Too Short a Stay
This was our first visit at a Staybridge Suites, designed primarily for extended stays. Although we stayed only one night at the Las Cruces Staybridge I see thoughtful details that would be fully appreciated during a longer stay. For instance, the clothes basket in the closet great for collecting dirty clothes as well as trips back and forth to the laundry room.
The laundry room is larger, better equipped and brighter than the typical motel facility. Too often they are tucked under the stairs or in a closet-sized space, poorly ventilated and just a bit spooky.
In Las Cruces the registration area is small but other common areas seemed well proportioned and maintained. The Great Room with gas fireplace, comfortable furniture and televisions opens to an appealing landscaped living area. We also find an outdoor pool, hot tub, putting green and grill. The well-equipped fitness center stays open 24-hours a day, there’s no excuse for neglecting the workout routine.
The business center offers several computers, printer/scanners and plenty of work space. In case you have a bit of free time and didn’t bring anything to read there’s a small library, also a few games. Internet access in the business center and guest rooms is free and high-speed – and it worked!
Special features at the Las Cruces Staybridge Suites are a Home Theater on the 2nd floor, Internet Cafe on the 3rd floor and a public/private meeting space on the 4thfloor. The Home Theater is furnished with recliners with drink holders, extra large digital HD screen, surround sound, DVD and Blue Ray players – and a popcorn machine.
Although we reserved a one-bedroom suite we were given a two bedroom/two bath. Being able to set up the laptop in the extra bedroom and work early in the morning while Bob still slept was an nice bonus. Quality bedding and linens contributed to a much needed night’s rest. The equipped kitchen included a stove top, microwave oven, full refrigerator and dishwasher. My only negative comment is that there is no ice machine in the hotel. They expect you to use the ice maker in your frig; however, if it’s not turned on when you check in it can’t keep up with demand – even for two people.
The morning breakfast buffet served a number of hot items and more selections than we’re used to at Holiday Inn Expresses. I immediately noted the fact that we were eating on pottery dishes with real silverware – a welcome up-grade. The layout of the buffet and separate drink corridor was also appreciated.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings the hotel hosts Evening Sundowner Receptions with food, drinks and a chance to socialize from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
We’ve stayed in hotels, motels, historic inn and B&B in Las Cruces. By far the Staybridge Suites gets my vote for the place to return to. Next time we’ll plan more than one night.
Find It!
Las Cruces, New Mexico
When You Go: The Staybridge Suites – Las Cruses is located near I-25 exit 6 at 2651 Northrise Drive on the north side of Las Cruces.
Built from 1783 – 1797, the church frequently is proclaimed to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. Records reveal little about the architect and artisans responsible for the original construction. Influences of Moorish, Byzantine and Late Mexican Renaissance architecture blend to create the strikingly unique edifice. We can only surmise why the east tower was never completed.
The building has a long history of respectful care followed by neglect and restoration. For three decades in the 1800s priests were sent home to Spain. Parishioners safeguarded church furnishings in their homes but the building fell into disuse.
We sometimes hear the gasps of wonder as visitors step into the church for the first time. Every surface seems to resonate with color: altars, statuary, arches, retablos, frescoes, carvings. Some have called this the "Sistine Chapel of North America." It’s quite a compilation of baroque and folk art. Whether one says a prayer and lights a candle or sits quietly observing the features this is a time to pause and contemplate.
We abandoned the comfort of home and headed to South Broadway Grill which opened a few months ago. The location first saw a Mr. Steak restaurant back in the \’60s and has seen numbers of eateries come and go. The completely redone interior is pleasing in its sleek urban simplicity, contemporary art and floral highlights. Bob immediately noticed an impressive orchid on the hostess stand. The host assures us that it’s real. We later learn that co-owner Carolyn Kinsella is a talented floral designer.
Dinner started with the Broadway Salad – fresh spring greens, dates, figs, toasted almonds, goat cheese dressed with the house vinaigrette and topped with polenta croutons. I loved the salad, next visit I may make it my entree. Bob selected the grilled sole with a creamy caper sauce served with mashed potatoes and spinach. He ate the whole thing – there was no need for a to-go box. My choice was the pasta Fabiano. Sautéed chicken breast, broccoli,roasted cashews and penne pasta in a basil cream sauce. The cashews added a nice texture and flavor to an otherwise rather bland dish. A little added salt helped bring out some flavor. The ice tea received excellent reviews from both of us.
A serving of chocolate chip caramel bread pudding to share capped our Dinner Deal. I watched dishes coming out of the kitchen, a number of sandwiches looked very appealing as did the buffalo short rib stroganoff. The clientele spanned the range from young singles watching a ballgame while eating at the bar to three-generation families with Grandma in a wheelchair. I’m thinking one of the circular corner booths will be just right for the next girls night out.
They’ll tap the barrels to swirl and sip last fall’s harvest during the annual “Barrel Into Spring” weekends at wineries around Grand Junction, Colorado. Eight members of the Grand Valley Winery Association host visitors two weekends each spring, April 25-26 and May 16-17 in 2009. Each winery pours current releases as well as the first tastings of the 2008 wines – a sneak-peak into their potential.
Depending on your interest the weekend offers a great opportunity to increase one’s wine knowledge. A presentation or tour is offered at each location. Bennett Price of DeBeque Canyon Winery may share his years of experience demonstrating the wine-making process with carboys, tubing and airlocks. At Canyon Wind Cellars you can tour Colorado’s only underground wine cellars. Experience the difference varietal blending makes, or sample the flavors imparted by oak barrels from America verses France. I always come away with a greater understan
ding of terroir and viniculture.
Grand Junction and the Grand Valley region of Western Colorado offer a numerous outstanding options for getaways. From the sandstone formations of Colorado National Monument to the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River to the serenity of fly fishing on Grand Mesa, fruits direct from the orchard or fine dining you’ll want to return again and again.
When You Go: 2009 
After our first visit to 
With tax season at a close San Antonio prepares for the biggest party of the year. Truly a citywide celebration, 
Additional parades have been added over the years including the popular Texas Cavaliers River Parade and Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade. The Fiesta Military Parade takes place on the parade grounds at Lackland Air Force Base. The King William Historic District sponsors a fair and parade; even canines get in the act with an official Fiesta Pooch Parade.
Every single official 2009 Fiesta event is sponsored by a local nonprofit group or military organization. Arts, performances, feasts, sports, music and balls attract more than 3 million attendees during the eleven days.
hool groups walk in silence from the Municipal Auditorium to the Alamo. As each group places a floral wreath on the greensward the names of the Alamo defenders resound from inside the famed walls. These Sacred Walls (April 22, 2009), presented by a living historian dressed in period attire, tells the story of historical events leading up to the Alamo siege, the siege itself and its aftermath.
A Night In Old San Antonio – 
Nancy’s Notes: We loved our 
Planning a trip to the 
Watching these unique beings in environments similar to their habitats in the wild can be mesmerizing.
Where To Go - Travel USA 