cloudcroft

Living on Mountain Time …
… this means kicking back — way back. You know, socked feet propped up, reclined cozily in an easy chair as summer rains drum on the rooftop, reading a good book and repeating catlike stretches, complete with good bone-cracking twists; leisurely strolling the peaceful village streets or hiking forest trails, where the breeze, sighing through the trees, and the resultant quivering aspen leaves, often are the only outside sounds you hear; letting the aspen dazzle your eyes with a pallet of colors, from spring's fresh new green to fall's brilliant fiery orange and stunning sunshine yellow.

Mountain Time during winter months can be even more laid back. Mesmerizing fires in the wood stove or hearth can warm you right up and lull you into irresistible tranquility, or slumber. Outside incredible perfect snowflakes flitter and fall and pile up for snow play on beautiful snow days. Young and young at heart pack snow and create entertaining sculptures. They frolic in the soft stuff, leaving signs of angels where they play. Snowboarders jump, flip and somersault in the air, landing gracefully (and sometimes not) before riding up the mountain to do it all again. Downhillers traverse the hillsides while cross-country skiers and snowshoers trek further away from it all to experience amazing moments of solitude and communing with nature.

You can open any door in Cloudcroft to the great outdoors.

The night skies here are some of the darkest remaining on earth, affording us an opportunity of almost endless star gazing. Star watchers from all over the world travel here for our black skies.

Days begin with serenity and close with tranquility in our humble village. Many have discovered this during Cloudcroft's more-than 100-year history. The secret of Cloudcroft and the Sacramento Mountains first unfolded in 1898 when the crew laying out the "Cloud Climbing Railroad" route rested at the mountain's summit. An Englishman in the crew is said to have dubbed the spot Cloudcroft — "a cloud in a field."

Since that time, hordes of desert dwellers and other neighbors from near and far have flocked to Cloudcroft for a respite from the summer heat and/or a chance to play in snow that many do not witness back home. Or they've come here just to get away from it all.

Cloudcroft IS nestled away from it all. It's a place where you can come and do absolutely nothing or you can do it all. Either way you'll find Cloudcroft enchanting, your stay invigorating and life on Mountain Time enticing.

Stay awhile and come back often.

— Donna

For more information on Cloudcroft:

Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce — (575) 682-2733 www.cloudcroft.net

General information about Cloudcroft and area attractions. Links to and details about village shops, restaurants, lodging, real estate, etc. Calendar of events.

We recommend you check out our friends' cool places before (their web sites) and when you visit Cloudcroft:

The Old Apple Barn — (575) 682-BARN (2276) www.oldapplebarn.com

The Old Apple Barn, built in 1941, in Mountain Park (between Cloudcroft & Alamogordo) has many vintage-style tin toys, old-style advertising signs, thick blankets, antiques and a variety of gifts and foods. Rustic cabin decor items are displayed prominently in the interior with its 12-foot-high ceilings.

Mountain Top Mercantile — (575) 682-2777

Experience the old-fashioned country atmosphere of Mountain Top Mercantile. When you walk through the door you are greeted by a friendly smile, a warm hello and the sweet aroma of fresh-baked pies, breads and pastries. They also carry a large selection of general groceries, bakery items, deli favorites and mountain top-brand products. 575-682-2777

Jamocha Bean (Coffee House Café) — (575) 682-2332 www.jamochabean.com

KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S GOING ON WITH TRACEY AT www.fortracey.org. This site has some great photos & good information.

Canyon Trail Cabin (Cabin rental) — 1-800-556-5067 www.canyontrailcabin.com

In Cloud Country West, 6 miles east of Cloudcroft. Two bedrooms, two full baths, living room with a fireplace. Everything is furnished (linens, towel, dishes, etc.). Satellite TV with VCR and DVD, free movies, whirlpool tub and laundry room, full kitchen with microwave and assorted coffees, teas and popcorn. There is also a grill and a picnic table for outdoor dining. Everything you need for a quiet getaway.

• Telephone — (575) 682-PATH (7284)
• Postal address — P.O. Box 904

• Location — 100 Glorietta Ave.    Cloudcroft, NM 88317

• Electronic mail — stuff@offthebeatenpathstuff.com