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Fun Travels Across the United States

NEW MEXICO

NEW: (Please note: Cities and Towns follow the News

What's Happening in Santa Fe? (Check below under Santa Fe)

What's new in Albuquerque? Check below

Endangered Socorro Doves Arrive at the Albuquerque Zoo -- Species Extinct in the Wild to be Bred for Return to Its Native Island ( For details scroll down to Albuquerque)

ACOMA SKY CITY

Acoma Sky City Named National Trust Historic Site

Sixty miles west of Albuquerque, atop a sheer-walled, 370-foot sandstone mesa, Acoma Sky City has remained suspended in time for hundreds of years. With an eye toward the future, North America's oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, Acoma Sky City is now the 28th National Trust Historic Site, named by the National Trust.

Overlooking a vast desert-and-mountain sweep of northern New Mexico and dating back to 1150 AD, Acoma Sky City is a vibrant community characterized by its adobe houses, plazas, walkways and the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church, completed around 1640. The Acoma people have long welcomed visitors to their community, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a Save America's Treasures site in 1999. Today, approximately 15 families live year-round atop the 70-acre mesa.

"The Pueblo of Acoma tribal community is honored to enter into this important partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation," said Jason Johnson, Pueblo of Acoma Governor. "As our country's 28th National Trust Historic site, we continue to fulfill our inherent responsibility to preserve and perpetuate our traditional way of life while implementing practical and sustainable historic and cultural preservation initiatives centered on safeguarding the integrity of Acoma culture, language, history, and arts for future generations. We wholeheartedly embrace this designation and look forward to attaining the objectives of this momentous partnership."

The Pueblo of Acoma owns Acoma Sky City, and the tribal council is responsible for all decisions and operations. By entering into the agreement with the National Trust, the pueblo will avail itself of the National Trust's expertise in preservation, conservation and interpretation as well as national standards, best practices and legal advocacy. Furthermore, the agreement allows Acoma Sky City access to technical services, special grant funds and cooperative marketing programs available only to National Trust Historic Sites.

For the National Trust, the addition of Acoma Sky City adds to an ever expanding group of diverse and cherished pieces of American heritage. From a massive castle overlooking the Hudson River to a tenement on Manhattan's Lower East Side, from Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio to Philip Johnson's Glass House, National Trust Historic Sites are both a legacy from the past and a gift for the future.

Hour-long tours of Acoma Sky City are offered throughout the year. Guided by Acoma residents, they provide an introduction to the history and culture of the pueblo as well as an exploration of the church, plazas and residential areas.

The mesa-top village is known worldwide for its unique art and profoundly rich culture. Potteryˇhand coiled and tempered with walls so thin that they ring with the clarity of a bellˇhas been revered by art collectors for more than a century. Visitors can see examples of the pottery at the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum or purchase pottery directly from the artists along the tour route in the village or from the expansive gift shop at the Sky City Cultural Center.

For more information, contact Brian D. Vallo, Director of the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum, at 800-747-0181 or visit web site www.skycity.com or www.nationaltrust.org .

ALBUQUERQUE

The new National Museum of Nuclear Science & History has reopened. This “new” museum has served as a national resource through its collections and programming for 40 years. Formerly the National Atomic Museum, which opened in 1969 and was chartered by Congress in 1991, the new museum will continue to serve as a repository and steward of nuclear-related historical items and remain a Smithsonian affiliate.

The new location at 601 Eubank Blvd. SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, includes a newly constructed 30,000-square-foot building and 12 acres of exterior space. For the first time in more than seven years, the public will be able to view the historic aircraft, nuclear missiles, and other large artifacts belonging to the museum, as those items have been moved from their location on Kirtland Air Force Base to the new site.

The interior space will continue to present nuclear history, power, medicine, weapons, uranium mining, energy and radiation in its major exhibits. Also included is Little Albert’s Lab, complete with an animatronic Little Albert, where children of all ages can learn the fundamentals of Albert Einstein’s famous formula of E=mc©˜.

The museum started out in 1969 as the Sandia Base Weapons Museum at its location on Kirtland Air Force Base. After September 11, 2001, the museum was forced to seek an alternative site that would allow visitors from other countries to continue to visit. Space was then rented in Albuquerque’s Old Town, a tourist destination.

The museum’s artifacts range from a minute sample of ekanite, an uncommon gemstone with a high Thorium content, to a B52-B bomber airplane, an item regulated in the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty to this day. The museum’s best-known artifacts are casings used for the Fat Man and Little Boy atomic bombs of World War II.

The Museum has a thriving education effort, designed for life-long learning. The museum's educational programs include docent-led school tours, summer camps, visits to schools by the “Up n Atom Mobile” and lectures for the public.

The museum is open 361 days a year. The museum’s web site is www.nuclearmuseum.org with the same phone number --- 505-245-2137.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express, which is a new light rail system running north and south through the Albuquerque metro area, is now running from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The trains have bike storage areas for easy transport and will soon have WiFi for business commuters. Day trips to Santa Fe have never been easier and visitors are enjoying the inexpensive $8 per day ticket. Learn more about times and service to Santa Fe online  www.itsatrip.org/railrunner/

Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club was recently ranked No. 3 in the United States for best public golf courses in a Readers Choice Poll by subscribers of Golf Magazine. Albuquerque is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Our forested mountains, lush river valleys and high desert plains combine to make central New Mexico a dream come true for golf course designers. In addition, Albuquerque’s weather allows for one of the longest playing seasons, making golf enjoyable year-round. Plus you get all of this and more at great value. Learn more about Albuquerque's golf at www.itsatrip.org/golf

 Hilton Albuquerque Hotel to undergo renovations

The Albuquerque Hilton Hotel, a landmark in the city’s midtown area for nearly 40 years, is undergoing a comprehensive $14 million “greenovation” that will incorporate energy and water conservation and feature a fresh, contemporary Western style inside and out. The completion date of this "greenovation" is set for early this year. The "greenovation" includes redesigning of the outside property, hotel rooms, the hotel entryway, elevators, the fitness center and more. The already completed rooms include high-efficiency bathrooms and new furnishings from floor to ceiling. The hotel's entryway will be expanded to allow guests and visitors to check email, surf the internet or grab a quick snack or light meal. In addition, both existing elevators will be revamped to run more efficiently and a new entrance to the award-winning Rancher’s Club Restaurant will be added for the convenience of guests. A state-of-the-art fitness center will be relocated to look out over the hotel’s central courtyard. As part of the later stages of renovation, the Hilton plans to update meeting space with new carpeting and wall coverings and rework its Cantina Bar and Casa Chaco Restaurant.

The Sheraton Uptown recently renovated its floors and the entire public space of the hotel, which consists of the lobby, registration, hotel bar and meeting space. The $25 million project included renovation of the 17,000 square feet of meeting space and furniture upgrades to the 295 rooms and suites.  Upgrades were made to the ventilation, heating and air condition systems and the indoor swimming pool, as well as new additions including an Internet lounge and a media center.

The partners of the Socorro Dove Project are pleased to announce the arrival of captive-bred Socorro Doves at the Albuquerque Zoo, an important step towards their eventual reintroduction to the wild. The Socorro Dove Project is an international endeavour of more than 25 institutions in twelve countries whose common objective is to return the rare Socorro Dove, which is now extinct in the wild, to its ancestral home on Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, México. The Socorro Dove Project began 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of the late Dr. Luis Baptista, founder of the Island Endemics Foundation.

This species was saved from extinction thanks to individuals brought to California by a California Academy of Science’s Expedition from the Revillagigedo Islands in the 1920s. Their offspring were later shared with private aviculturists in both the United States and Europe. The European Endangered Species Program (EEP) of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) today manages the only population with a genetic make up consistent with pure Socorro Doves.

The Socorro Doves arriving at Albuquerque Zoo were provided by two members of the EEP in the United Kingdom (Edinburgh and Paignton Zoos). More individuals are expected at a later time from other participants of the EEP to guarantee that individuals brought back to Socorro Island represent a thorough sample of the remaining genetic diversity. “We are thrilled that decades of caring for this species are soon going to result in its return to the wild,” said Stefan G. Stadler, EEP Co-coordinator from the Frankfurt Zoo. “Literally hundreds of scientists and aviculturists have made this possible through their painstaking efforts since the 1920s.”

Steps are being taken for the dove’s repatriation in Mexico. The Mexican Navy, the Island Endemics Foundation and Endemicos Insulares have built a state-of-the-art breeding station on Socorro Island. The breeding program on the island will be coordinated by Island Endemics/Endemicos Insulares in close co-operation with the EEP and the support of curators and breeders from several partner institutions of the Socorro Dove Project around the globe.

“The Socorro Dove Project has a high chance of success because Socorro is the Mexican island with the highest regeneration potential,” said Juan E. Martinez-Gomez of Endemicos Insulares. “The northern side of the island maintains nearly intact vegetation, visiting these areas is like a trip to the past...and also to the island's future."

“Bringing a species back from the brink of extinction doesn’t happen every day,” said George Wallace, Vice President of International Programs for American Bird Conservancy, which funded some of the research needed for a successful reintroduction. “It’s yet another example of how conservation groups and institutions can make great things happen when they work together to achieve a bold vision.”

For additional information, please view the following fact sheet or contact:

In the United States: Peter Shannon, Curator of Birds, Albuquerque Biological Park, 505-764-6258, pshannon@cabq.gov.

Helen Horblit, Island Endemics Foundation, 415-309-1105, socorro.dove@island-endemics.org.

Steve Holmer, American Bird Conservancy, 202-234-7181, sholmer@abcbirds.org.

In Mexico: Juan E. Martinez-Gomez, Endemicos Insulares, 5212281333694, juan.martinez@endemicos.org,

Oficina de Comunicación Social SEMAR, unicos@semar.gob.mx

In Europe: Stefan Stadler, Frankfurt Zoo, 49 69-212-34428, stefan.stadler@stadt-frankfurt.de.

Colin Oulton, Edinburgh Zoo, 0131-314-0363, coulton@rzss.org.uk.

Jo Gregson, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, jo.gregson@paigntonzoo.org.uk

BACKGROUND

Historic status of the birds

The Socorro Dove (Zenaida graysoni) was endemic to Socorro Island. Discovered in the 16th century by Spanish explorers, Socorro is the largest of the four islands that make up the Revillagigedo Archipelago. It is located in the Eastern Pacific ocean about 700 kilometers (about 430 miles) due west of the Mexican city of Manzanillo and 480 km (290miles) south of the tip of Baja California. The island covers about 132 square kilometers (about 51 square miles) and is about 16.5 kilometers x 11.5 kilometers (about 10.3 x 7.1 miles).

The Socorro Dove was first described by 19th century American naturalist Andrew Jackson Grayson. According to the early reports by the California Academy of Sciences expeditions, the bird was once common across the island. However, virtually nothing is known about their breeding behavior in the wild. The reasons for the bird’s decline are complex.

In 1869 sheep were introduced onto the island resulted in slow degradation of the dove’s lowland habitats. Currently, the southern part of Socorro shows severe signs of overgrazing such as loss of plant cover, presence of exotic or introduced plants, and lack of seedlings or saplings from native plants that play an important role in maintaining the natural vegetation. In 1957, the Mexican navy set up a military base on the island, establishing a permanent presence on the island.

The last confirmed sighting of the dove in the wild was in 1972 and it was officially declared extinct in the wild in 1978.

As a consequence, the late Professor Luis F. Baptista of the California Academy of Sciences established contacts with both the Mexican authorities and the European Socorro Dove breeding community. He also founded Island Endemics Foundation (IE), the principal conservation organization dedicated to overcoming the ecological problems facing the Revillagigedo Archipelago, and to achieving the repatriation of the Socorro Dove to its ancestral island. Helen Horblit has continued Luis Baptista’s work ever since his death in 2000 in close co-operation with his former student Juan E. Martines Gomez who is running the Mexican branch of IE, Endemicos Insulares.

The international partnership for moving Socorro doves to the U.S. includes:

In Mexico:

Endemicos Insulares
The Mexican Navy

Mexican Environmental authorities have also helped by facilitating the permitting process.

In Europe:

Frankfurt Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo
Paignton Zoo

Other members of the EEP will contribute a selected set of doves for future transfers.

In the U.S.:

Island Endemics Foundation
Albuquerque Biological Park


The captive population

The species was established in both U.S. and European collections beginning in the 1920’s.

The species was saved in the aviaries of private pigeon and dove breeders. From the birds imported into the United Kingdom (UK), a breeding stock was maintained over several decades in the hands of private aviculturists. A first, though still not scientifically managed, a breeding program was initiated by the German Interest Group for Wild Pigeons and Doves - under the leadership of Kurt Meier - in the late 1980s who were later contacted by Frankfurt and Cologne zoos for a closer co-operation. In 1995, this rather informal breeding program was turned into an official European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) under the auspices of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). In the late 1990s, Marlow Bird Park in Germany, headed by Matthias Haase, decided to build a special breeding unit for the propagation of this species, and this was the turning point towards the success of the breeding program.

The international breeding program for the Socorro Dove managed by the EEP has been co-ordinated ever since its launch in 1995 by Stefan Stadler at the Frankfurt Zoo. A studbook is maintained and based on these data, the population is periodically analyzed regarding its genetic and demographic status. As a result, breeding recommendations and transfers of doves are co-ordinated through the studbook keeper affecting the 22 zoos currently participating in the program.

Although there is currently another population of Socorro Doves in private aviaries, several birds, especially in the United States (U.S.), are known to have been hybridized with the closely related Mourning Dove. Fortunately, there are currently about 100 birds kept in the European EEP collections that have been tested and are considered to be pure Socorro Doves.

Husbandry

Socorro Doves are typically maintained as pairs. They have a propensity to be very aggressive and need a highly structured environment to achieve optimal breeding and rearing success. Attempts are made to allow birds to select their own partners - whenever the genetic situation allows for such an approach - in order to establish compatible pairs and increase reproductive success.

When nesting, the birds choose a secluded nest site off the ground and build a stick nest. They will also nest on platforms, but these should be well covered. The clutch of two to three eggs hatch after an incubation period of 14 – 17 days. The chicks fledge at some 14 – 20 days of age and become independent of their parents at about six weeks of age. Both male and female incubate as in all members of the columbid family, and both parents will help rearing the chicks. The fledglings can be reproductive at 6 months of age.

Diet is composed of seeds, fruits and, especially during rearing of the young, insects. The typical life span is 10 – 12 years.

Moving birds to Albuquerque

The decision to move birds to the U.S. was made for several reasons:

To establish a satellite population outside Europe in case Avian Influenza (or any other infectious disease) might affect future efforts to move birds into Mexico.
to free up space in European collections to facilitate the expansion of the European population.
to form the basis of a breeding population on the North American continent.
to give a strong signal to all the Mexican authorities that the Socorro Dove community on both sides of the Atlantic led by the Island Endemics / Endemicos Insulares Foundation and the EEP is strongly committed to the reintroduction project and prepared to deliver Socorro Doves for the repatriation to their ancestral island when the necessary preconditions are met.

The process of moving birds to the U.S. required months of planning on both sides of the Atlantic. The EEP coordinator identified 12 birds (six males and six females) from two EEP participants (Edinburgh/UK Zoo and Paington/UK Zoo; thanks to Colin Oulton, Colin Bath and Jo Gregson for all their efforts) as the best candidates for this transfer. Edinburgh received seven birds from Paignton and along with their five birds, put the group into isolation and performed veterinary medical screenings.

Meanwhile, permits and associated paperwork were compiled on both sides of the Atlantic. The UK required export documents which were arranged by Jo Elliott at Edinburgh Zoo. At the same time, U.S. authorities required import documents which were prepared by both Helen Horblit of Island Endemics, and Peter Shannon of the Albuquerque Zoo (AZ).

With all the paperwork in place, the group of 12 birds boarded a British Airways flight on 16 October 2008 and arrived in Los Angeles the next day. From there, the birds were transported under the guidance of Island Endemics and Albuquerque Zoo to the United States Department of Agriculture’s quarantine station in San Diego where they were isolated for the required 30 days. After no problems arose during this quarantine, the birds were transported to the Albuquerque Zoo.

Once in Albuquerque, mate selection trials will be started to establish compatible pairs. Hopefully reproduction will begin in the spring of 2009 and a stable, expanding North American population will be established. Under this scenario, Socorro Doves can be repatriated to their ancestral home once critical preconditions for their arrival have been met on Socorro Island.

The next steps

While the captive population of Socorro Doves expands in Europe and the U.S., restoration efforts on Socorro Island will pave the way for eventual reintroduction of doves to their native habitat. Restoration efforts will also help other bird species on the island including the Socorro Mockingbird, the Socorro Parakeet, and the Townsend’s Shearwater. In addition, these efforts will benefit the whole ecosystem on the island, and also the coastal sea habitat around it.

“Extinction is forever”, and this holds not only for the large and attractive birds and mammals, but also for the many small, but ecologically no less important plants and invertebrate animal species on this globe. The endemic Elf owl has already become extinct on Socorro. Therefore, the Socorro Dove plays the crucial role of serving as a high profile flagship species for the conservation of a whole island ecosystem.

American Bird Conservancy operates the Bird News Network, which distributes the latest information about birds and bird conservation through videos, press releases, and news stories. Video releases are available at www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/video.html>Bird News Network Videos or view the latest news stories and subscribe to the network's RSS feed at www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/latestnews.html

One of Albuquerque's best assets is Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (the Nature Center) along the Rio Grande River. In both 2004 and 2006, Rand McNally recognized the park as one of the "Best of the Road" attractions nationwide.

The Nature Center is also recognized locally as a resource in which to learn and conserve nature through observation. Managed by New Mexico State Parks, the 270 acre park is situated along the Rio Grande Bosque, and is a haven for 270 species of birds in a forest of native Cottonwoods (Bosque). The Nature Center is unique in that it is located in the middle of one of the largest remaining tracts of Bosque along the State's Middle Rio Grande Valley (from Cochiti Dam to San Marcial).

The Nature Center celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007, with numerous events. The park is popular for its interpretive programs including "star parties," hands-on workshops, guided daytime and nighttime trail hikes, special events and outdoor educational programs throughout the year.

Over 8,000 schoolchildren visit the Nature Center each year on school-sponsored field trips, and another 2,000 to 3,000 visitors attend classes and special walks such as the full moon walks, owl prowls, and weekend bird and nature walks. The park contains two scenic trails - the Riverwalk Trail and the Bosque Loop Trail - which allow visitors to view the more than 60 species of wildlife and birds in their natural setting.

Resident birds include great-horned owl, western screech owl, house finch, northern flicker, red-winged blackbird and many others can be seen nesting or flying around the park. The park offers a viewing area, observation room and Discovery Pond in which to experience the flora and fauna of the Bosque through sight, touch and sound.

State Parks plans to make improvements to the park including expansion of trails, construction of a new educational facility, rehabilitation of wetlands and removal of non native vegetation.

Visitors to Albuquerque can also take short day or camping trips to other New Mexico State Parks, many which are only a few hours away. Spring runoff, resulting from abundant winter moisture, is expected to increase water levels at most of State Park's 19 lakes - providing excellent conditions for boating, fishing and swimming. State Parks Annual Camping Permit is the best way to experience New Mexico and any of its 34 parks, providing unlimited camping for a full year from month of purchase. In fact, it costs less than $4 for a family of four to utilize the camping permit each weekend for a year.

Most of New Mexico's parks are within close proximity to Albuquerque, providing an opportunity for visitors to see why parks like the Rio Grande Nature Center should be at the top of the "must see" list when it comes to authentically experiencing New Mexico.

For general information on New Mexico State Parks, call 888-NMPARKS (888-667-2757) or log onto www.nmparks.com. For information on Rio Grande Nature Center State Park contact the park at (505) 344-7240.

The mission of the New Mexico State Parks Division is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors.

SANTA FE

The new Santa Fe Geocaching Challenge uses GPS (global positioning system) technology and some of the city's most prominent landmarks in an adventurous new way to explore the history and culture of Santa Fe. A high-tech treasure hunt using GPS devices, the Santa Fe challenge takes participants on a tour of historic downtown with some unexpected surprises along the way and prizes for those who find all of the locations.

Geocaching has developed worldwide interest as a fun adventure activity. The idea is to use a GPS device and specific coordinates to find interesting locations and their associated hidden caches. Santa Fe has a number of players taking part in an international, city-by-city form of the game and now introduces its own challenge that is all about Santa Fe itself.

To take the challenge, participants first pick up a free Santa Fe Adventure Passport either by downloading it from www.santafe.org, or by visiting the Santa Fe Visitors Center in the Lamy Building, 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, or the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau information area–weekdays 8:00 to 5:00–at 60 E. San Francisco in the lower level of the Santa Fe Arcade. The passport contains specific coordinates for 8 different locations, their hours of operations, and instructions for finding a clue in each place. Players then use their own GPS devices'rentals* are available–to locate the eight different sites. Once a location is found, the passport is stamped, which is the cache in this adventure, and it's on to the next set of coordinates.

During the search players will experience Santa Fe's beauty and charm while being guided to some of the city's most interesting spots. Plus there are bonus prizes available, such as discounted entry fees to attractions, throughout the challenge. Once a player finds all 8 locations they can redeem their completed passports for gifts either at the Santa Fe Visitors Center in the Lamy Building or at the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Santa Fe Geocache Challenge will take several hours to visit all 8 locations and covers about 2 miles of walking. It is perfect for the whole family in a high-tech meets old world way and an innovative new approach to site seeing.

The Santa Fe Geocache Challenge is powered by Santa Fe Mountain Adventures.
*GPS devices are available for rental from Santa Fe Mountain Adventures for $25;
505-988-4000 or info@sfmadv.com

Nestled in the lush La Cienega Valley–just minutes from the shopping and culture of Santa Fe's historic downtown plaza–is a restorative retreat dedicated to nurturing body and soul: Spa Samadhi.

Samadhi is a Sanskrit word referring to the state of pure bliss that can be actualized through breathing deeply and living mindfully, and the philosophy guiding Spa Samadhi is one of healing from the inside out.

All elements are conceived with that vision in mind. Spa treatments are conducted in private rooms with windows that provide soft natural light, some with pond-side views, while sounds of nature mingle with the soothing scents of aromatherapy. Guests are provided with spa robes and sandals, and invited to unwind in the Relaxation Lounge, where they can enjoy fresh fruit and hot tea. Cedar sauna and outdoor hot tubs provide rest and relaxation.

Spa Samadhi boasts an exceptional range of intuitive and innovative bodywork, with a group of transformational treatments taking center stage.

Explore yourself through Holographic Therapy (which helps integrate the different levels of consciousness) and Medicine Helper (a deeply healing treatment for trauma that incorporates elements of Native American healing traditions, bodywork, fresh herbs from the property's heirloom gardens, traditional song, and prayer).

Other transformative treatments offered by Spa Samadhi:

Natural Medicine
Bartenieff Fundamentals: Movement Re-Education
Craniosacral Therapy
Polarity Therapy
Lymphatic Release
Intuitive Readings
Sound Healing
Reiki

The spa uses locally made, wild-harvested, organic wellness products, as well as the Naturopathica line. Indulge in one of Spa Samadhi's many rejuvenating treatments'a Cherry Blossom Regenerative Facial or a Hot Stone Massage featuring a blend of white pine, sage, and pink peppercorn oils.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa is also a thriving center for the contemplative arts, featuring diverse ways to integrate mind, body, and spirit. Sages Art Center offers custom private or group instruction to enhance your getaway–from cooking classes and Tai chi to Chinese brushwork and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

The resort maintains a dedication to the well being of visitors. The exquisite 70-acre property's tranquil walking paths, spring-fed ponds, and graceful cottonwoods offer visitors a myriad of ways to rediscover themselves. Respect for the environment manifests itself in the resort's commitment to sustainability.

To plan your own blissful spa break, visit web site www.sunrisesprings.com or call the reservationist directly at 800 955 0028.

The Santa Fe Sage Inn

-- is offering two winter specials: The "Winter Warmth Upgrade Special" provides guests with one of the Inn's newly renovated Superior Rooms at the Standard price. Featuring two queen-sized beds or one king-sized bed, these bright and cheerful rooms decorated in true Southwestern style will take the chill off of any winter day. The special rate of only $55 plus tax per night includes a deluxe continental breakfast, high-speed wireless internet, and complimentary on-site parking. The "Let it Snow! Ski Package" includes three nights' lodging in our Superior guest rooms, a two-day lift ticket to Ski Santa Fe, and a collection of special amenities to enhance your fun in the snow. Pricing starts at only $191 per person, based on double occupancy.

Call toll-free 866-433-0335 for reservations. www.santafesageinn.com

The Eldorado Hotel & Spa

-- Santa Fe’s premier AAA four-diamond luxury hotel, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa is located next to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. All 219 lavish and newly renovated, non-smoking guestrooms boast 32” flat-screen HD-compatible televisions, terry-cloth bathrobes; a hairdryer; a workstation with task light, a cordless phone with voicemail and high-speed internet access; overstuffed lounging furniture paired with a reading lamp and tables; a refrigerated mini-honor bar, and optional turndown service. The Eldorado Court & Lounge offers a casual and comfortable environment for breakfast and lunch and is a perfect spot for evening drinks and entertainment. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and whirlpool, and a business center. The 4,300 square foot posh Nidah Spa features seven treatment rooms and offers a bevy of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments which use ingredients that are prepared fresh daily and draw from the natural healing properties of plants, legumes and herbs indigenous to New Mexico.

For reservations visit www.eldoradohotel.com or call 800-955-4455.

Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa

--offers a special 3-night, 2-day ski pass package for two adults. Package rates are $199 per night for a traditional room, $259 per night for a deluxe room, and $299 per night for a ridge room. This package is based on availability, and available for three nights or multiples of three. With a three-night stay guests receive two adult two-day lift tickets to Ski Santa Fe (not valid at any other ski area.) Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is just 25 minutes from the Santa Fe Ski Area. Fresh powder, blue skies, and warm sun are typical on the New Mexico ski slopes. The high altitude and dry air make for ideal ski conditions, mid-winter into spring. Other on-site resort activities include:

Horseback riding in the woods of the Tesuque Valley ($55 per person per hour for a private guided ride).
Skeet and trap shooting on the scenic Mesa Vista. Group and individual instruction are available for beginners, $35 per round (25 shots), 4-round minimum per session.
Hiking the trails. There are four main trails on the property and miles more on the adjacent Santa Fe National Forest.
Relaxing in the spa. Singles and couples' massages are available at the full service, award-winning SháNah Spa and Wellness Center. Guests can also soak in the outdoor hot tub or take a fitness class. (Massages range from $105 to $125 per person.)
Watch the sun set over a gourmet dinner (entrees $28-$38).

In addition to sumptuous culinary creations, Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar has a cozy fireplace and spectacular mountain views.

To make a resort or spa reservation, call 800-732-2240 or visit www.bishopslodge.com.

The Inn and Spa at Loretto

-- invites guests to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate by indulging in authentic Santa Fe spa treatments with the Spa Indulgence Package. It begins with overnight accommodations in a luxurious guestrooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the natural beauty of Santa Fe. Melt any remaining bit of tension with a $200 daily credit to the Spa and enjoy a very special amenity package which includes robes, slippers, and a beautiful gift box filled with scented body butter, soap and a scented soy candle. Relax with one of the many specialized treatments designed to pamper from head to toe.

This package is priced from $649 per night.

Call 1-800-727-5531 to book and ask for the Spa Indulgence Package. www.innatloretto.com

Hotel Santa Fe

-- has two packages for the winter traveler. The Romance Package includes room accommodations, fresh flowers, welcome basket, filled with strawberries, wedding cookies, mineral waters or champagne, a one-hour massage for two, and full breakfast. A two night minimum stay is required and prices range and start at $255.00 based on double occupancy and room type. The Ski Package includes accommodations, Ski Santa Fe lift ticket, and full breakfast. Prices range and start at $221.00 based on double occupancy and room type. Call 800-825-9876 for reservations or book online, www.hotelsantafe.com

Inn of the Governors

-- is providing winter discounts for travelers whether it is to ski, re-kindle a romance, or simply experience Santa Fe's azure winter skies. Rates vary from $99 to $199 for Traditional Rooms. Contact the inn for reservations at 800-234-4534 or online at www.innofthegovernors.com

NOTE: These are not all of the savings opportunities available this winter but a representative sample of ways to save on a Santa Fe vacation. To find out everything that is going on in town and for a free 2008 Santa Fe Visitors Guide, go to www.santafe.org or contact the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-777-2489.

Rio Chama, part of the Gerald Peter’s Santa Fe Dining group, opens a few new doors to tourists and Santa Feans alike. The restaurant is hosting a grand opening, presenting guests with two new banquet rooms, a spectacular wine cellar that holds 11,000 bottles and a menu full of seasonal favorites. Offering five private dining facilities, a popular bar, eight cozy kiva fireplaces and an exquisite menu, it is easy to see why Rio Chama is a premiere dining destination in Santa Fe.

Since its opening in 2001, Rio Chama has entertained a solid local crowd while offering visitors a true taste of the "City Different." The restaurant is also a prime destination for lobbyists during the legislative session, as it sits next door to the New Mexico State Capitol building.

Executive chef Tom Kerpon continues to create a menu that reflects the expectations of guests while remaining unique to Santa Fe. Bar guests can enjoy a relaxing and cosmopolitan setting with an array of menu items such as seasonal Pacific Northwestern oysters on the half shell. Dining room guests are treated to classic comfort- think hearty slow roasted prime rib, slow braised venison osso bucco, and cinnamon chile rubbed beef tenderloin medallions.

President's Room

Kerpon anticipates a promising future for the restaurant. "Rio Chama is beautiful; the popular bar is one of the best in Santa Fe," he said. "Our food continues to get spectacular reviews. This is going to be a destination unlike any other in Santa Fe."

The President’s Room is the restaurant’s newest banquet area with handcrafted wooden doors opening to a banquet room with seating for 80 guests, and standing room available for 100. The dramatic white adobe walls pleasantly contrast with dark wood flooring and are accented with 18th century Navajo and American Indian woven rugs from Gerald Peter’s private collection.

Abiquiu Room

Downstairs in the Abiquiu Room, Rio Chama caters exclusively to private parties by offering four to seven course meals with wine pairings. Thick transparent glass allows dining guests to view the large capacity display cellar while enjoying their meal.The banquet rooms are booking up quickly. "We have been pleasantly surprised with the public response," said general manager Jim Hargrove. With the new space, Rio Chama will have the capacity to hold up to 300 guests, making it one of the largest restaurants in Santa Fe.

Rio Chama is located in the historic Barrio de Analco, at 414 Old Santa Fe Trail. For more information please visit www.riochamasteakhouse.com .

Santa Fe’s Historic Guadalupe District gets makeover

Looking for the latest hot spot in Santa Fe? Less than a mile from the Plaza is the historic, yet up-and-coming Guadalupe District, where you’ll find everything you could want amidst a lively mix of people---young and old, locals and visitors. Whether you're looking for a great night out, a good meal, or just some afternoon amusement, Guadalupe won't disappoint.

Shops and boutiques abound in The Sanbusco Market Center www.sanbusco.com, home to small retail shops such as fly fishing shop The Reel Life www.reellifesantafe.com, women’s fine clothing at Bodhi Bazaar, luxury pet boutique Teca Tu www.tecatu.com, and Wink www.winklifestyle.com, a salon and day spa which has been listed as one of the "Best in the West" by both Harper’s Bazaar, and Town and Country.

When you're done shopping and looking for a cozy hang out, you'll find it in the Aztec Café ( www.azteccafe.com ) with it's laid–back atmosphere and eclectic crowd. Or, stop by Cafe Dominic for a fresh salad or some of their trademark tortilla soup. Then head across the street to visit one of Santa Fe's best kept secrets, Double–Take. Vintage designer clothing, jewelry, cowboy boots and furniture cover two floors of the nostalgic shop.

The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant is an ever popular destination. Have dinner on the outdoor patio and listen to live music, or head inside and get a drink from one of the cowgirls behind the bar. Two doors down at Willie’s Blues Club live music draws a dancing crowd.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa, tucked into a lush cottonwood oasis in the high desert just outside of Santa Fe, is a refuge for those seeking peace and balance for the mind, body, and spirit. With a warm, art-filled setting in a century-old adobe building, the Blue Heron Restaurant reflects this with the use of produce from the resort’s own biodynamic gardens as well as close attention paid to the Slow Food movement and local Farm-to-Restaurant Project.

House-made herb infused oils, vinegars, liquors, yogurt, breads and greenhouse-grown vegetables along with an extensive biodynamic wine list are just a few of the offerings at the Blue Heron. The focus on organic and biodynamic produce is a compliment to the resort’s overarching mission for providing a luscious getaway that is also eco-friendly and green. Reclaimed wood and adobe building materials, water, glass and metal recycling, heirloom seeds and organic, wild-harvested locally made spa products make a visit to Sunrise Springs a destination spa and retreat for all, including the eco-conscious.

Executive Chef and General Manager, Tracy Pikhart Ritter, the former chef at the Golden Door in southern CA, presents the following recipes as examples of the Blue Heron’s signature seasonally inspired offerings.

Spiced Salmon with Organic Greens and New Mexico Red Chile Vinaigrette

4 – 6 Ounce Salmon Filets
Spice blend
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1⁄2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1⁄2 teaspoon red chile
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt

Combine ingrediets and sprinkle generously on salmon. 6 cups mixed organic salad greens
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and cubed
12 cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 cup asparagus spear, blanched and chopped

Vinaigrette
1⁄2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
2 shallots, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
Salt & pepper to taste

Method
Generously sprinkle salmon filets with spice mixture. Place on a preheated grill, skin side down. Grill for 5-10 minutes per side until desired doneness, remove and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare salad dressing by combining all the ingredients. Whisk well and pour half over the salad greens. Divide greens onto 4 plates, top with grilled salmon, garnish with chopped tomatoes, asparagus and avocados. Drizzle remaining dressing on top of salmon.

Grilled Tenderloin with Purple Potatoes,
Braised Chippolini onions and Red Chile Oil

4 (6–ounce) filet mignons
1-1⁄2 pounds purple potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Bring potatoes to a boil in well-salted water. Cook until fork tender. Drain then carefully slice into circles. Place potatoes in a small bowl.
Toss with butter and dill. Season with salt, pepper, and dill. Cover until service.

12 small Chipollini onions
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1⁄2 cup white wine
1⁄2 teaspoon chopped parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon chopped thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter
salt and pepper to taste

Add olive oil to a preheated skillet, over medium heat. Add Chipollini onions and brown on both sides. Reduce heat and add wine, parsley and thyme. Cover and slowly simmer over very low heat, about 20 minutes or until soft. Remove cover, increase heat and reduce liquid to 2 tablespoons. Stir in cold butter until creamy. Season with salt, and pepper.

Grill the steaks for about 7 minutes per side for medium rare. Baste with a mixture of olive oil, salt and pepper. For perfect steaks, turn them only once.

Red Chile Oil
2 ancho chiles, stemmed and chopped
1 teaspoon chile de arbol powder
I teaspoon honey
1 cup vegetable oil
Salt

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 3 minutes. Strain into a small bowl or squirt bottle.

1⁄2 pound snap peas
Cook snap peas in boiling slightly salted water for 3 minutes or until tender.
Divide sliced potatoes, onions and snap peas onto four plates. Top with any left over sauces.
Place grilled filet mignon on top. Serve with red chile oil.

For additional information contact Judy Herzl, Director of Marketing, Sunrise Springs
505-428-3603

It is rare to stand at the summit of Ski Santa Fe, at over 12,000 feet, and see nothing but a white landscape within the 8,000 square mile view. But right now, from the Truchas Peaks in the north to the Sandia Mountains flanking Albuquerque in the south out to Mount Taylor near the Arizona border in the west, it's nothing but snow as far as the eye can see.

And good snow makes for great skiing. This winter Ski Santa Fe already has 95 percent of its terrain open with excellent coverage on everything from the smooth cruisers to the steep bowls to the perfectly spaced trees. The mountain is evenly split between blue and black runs so there are plenty of comfortable trails for intermediates while the steep fall-line runs, glades, and moguls are ideal for experts. Heavy and frequent December and January snowfalls have provided outstanding conditions area-wide.


Ski Santa Fe offers a highly-regarded children's program and ski school, indoor and outdoor dining at the base and mid-mountain, and over 660 acres of Rocky Mountain terrain covered with more than 4 feet of dry, New Mexico snow.

A new lift, the Millennium Lift, began running this season to serve a new, higher summit (12,075 feet) accessing 2 new intermediate and 4 new advanced trails. The new quad (four place) lift adds an extra dimension to the area with faster access to the northern runs and a greater variety of ways to get around the mountain.

For non-skiers and boarders, or at day's end when the lifts close, all the legendary amenities, culture, and comforts of charming Santa Fe are at the end of a short, scenic drive back into town. Winter is Santa Fe's slowest time of year so while museums, shops, restaurants, and attractions are open, the price of lodging is typically less, and town is at its most leisurely. There is still a busy calendar of events throughout this low season and reliable sunshine makes even the chilliest day comfortable. But in the winter, skiers and visitors will feel like they have Santa Fe all to themselves.

A number of Santa Fe properties offer package deals for skiers and snowboarders with combinations of multi-night rates, value priced lift tickets, and ski area services. Which makes any Santa Fe winter getaway a real value for skiers and snowboarders looking to play in the snow and spend a little time in one of America's great small cities.

Sample Packages:

Eldorado Hotel & Spa: $255 nightly/double occupancy with lift tickets at Ski Santa Fe for each guest and continental breakfast.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa: $190 per night per guest for two night stay, spa treatment, two half-day lift tickets each day at Ski Santa Fe, and lunch for two at the property's Fuego restaurant.

Hotel St. Francis: $435 for two nights in a deluxe guestroom, 2 all-day lift tickets at Ski Santa Fe, full American breakfast each morning.

The Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau web site -- www.santafe.org -- can help with hotel bookings and general information. Ski Santa Fe's web site -- www.skisantafe.com -- has the latest grooming reports and snowfall totals as well as lift ticket prices, trail maps, and services.

Preserving the world's natural energy resources is unquestionably one of the most important issues facing humanity today. It ranks alongside developing alternative and renewable energy sources. As one-time U.S. Secretary Of Energy, New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson is more informed and passionate than most about the issue. It's why it is his goal to make New Mexico a leader in renewable and clean energy technologies and why he has christened it the "Clean Energy State."

This campaign, when combined with New Mexico's natural beauty and places of interest, has created a new initiative dubbed Eco Tourism. "There's a wealth of environmental and energy-related activities that one can experience while they are here," according to Scott Fischler, president of energy technology consulting company, Netozoic. New Mexico's vast resources and exciting possibilities first attracted Fischler to the state. "My wife and I moved here a few months ago recognizing the great potential of New Mexico as a renewable energy state - one that provides enormous opportunities to promote environmentalism and eco tourism - and this led to the concept of energy tourism."

Examples of the type of energy-conscious amenities available to visitors include the newly launched Rail Runner Express, one of the country's first commuter trains to run on bio-diesel. "I am committed to promoting clean renewable energy in New Mexico," said Governor Bill Richardson. "The Rail Runner is fast and clean, and -- with the switch to biodiesel -- it will be green as well."

Other "green" transport enterprises include the biodiesel-powered Santa Fe Southern Railway, a piece of living history carrying passengers through high desert scenery on a 4-hour round trip from the historic depot in Santa Fe to Lamy, a sleepy little village 18 miles southeast of Santa Fe and reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Wild West days; Santa Fe's extensive network of compressed natural gas fueled buses; and Taos' Chili Line pilot program for bio-diesel powered buses. But, when it comes to transportation, the most ambitious project yet is New Mexico's partnering with Virgin Galactic to create the first spaceport for civilian spaceflight . Virgin Galactic creator Sir Richard Branson declared, "New Mexico will be known around the world as the launch pad of the new space industry." Scheduled for completion in 2009/2010, the environmentally friendly spaceport, largely to be constructed underground, will extensively use solar energy and an advanced water collection system.

New Mexico boasts a number of museums that are devoted to or include energy-related exhibits, including the Bradbury Science Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Atomic Museum. Visitors to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo can learn all about hydrogen fuel cells and the hydrogen used for spaceflight.

The more adventurous eco tourist can enjoy such activities as gliding and hot air ballooning, with both holding the promise of magnificent views of New Mexico's spectacular landscape. Ballooning enthusiasts can also visit the dramatic Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.

Another area in which New Mexico is leading the way with its environmental and energy conscious approach is the construction industry. Santa Fe was the first city to sign the 2030 Challenge, a proposal adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to incrementally reduce green house gas emissions from new construction, with a goal of eliminating the carbon footprint of new buildings by 2030. The 2030 Challenge is being advanced by Architecture 2030 Founder and recognized Santa Fe green design expert, Ed Mazria. For Santa Fe, this pioneering spirit dates back to the 1970s when the city was a leader in solar design during the energy crisis. Santa Fe's progressive attitude continues today with its extensive green-oriented housing developments.

With Angels Nest and El Monte Sagrado, Taos showcases two pioneering examples of green construction. Angels Nest Retreat is an off-the-grid sustainable building that harnesses wind and solar energy for its power. Angels Nest is developing energy systems to harness renewable resources to produce hydrogen for powering the building and fueling the vehicles of its designers, Robert Plarr and Victoria Peters. Angels Nest, which offers public tours, utilizes rainwater and recycles wastewater to become what Plarr considers a model for off-the-grid buildings. "You have no other needs," Plarr told a local newspaper. "You don't have to worry about the outside world." A perfect place for the eco tourist to relax is El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa. Built in the shadow of the beautiful Sangre de Christo Mountains, El Monte Sagrado is an eco-friendly boutique haven which utilizes geothermal heating and recycled wastewater to pamper its guests.

Fischler forsees the myriad ways in which industry and tourism can cross-pollinate in the advancement of new renewable energy and environmental enterprises, with the emphasis on "tourism driving this forward as a catalyst for economic development as a complement to economic development being a catalyst for tourism." Amongst the areas of opportunity, Fischler envisions "tours of green homes and communities, solar and wind generating facilities, and waste-to-energy facilities, to name but a few. There's a whole facet of attractions that would appeal to an industry person, a lay person, a casual observer, a student or a family that is interested in learning more about renewable and sustainable energy."

In an effort to extend the progress being made by Santa Fe in green construction to the rest of the state, Governor Richardson has introduced a plan that includes building codes that promote lower energy and water use, and a tax credit to encourage the building of green homes and offices. There's also a $2.5 million program to give impoverished families low and no interest loans to make their homes more energy-efficient and an investment of around $9.5 million towards building public schools that can show a 50% increase in energy efficiency. The Governor's plan also incorporates several regulations aimed at reducing the level of greenhouse gases emitted by new trucks and cars.

Fischler was drawn to New Mexico's potential while attending the Southwest Renewable Energy Conference in Santa Fe. It's one of a number of energy-related conferences that New Mexico has hosted recently including the Border Energy Conference, the National Hydrogen Association's Renewables to Hydrogen Forum, and the New Mexico Hydrogen Business Council Annual Conference. These conferences bring in delegates from all over the world. What they, along with the millions of other visitors to New Mexico, find is a beautiful, unspoiled landscape, state of the art amenities, a wealth of attractions and also a state determined to do everything possible to be deserving of the title, the "Clean Energy State."

TAOS

Coming soon

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