The morning at Faywood Hot Springs is beautiful and we have enough time for yet one more relaxing soak in the pools before getting back on the road bound for
Silver City NM.
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| On the road to Silver City NM |
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We missed Silver City on an earlier trip three years ago to
Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument because we ran out of time (travelers lament). We have a few hours to explore the old part of town before we need to move on, besides it's too nice a day to waste it sitting in our van.
Early on the city was once an
Apache campsite. In 1870 silver deposits were discovered near by at Chloride Flat and the town was founded. As in many mining boom towns, violent crime flourished until the arrival of Sheriff
Harvey Whitehill. He is credited not only for bringing the town to justice but also more famously for being the first lawman to arrest
Billy the Kid.
Today the town has a population of around 20k. Although mining is still a part of the local economy, tourism, retirees, and the
Western New Mexico University form the current economic basis for Silver City. We quickly navigate through the modern fringes of fast food and gas stations to the more interesting old section of town. We park under a tree and set out on foot to explore.
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| Main Street, Silver City NM |
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| Walking the sidewalks |
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As befitting Silver City's colorful past, it is a colorful town today. Not only are many of the buildings painted in bright colors, but we also spot many large murals.
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| Artist shop |
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| Wow - cool mural |
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| Colorful Silver City |
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We get a kick out of the local signs and many courtyards with fountains.
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| Buffalo Bar |
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| Town clock |
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| Courtyard with green turtle like rock fountain |
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We are disappointed to learn most of the business are closed shut this morning. We learn too late that not much happens on Tuesday mornings in Silver City. Still we enjoy admiring the buildings and having a chance to stretch our legs.
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| Our favorite |
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| Large mural |
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One of the few businesses that we do find open is a large Antique Mall, so we walk in to check it out. Turns out it's a mix of antiques, crafts, and thrift store finds. My Texas cousins would be proud of us buying a hat rack made of old horse shoes welded together by a local artist.
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| Finally - an open business |
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| Too bad this shirt is too small |
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After having fun in the Antique Mall, we walk around a little more before saddling up.
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| Bet this bar hops on a Friday night |
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| Corner location - ripe for renovation |
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| One last look down Main Street before we leave. I'd like to come back when more is happening. |
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Interesting history and the old section blends right in. Photos describe it well. Interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun town. I hope we can come back some day and spend more time here.
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