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Silver City: The Little Town that Could.
Do you every get the feeling that everything is just right. Well, things just started feeling 'just right' as I finished off the 2-hour drive from the Upper Valley to Silver City, New Mexico for the 12th Annual Silver City Blues Festival.
After getting settled into my plush Southwestern-style deluxe room at the Gila House Hotel and Gallery; Richard Deaton, owner of the Gila House Hotel, Amanda Yanyar and I headed further up into the pines to refresh at a famous watering hole. The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is located in a littler town aptly named Pinos Altos... Spanish for Tall Pines. And while Silver City has plenty of hills with junipers doting the landscape... Pinos Altos is right in the middle of a nice bit of forest. Pinos Altos is a full 1,000 ft higher in altitude than is Silver City reaching into the clouds at about 7,000 ft. above sea level.
Because of the line for the Buckhorn dining room and our time contraints, Karen Campbell, the Buckhorn owner, suggested a lighter meal at the bar. I hadn't been at the Buckhorn for a few years and was amazed at the many historical objects and memorabilia depicting the history of this little mining town. So, while we waited for dinner and in between meeting everyone who was coming up from Silver City...I had time for a photo shoot... more on Silver City, the Gila House Hotel & Gallery, Buckhorn Saloon and Pinos Altos in a travel story coming soon...
If the drive alone didn't get my appetite running at full throttle, or the blessings from heaven in the form of rain and hail that made it look like winter up in Pinos Altos, or the smell of cedar burning in the woodburning stove; then it must have been the great food at the Buckhorn.
I had the Grilled Chicken Salad which was just perfectly prepared... hot and tender and still juicy chichen on a bed of spring mix and romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes and nice bits of veggies... My body is still thanking me. Richard and Amanda dined on some delicious burgers. This was just what the Doctor ordered. Thanks to you Karen for the quick and wonderful survice from your staff... you saved me. Next time I come up and spend more time and try a real meal in the dining room. On our way back to Silver City we had to stop to see this beautiful sunset.
The roads were still covered with some remainng hail and that caused one adjustment to the schedule. The Brandon Perrault Band at the Yankee Street Dance was cancelled. After arriving back in Silver City we walked through town to the Buffalo Bar and the Buffalo Dance Hall... that's where we heard the Hoodoos. Things couldn't be better. Like I said... things kept on feeling 'just right'.
It still amazes me that a small town like Silver City can pull off such an event as this internationally renown blues festival. But, people in Silver City might just be asking... "You mean El Paso, or Las Cruces or Albuquerque doesnt' have one?" I wonder if there is something to the idea of everyone working on the same page. That's what it's like in Silver City during the Blues Festival. It is my opinion that this little jewel of a town and especially this great music festival should be on everones To Do list.
Then next day we took a stroll throgh town and checked out the great architecture and the old Victorian brick homes and churches. There were musicians playing along the street and we'll get some pictures of them out in that upcoming update issue.
The gallery scene is flourishing in Silver City and to get you in the spirit of appreciating the arts... stay at the Gila House Hotel and Gallery. There Richard Deaton, has created a wonderful combination of rest, relaxation and some very provacative and challenging art for your viewing pleasure. Gila House
This photo of the lighted entry lobby at the Gila House shows a display of photographs which greet you as you enter your art sanctuary. Richard promises to leave the light on for you. And after a full night on the town or and early bed check... it feels great to walk into this huge wonderful adobe fortress with several rooms bosting upwards 20-ft. ceilings.
Well, on to the Main Event... the Bues Festival. More on Silver City soon.
If you need to reset your bearings... just click the "Main Page" button at upper left. It will take you to the beginning of the Silver City Blues Festival page. You can then check out some of the other great acts and Photo Galleries.
If you get lost in this labyrinth of virtual blues... Just go back to UpperValleyToday.com... the banner at the top of every page and start your voyage again. Enjoy!
Photos: © 2004-2007 Brax - Valley Publising Company.
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