Let New Mexico Take Your Breath Away

Featured Destination: Silver City

Silver City, located in Grant County in southwestern New Mexico, offers year-round activities, a great climate and friendly people. In Silver City, there’s something for everybody in the family. Events include the annual Ben D. Altamirano Memorial Tour of the Gila, the Silver City Blues Festival held Memorial Day weekend, the Wild West Rodeo, Billy the Kid BBQ and Children’s Fiesta.

Downtown Silver City has a thriving collection of art galleries and studios, retail and gift shops, restaurants and coffeehouses, nightspots and lodging. The historic architecture dates from the 1880s and includes Victorian brick, adobe, and commercial buildings. The town is also home to Western New Mexico University and two museums.

If outdoor activities are in your plans, Silver City is great base camp. It is the gateway to the three million-acre Gila National Wilderness. Other area attractions include Catwalk National Historic Trail, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, City of Rocks State Park, Rockhound State Park, and the Mogollon and Shakespeare Ghost Towns.

To see all there is to explore in and around Silver City visit thier website at www.silvercity.org

Featured Event: Silver City Blues Festival

Silver City draws thousands of music lovers each Memorial Day weekend with its long-running Blues Festival. Organized by the Mimbres Region Arts Council, with food vendors and artisans selling their wares throughout bucolic Gough Park, the event is also a local favorite. Open-air events in the park are free.

The 13th Annual Silver City Blues Festival comes to town May 23-25 this year, kicked off Friday night with "Guitar Slim" in concert at the Buffalo Dance Hall.

Bring the whole family Saturday and Sunday for two FREE days of top-notch blues performances in the park starting at 1pm. Come early and bring lawn chairs or blankets, and don't forget the sunscreen to make the most of Silver City's bright skies and pleasantly mild summer temps. Enjoy the food court and over 50 arts and crafts vendors. Alcohol is available in the beer garden, adjacent to the park.

Local businesses, galleries and restaurants add to the downtown excitement with extended hours, a special Art Walk on Sunday morning and many gallery openings throughout the weekend.

This year's Blues Festival performers -- from crowd-pleasing local talent to big name national acts -- include Sherman Robertson, Albuquerque Blues Connection, the Jen Exten Trio with Pat Dutton and Pat Chase, and Alex Maryol. Headliners are Zac Harmon on Saturday night, and John Mooney on Sunday. Legacy performer Marie Knight performs on Sunday.

Premier sponsors include Wells Fargo, Mastercraft Metals, Scott Nichols Toyota and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency. Media sponsor Q92FM. For more information check out their web site at mimbresarts.org or call 538-2505.