Bridge Street near the historic Plaza has been serving Las Vegas families for decades. Spicy green chile, plus a great place to meet folks whose families have lived in this area of the country for over 400 years. Prices are low, and portions are huge.
The Plaza Hotel sports an elegant dining room called the Landmark Grill. The trained chef serves wonderful, reasonably-priced dishes. The huevos rancheros come with blue corn tortillas and the spiciest green chile in Vegas. Many of the people who eat in the restaurant are traveling through town, so it's a great place to meet out of towners. Watch the sandwich board inside the hotel's lobby for the daily specials. Going to meet someone? Wait in Byron T's Salon across the hall - the location of the original Rough Riders first meeting - and enjoy a frosty margarita or a local brew.
Dick's Restaurant and Pub on the corner of Douglas and 7th Street offers one of the more sophisticated dining experiences in Las Vegas. Their extensive menu includes American staples like huge bacon cheeseburgers, thick steaks, baby back ribs, and fettucine alfredo with grilled chicken, but also tempts the hungry diner with some of the most elegant Northern New Mexican dishes in town. Try the huevos rancheros - eggs on top of several layers of chile and blue corn tortillas, served with a size of beans and homemade posole - or the hearty green chile chicken enchiladas. The dining room looks like something from New York or San Fransisco, with blonde wooden tables and chairs in an airy setting. The pub serves large sandwiches and chile cheese fries. Don't forget live Karaoke on Saturday nights!
Mmmmm, homemade sopapillas!
Sopapillas - yummy soft fried dough pillows - are a New Mexican essential. They are served with every dinner, whether you order Green Chile Enchiladas or Spaghetti! Drizzle local honey on your sopapilla and swoon with delight.
Here's my favorite recipe for sopapillas. They are quite easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. lukewarm water
3/4 c. milk
6 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter
1 egg, beaten
3 c. flour
Approximately 2 inches cooking oil
Method:
Soften yeast in lukewarm water. Set aside. Combine milk, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in butter. Allow to cool until lukewarm. Stir in beaten egg and yeast mixture. Gradually add flour.
Work with hands if mixture becomes too thick to stir. Cover dough with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down, turn out onto a lightly floured board, knead briefly until dough is smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Roll to about 1/2 inch thick square and cut with a 2 inch cookie cutter.
Heat oil to 350°F.
Cook sopapillas a few at a time, browning on one side, and turning only once. They will puff up.
Drain on absorbent paper and serve with powdered sugar or fresh local honey. Enjoy!
Which Las Vegas Yummy Do You Love Best: Red or Green Chile?
Hillcrest, Spic and Span, Smiling Faces - We have the BEST chile east of the Pecos!
Our restaurants have the BEST red and green chile in the entire world! Made from the aromatic Hatch chile, these sauces accompany most Northeastern New Mexican dishes. Tell us YOUR preference!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas, New Mexico
Historic Hotels and Hot-Off-The-Highway Motels!
- Historic Plaza Hotel
- "The Belle of the Southwest," the restored historic Plaza Hotel is listed on the National Register o...
- Comfort Inn
- The pet-friendly Comfort Inn in Las Vegas, New Mexico is near Montezuma Castle, the Montezuma Nation...
- Days Inn Las Vegas
- The interior corridor Days Inn Las Vegas offers guest rooms with queen or king-size beds, hairdryers...
- Inn on the Santa Fe Trail
- Located in historic Las Vegas, New Mexico, the Inn on the Santa Fe Trail features 17 charming guest...
- Super 8 Motel
- Located near Storrie Lake and McAllister Lake, this Super 8 Motel features guest rooms with double,...
Art is a HUGE part of Las Vegas, New Mexico
Enjoy these photographs of just one of the many art shows and art happenings in My Tiny Vegas! The Iron Tribe is a performance Iron Pour hosted by New Mexico Highlands University each year.
Get a Cool "Calumet Says Howdy" t-shirt or mug!
Iconic feature of my old Wild West town
You can find the Calumet Says Howdy mural by driving down Grand Avenue. It's on the West side of the street, across from Maryanne's Famous Burritos, and just a block south of the Historic El Fidel Hotel.
Celebrate Las Vegas, NM in style!
Take a Walk to King Stadium
Scenes from Las Vegas, New Mexico
King Stadium is a WPA project originally built to house equestrian events for the U.S. Calvary. Today, the stadium rests in near ruins. Luna Community College hopes to renovate the stadium and hold events - possibly rodeos - there, once more.
Stories, News, and Gossip from Las Vegas, New Mexico
My Tiny Vegas: A Blog All About Las Vegas, New Mexico
I update my blog several times a week with fun Las Vegas, New Mexico news, gossip, photographs, arts, entertainment, and stories!
If you visit My Tiny Vegas online, you will find a wonderful collection of stories - many of which were first published in our local paper, The Optic, or in our regional arts and entertainment magazine, Gallinas.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCelebrities that call Las Vegas, New Mexico HOME!
The chic and beautiful people know a good thing when they see it!
Val Kilmer - the next Governor of New Mexico?!Las Vegas, New Mexico isn't just home to ranchers, cowboys, rodeo stars, Highlands University academics, and the hardworking middle class. It's also home to some of Hollywood's finest!
These stars live in the Las Vegas area:
- Jane Fonda has a ranch near Pecos. Rumor has it that she has an incredible workout barn fitted with all the latest home workout equipment!
- Val Kilmer lives on a ranch near Riberra. The locals say Val's favorite restaurant is La Risa near the tiny village of Villanueva. I once met Val at the natural foods store and gave him vitamin advice! Val is considering campaigning to become our state governor. Not sure how I feel about that...
- Don Imus lives in Riberra, near Val Kilmer, on a ranch where he and his wife hold charity getaways for children.
- The Scientologists keep a super top-secret base 14 miles outside of town, near the village of Trujillo. They've hollowed out a mesa and filled it with L. Ron Hubbarb's original writings. Some say they even keep L. Ron's frozen head inside that mesa! Eeeeek!
Watch the movies Las Vegas, New Mexico made great!
Location, Location, Location!
Red Dawn (Collector's Edition)
Red Dawn was filmed in Las Vegas, New Mexico! Look for our famous landmark - Hermit's Peak!
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/13/2009) 
No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men was almost entirely shot in Las Vegas, New Mexico. I'm an extra in the film! Can you find me?
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Astronaut Farmer
Billy Bob Thorton and company shot this film in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Dairy Queen scene was filmed one block from my house.
Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
Fanboys
Las Vegas stood in for Fairfield, Iowa - Star Trek Captain Kirk's hometown in this funny coming-of-age story!
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Las Vegas, New Mexico Stats
The population of 87701 is 36,054.
That's #5064 out of all 42,305 zip codes.
31% of the population is white, which is 43 points less than the national average.
The average household income in 87701 is $25,921, which is $3,777 less than the typical average.
This contributes to the average house being worth $89,100. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 13% from the typical value.
Men make up 27% of the population, and the typical age in this part of NM is 34.7.
Stats about: Las Vegas, NM
Population: 36,054Number of Households: 8,756
Average House Value: $89,100
Average Income per Household: $25,921
Elevation: 6,391 ft
Population Breakdown:
Read GALLINAS Magazine - Las Vegas' Arts and Entertainment Magazine
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Las Vegas has a biweekly Arts and Entertainment news magazine called Gallinas. "Gallinas" means "chicken" in Spanish, but the editors of Gallinas are not chicken! They bring you the most current, fun, irreverent, interesting arts and culture news in Northeastern New Mexico.
You can pick up free copies of Gallinas in over 200 locations across NE New Mexico, from Raton to Wagon Mound to Springer to Las Vegas to Mora and Pecos!
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About Birdie Jaworski
Birdie is a writer living in Las Vegas, New Mexico!
Lensmaster Birdiejaworski, aka Birdie Jaworski, has been a member since October 12 2006, has rated 27 lenses, favorited 2, and has created 2 lenses from scratch. Birdie Jaworski donates their royalties to Humane Society of the United States. This member's top-ranked page is "Welcome to Las Vegas... New Mexico!". See all my lenses
My Bio
A New Mexican Original!
Birdie Jaworski is the Arts and Cultural District Coordinator for MainStreet de Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Arts Council. Las Vegas, New Mexico, that is!
Birdie is the Publisher and Editor of GALLINAS Magazine, available in print and online at www.gallinasmagazine.com.
Birdie's stories have appeared in many online and print newspapers, magazines, and journals. Birdie can also be heard from time-to-time reading her stories and offering commentary on National Public Radio.
Birdie is the author of the Avon Lady Memoir, Don't Shoot! I'm Just the Avon Lady!, which was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Birdie has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Positive Thinking magazine.
Birdie is currently writing a novel in addition to engaging in other writing endeavors.
Birdie lives and writes in Northeastern New Mexico. She volunteers each Thursday evening at the Cold Weather Homeless Shelter, and is on several local advocacy boards.
You may buy Birdie's book at Amazon.com!
Check out these great lenses...
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- Welcome to Las Vegas... New Mexico!
Las Vegas rests beneath the gentle shadow of the Sangre de Christo mountains, a small, vibrant city on the edge of rolling green-gold prairie, a city whose land speaks of fire-roasted chile and reflected sun. The scent of juniper and pinon welcomes y... view lens -
- Birdie Jaworski: Artist, Photographer, Writer
A New Mexican Original! Birdie Jaworski is the Arts and Cultural District Coordinator for MainStreet de Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Arts Council. Las Vegas, New Mexico, that is! Birdie is the Publisher and Editor of GALLINAS Magazine, available in... view lens
by Birdiejaworski
My name is Birdie Jaworski, and I live in Las Vegas, New Mexico!
I blog at My Tiny Vegas, and at my blog, Birdie's New Mexico Time Machine
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