At 175 Las
Vegas has successfully melded multiple characteristics into a colorful mosaic
that makes it impossible to have a one-line catch phrase. Las Vegas is a
one-of-a-kind community with distinctive features and benefits. We are located
in spectacular San Miguel County with its agreeable climate and unbeatable
outdoor recreation. The area’s multicultural influences and traditions are
among its defining factors and help to make people who visit feel right at home.
This site is a development tool for a book which
will include interesting tidbits about San Miguel County and the villages where
ranch life survives, farms thrive, artists blossom and
traditions continue to be honored.
The book’s
content will include but not be limited to:
- History
- Climate
- Recreation
- Activities (i.e. Fiesta and Places With a Past Historic Tour)
- Education
- Health Care
- Anecdotes or stories about founding families
- Art and artists
- A section on antiquing
There are
many interesting facts about Las Vegas and San Miguel County. To assure the book
reflects the heart of this beautiful area, I will gather as much
information as possible. The following is a list of probable content.
Recommendations for additions to this list are welcome.
Outdoor recreation: Hiking, Fishing,
Hunting, Trail Rides, Camping, Boating, McAlister Lake, Storrie Lake, Conchas Lake, Morphy Lake
Events: Places With a Past, Fiesta,
Electric Light Parade, People’s Faire, Sabor
Activities: Galleries, Shopping,
Antiquing, Lodging, Dining, Wild Flowers
Attractions: Museum, CCHP, UCW,
Hermit’s Peak
Of Interest: Movie Making in Las Vegas,
Airport, SF Trail Influence, Monastery, Art and Artists, Nat Gold Players
Education: New Mexico Highlands
University, Luna Community College, United World College of the American
West
Towns and Villages: Pecos
Parks: Fort Union, Pecos Monument,
Villaneuva, Wild Life Refuge
History: Founding, Two towns into one,
Theater, Architecture, Agriculture, Sustainable living (unique
buildings)
The book is
in development and for planning purposes the target date for publication is
January 2013, earlier if everything comes together. Publication is dependent on
acquiring funding.
Why a book about Las Vegas and the
area?
- Well written, factual books have credibility
- No other book of this type about Las Vegas and the area exists
- It would be a tool for tourism, convention development and a way to share the Las Vegas and San Miguel County story
- Beneficial as an economic development tool
- A recent wall Street Journal article pointed out that New Mexico overall is losing its appeal because of (among other factors) misconceptions about the state. Las Vegas, An Original in Every Way will tell the true story of Las Vegas and San Miguel County.
If you are reading this as a local, I’m
interested in your feedback. Contact me with suggestions at fsvandermeer@gmail.com.
If you happened on this site as a web surfer, for current information about Las
Vegas and the area go to www.lasvegasnewmexico.com.