AAA Traveler - Summer 2021 (ACG) - 16

Cerrillos
Coffee shop in Madrid
SANDIA CREST TO GOLDEN
Originally called El Real de San Francisco, the town of
Golden was established for its gold mining industry in 1839.
The Henderson Store, which has been family-owned since
1918, originally served as the community's general store.
Today travelers can browse for pottery, artwork, rugs and
American Indian-made jewelry.
Across the street, visit the Bottle House, where former
mayor Leroy Gonzales welcomes visitors to see the colorful
glass bottles and other found objects along his fence. On your
way out of town, stop by San Francisco de Asis Catholic
Church. The circa-1830 adobe mission church is one of the
most photographed spots on the Turquoise Trail.
GOLDEN TO MADRID
It was originally established as a coal mining town. After
the mine went bust, Madrid turned into an almost-ghost
town. That is, until artists moved here in the 1970s and
brought it back to life. Historic buildings were preserved,
including the old company store, tavern and the still-operating
Jezebel Soda Fountain. Many of these spaces are now art
galleries and shops selling everything from tapestries to
paintings and pottery. You won't find big-name chains here!
The Madrid Old Coal Town Museum covers the early
history of the town. Artifacts include an antique train. The
Mine Shaft Tavern is another long-running Madrid business.
It suffered a devastating fire in 1944 but was rebuilt not long
after. The pine and oak bar is identified as the longest bar in
New Mexico.
Sculptures dot the main street, welcoming visitors year
round. But the town's Fourth of July and Christmas
celebrations are especially energetic with light displays and
fireworks. Like Cerrillos, Madrid has also been seen on screen
in the 2007 movie " Wild Hogs. "
MADRID TO CERRILLOS
The final stop before arriving in Santa Fe is the town of
Cerrillos. It shouldn't be missed, especially if you want to
purchase the gemstone that gives the Turquoise Trail its
name. The Pueblo Indians mined this area at least as far
back as 900 AD and Cerrillos is home to one of the rarest
types of turquoise.
A visit to the Casa Grande Trading Post, Petting Zoo &
Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum is a fun way to learn
about the process. It has an impressive mineral collection and
creatures like goats and a llama.
Like in its neighboring towns, many of the old buildings,
like the Black Bird Saloon from 1885, have been restored.
Now a restaurant, the saloon serves favorites like breakfast
burritos and elk burgers. The town, where Wild West
legends like Billy the Kid spent time, has also been used as
filming locations for 1988's " Young Guns " and 2013's
" We're the Millers. "
Spend time in the great outdoors by hiking the trails in
Cerrillos Hills State Park. This area is also an incredible
place for stargazing. Astronomy Adventures is one of the
companies that offers guided tours to best see the night sky
with telescopes.
The Turquoise Trail awaits! Your AAA Travel Advisor can help you navigate all the details of your road trip.
Visit AAA.com/Travel for more information.
MEXICO CITY TOURISM

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AAA Traveler - Summer 2021 (ACG)

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