Romantic Getaway Just a Drive Away
by Sylvia Quintanilla
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, is a 90-minute drive from Las Cruces, With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, if you haven’t made plans with your sweetheart, check out some options that can be done the weekend before without reservations.
James Sewell Ice Rink
The James Sewell Ice Rink located at 751 James Canyon Highway is the only natural ice rink in the Southwest. Their season runs through the winter months weather permitting. On the covered ice rink, customers can enjoy skating whether it is snowing or not. Do You Need a Warmup Between Skating? There is a warming hut and snack bar. Take a hot chocolate and heat it with fire.
All skating levels are welcome. Access to ice is free. Skate rentals are $10 for ages 10 and under and $15 for ages 11 and older. The James Swail Ice Rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit them on Facebook.
Cloudcroft Brewing Company
Cloudcroft Brewing Company is located at 1301 Burrow Avenue. Along with two music stages, a great selection of beer, wine, and artisan pizza, stop by CBC for a down-to-earth celebration.
Friday through Sunday, there’s live music from 6-9 p.m. at CBC, an indoor stage in the large dining area next to the outdoor patio. CBC is the perfect place for couples and families to have a simple Valentine’s Day evening. If you want to listen to music but enjoy more of your own company, CBC has a smaller area with a fireplace near the bar.
On tap, CBC has its own staples on the menu like Amber Ale, Railspike Red Ale, and Trainwreck IPA. They also own breweries around New Mexico such as Bosque Brewing Company, Canteen Brewhouse, Sandia Hard Cider, Santa Fe Brewing Company, and Sierra Blanca Brewing Company to name a few. Looking for vino to go with your pizza? St. Clair and Nausea Water wineries are also available.
Cloudcroft Brewing Co. Contact 575-682-2337 or www.cloudcroftbrewing.com.
Burrow Street Exchange
The Burrow Street Exchange, located at 505 Burrow Avenue, is located in the heart of Mountain Village, a shopping center with restaurants and retail outlets. Take some time on your visit to relax, shop, take in the beautiful backdrop of trees and mountains, and indulge in the wooden walkways of the shopping strip.
Burrow Street Bakery is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not only do they have freshly baked items like Danishes, brownies, lemon bars, scones, but they also have pies and espresso lattes. The Caramel Apple Walnut and Cloudcraft Pie are just a few of the local favorites. RedWall jewelry features handcrafted turquoise, raw gemstones, and gold pieces. Want to show your love for New Mexico. The jewelry store also carries Jiya symbol items such as earrings and pendants.
Contact Burrow Street Exchange at 575-964-7889 or visit them on Facebook.
Sylvia Quintanilla is a freelance reporter and can be reached at [email protected]