Gallup, New Mexico’s Tangible Tourism (Part One)

A postal clerk once told me that I needed to pay international postage to mail a letter to New Mexico. She was surprised, as many people are, to learn that it gained statehood in 1912, has a documented history that spans thousands of years and is literally a microcosm of southwestern history. It benefits from the unique characteristic of featuring tangible sites and offering immersive activities that bring the history, arts and events to life in fresh and exciting ways. www.newmexico.org

                  

Gallup, New Mexico is the perfect place to begin your explorations because it has been at the heart of the culture, even prior to European contact. Of the approximate 22,500 population 54% are Native American and the blending of cultures, religions and ethnicities has resulted in a tolerant and welcoming atmosphere. The city is LGBTQ friendly and is the home of the University of New Mexico’s LGBTQ Resource Center. 

                  

Gallup is recognized as the “Native American Capitol of the World” and the “Gateway to the Native American Experience”. It is surrounded by the Navajo Nation, the size of West Virginia and close to the Zuni Pueblo and Hopi Reservation. The 662.4-mile Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, known to be in use in 850 AD, runs through Gallup and takes visitors to ancient ruins, sacred sites and unique landscapes that served as western movie sets. Chaco Cultural National Historic Park, a 1987 UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mere 2-hour drive. This ancient pueblo functioned as a ceremonial center  for 400-years. Other significant pre-Columbian ruins are even closer.

Zuni Pueblo (Hawikuh), 37-miles from Gallup, is believed to have been one of the Seven Cities of Gold sought by the Spanish. It was here that Estevanico, a “negro” man and the first nonnative to reach Arizona and New Mexico was killed as a spy by the Zuni in May 1539. Of the 19 New Mexican Pueblos Zuni is the largest. A variety of tours of are offered. zunitourism.com

 In 1880 David Gallup established a pay station, near a stage stop, for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad workers in the area. Workers were “going to Gallup” to collect their earnings and in 1881 the town was founded and named after Gallup. More than 100 freight and passenger trains continue to pass through daily. 

The Gallup Cultural Center is situated on the 2^nd-floor of the Santa Fe Depot. The station was revamped to look like the 1918 El Navajo Hotel, once a nearby Harvey Hotel. Displays in the museum showcase Native American art, artifacts, kachinas and provide a comprehensive overview of regional history. A gallery is devoted to WWII’s Navajo Code Talkers and a 10-ft. sculpture of a code talker at the entrance depicts him in action. This is the station from which the first 29 men departed for service. There is a gift shop and café. southwestindian.com/service/center.cfm

Coal was discovered in 1885 and the town grew rapidly. A series of ghost towns, once coal mining camps within a 10-mile radius,  dot the area around the city as a result of the end of the coal era. The Rex Museum, a former brothel, interprets the history of the area mining and coal industries.

Route 66 was commissioned in 1926 and rapidly became America’s “Mother Road”. It is the spine of Gallup and new constructions and glimpses of historic attractions continue to lure travelers. The Rico Auto Complex was established in the 1920s and, in addition to being a functioning dealership, items on display relate the history of Route 66. Handmade, antique, rugs are displayed and a buggy that once belonged to the President of the Navajo

Nation are featured in the showroom. ricoautocomplex.com

    Comfort Suites, the 2018 New Mexico Hospitality Top Hat Award winner, is one of the gems of the region. The 51-room hotel offers free WIFI, parking, fitness center, full buffet breakfast. and exemplary service. Gallup is knownas the “America’s Most Patriotic Small Town” and in keeping with its designation the hotel features a moving Veterans Museum in the lobby. Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, featured in 

 

Netflix’s “Medal of Honor”, is highlighted. choicehotels.com/ComfortSuites/Gallup

In 1937 R. Griffith built the El Rancho Hotel and it was the hotel of choice for stars filming nearby. The public spaces are filled with memorabilia and regional arts. Take a self-guided tour of the premises including the stained glass window tableaus. elranchohotel.com

Carl Boller designed the 1928 historic El Morro Theater. In 2015, after restoration, it reopened as a movie theater and performance center. Many of the architectural elements are original and tours are available. elmorrotheatre.com.

   McKinley Courthouse Square is the site of the Veteran’s Pillars inscribed with the names of  local veterans who served from WWI onward. There are individual pillars honoring the Bataan Veterans, the Navajo Code Talkers and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura. 

            Free nightly Indian Dances are performed  from Labor Day to Memorial Day in the Plaza from 7PM to 8PM. The traditional dances and are accompanied by explanations of the attire and traditions and an opportunity to participate. Many of the dances were banned until the 1930s. 

Gallup has a variety of dining options and Sammy C's Rock 'n' Sports Pub & Grille should be on your list.  CNN named it one of the "101 Best Sports Bars in the U.S". The burgers are noteworthy and the music and ambiance notable. sammycsgallup.com

If you are a southwest traditionalist Virgie’s is the place for you. The dish to order is the enchilada, taco, tamale and burrito combination plate. This is a local favorite.

Earl’s Family Restaurant has been a staple since 1947. The signature dishes here are the Navajo taco and the smothered steak burrito. It is customary for native craftsmen sell their wares at your table. You can shop and dine at the same time.

Immerse yourself in all things southwestern in Gallup, New Mexico. www.galluprealtrue.com

Long Beach, California, Sun, Sea and Royalty

Long Beach, CA, situated approximately 30-minutes south of LA, is a coastal gem with more than its share of lures for the traveler. The city, deemed one of the most ethnically diverse big cities in the country, has an average high of 82˚ and low of 64˚ with negligible rainfall. It was named Long Beach in 1888 because the beach winds 22-miles bordering the Pacific Ocean along San Pedro Bay. Today it offers a 3.5-mile bike trail, 11.5-miles of inland waterways and bays and greater than 30 water view restaurants. The city has world-class attractions and provides metro and free bus service as well as water transport, AquaLink and AquaBuses, for easy access to sites. ridelbt.com/routes-and-services

The city’s uniqueness extends to its history. When Juan Cabrillo sighted the coast in 1542
Native Americans had inhabited the region for more than 10,000 years. They inhabited three large settlements, Tevaaxa'anga, Ahwaangaand and Povuu'nga, but were moved to Spanish missions in the 1800s and became known as the Gabrieliño after the San Gabriel Mission.

A 1784 Spanish Land Grant provided the land laid out as Long Beach in 1880 and the 1884 Rancho Cerritos. Cogged stones were uncovered at Rancho Cerritos in 1930 that dated from 2-5,000 BC, verifying an early indigenous presence. The Monterey-Colonial 2-story adobe rancho interprets the intersection of Spanish, Mexican and North American cultures. Tevaaxa’nga  to Today: Stories of the Tongva People relates the story of the Tongva through artifacts and displays in the visitor Center. Constructed by Native Americans, the rancho is furnished with antiques from the 1870s sheep ranch era. Guided tours, an orientation film, special programs, a reference library and 4.7-acre garden are on-site. rancholoscerritos.org

Long Beach’s most renowned resident is the RMS Queen Mary, regally docked since December 1967, in the harbor. Since its maiden voyage in 1936 it has served as an exquisite symbol of art deco and the Gilded Age and was once the largest, fastest and most luxurious ship afloat. It is 1,019-ft. long, 36-ft. taller than the Eiffel Tower, has over 300 original guestrooms, 400 fireplaces, 25 public rooms and made 1,100 crossings. The ship served in WWII in a variety of functions. Winston Churchill sailed aboard 10 times and in suite M114 was briefed on the D-Day plans.

The Queen Mary is one of the world’s most haunted sites. Paranormal Investigations and Haunted Encounter tours and Illusions of the Past, a theatrical séance are offered in addition to a menu of specialized tours. Note: stateroom B340 is said to be the most “active” room.

The ship is a hotel featuring online reservations, a museum and offers shopping and dining. Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge and the Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch are singular culinary experiences. QM TIP: All of the guides are excellent but for a truly awesome tour request Commodore Everette Hoard. queenmary.com

Rainbow Harbor is home to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Southern California’s largest aquarium. Over 50 exhibits include more than 11,000 animals in the main galleries and exterior display areas including an interactive Shark Lagoon. The 2019, $53-million, biomorphic glass, wing, Pacific Visions, was created to foster an understanding of modern environmental challenges using displays, interactives, exhibits, educational programming and a 130-ft. wide and 32-ft. tall theater. aquariumofthepacific.org

The 1996 Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the sole museum in the country dedicated to the presentation and preservation of modern and contemporary Latin American art. The complex encompasses interior galleries, a screening room, art studio, library and a 15,000-sq. ft. sculpture garden. molaa.org

Shoreline Village, reminiscent of a fishing village, provides some of the area’s best shopping and panoramic viewing options. Here you can dine, stroll, rent a bike or watercraft, ride a carousel and shop in a variety of eclectic stores. Louisiana Charlie’s BBQ & Cajun Cuisine is a waterfront eatery that puts a southern spin on seafood you will long recall. shorelinevillage.com

Naples is an Italianesque  community established in 1905 on 3 islands. It has winding streets lined with gracious homes fronted by circuitous canals. You can stroll the streets, pause in the plaza and take a 1-hour Gondola Getaway Cruise on Alamitos Bay in an authentic gondola. GGC TIP: Request serenading gondolier Andrew McHardy. gondolagetawayinc.com

Two musts are trips along Retro Row and a visit to the Long Beach Antique Market. Fourth Street between Cherry and Junipero, Retro Row, is a recognized source of vintage-inspired clothing and furnishings. Film set designers are known to purchase items there. The antique market has more than 800 vendors spread over 20-acres. Plan to spend substantial time at both venues.

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine crafts authentic Mexican dishes homemade with fresh ingredients from Family heirloom recipes. Eat retro in Lola’s. www.lolasmexicancuisine.com

Before Ferris Bueller took his day off, Gilligan set sail for his 3-hour tour or Star Fleet Academy were filmed in Long Beach in 1910  it was the first West Coast movie center. By 1918 Long Beach’s Balboa Studios was the world’s most productive independent studio. Numerous silent films were made with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton. Arbuckle’s home still stands. The industry relocated to Hollywood around 1921 when oil was discovered on Signal Hill and Alamitos No. 1 became the most productive oil field in the world.

Unique tours require unique dining experiences to round out your adventure. Hangar Marketplace’s restaurants fill the bill. The Marketplace complex is 266,000 sq. ft. of mixed use including shops, restaurants, indoor climbing gyms and outdoor spaces. The newly established, 16,800-sq. ft. Hangar currently features 8 restaurants inside a repurposed airplane hangar and options are representative of the multiculturalism of Long Beach. longbeachexchange-lbx.com

Long Beach is a great hub for touring the area and you can channel your inner royalty by plunging headfirst into all the city has to offer. Long Beach is a traveler’s dream. www.visitlongbeach.com

Curate Your Own Royal Caribbean Adventure on CocoCay, Bahamas Island

                  Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line’s first passenger ship, The Song of Norway,set sail in 1970 heralding the launch of the line. Over the ensuing years Royal Caribbean has consistently been on the cutting edge in all phases of the industry, technology, design, art, architecture, personalized service, entertainment, amenities and environmental responsibility. As a result of this attention to detail Royal Caribbean has been voted, for 16 consecutive years, “Best Cruise Line Overall” in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

                  In 1986 Labadee, a Haitian island in the Eastern Caribbean, was leased for use as a port and private resort for Royal Caribbean’s guests. Labadee’s success led to the 1988 purchase of Little Stirrup Cay, part of the Bahamas' Berry Islands chain. Early private island cruise ports featured more natural settings but that experience evolved into one emphasizing the ability for visitors to craft their own ideal vacation and Little Stirrup Cay, christened Coco Cay in 1990, is perfect. The white sand island, one-mile long and 1/3-mile wide, is now the venue for the “Perfect Day at CocoCay”. Coco Cay is the first in a planned international collection of Perfect Day Island destinations. 

                  The revitalized design of Coco Cay places emphasis on creating a perfect experience that has an all-encompassing range of activities for all ages, interests and ability levels. The island is walkable and beach wheelchairs and a regularly scheduled tram service are available. Visitors have ready access to lockers, changing rooms, restrooms and a First Aid Station. CocoCay’s $250-million make-over includes a pier that allows guests to step off the cruise ship and onto a promenade featuring great views, photo ops and lined with Bahamian entertainers and welcoming staff members ready to help you make the most of your perfect day.

                  The resort is constantly expanding and Sports Courts and Coco Beach Club, with overwater cabanas, is scheduled to open in December. Currently Chill Island, Harbor Beach, South Beach, Oasis Lagoon and Thrill Waterpark are accepting guests and shopping opportunities in the CocoCay Shop and CocoCay Island Market are located in the heart of the island. There are three complimentary dining venues and four bars including Oasis Lagoon’s swim-up bar with 23 in-water seats and underwater music. 

                  The attractions are designed to take you to the next level and they begin at the entrance. At the end of the promenade guests get to start with a thrill or chill. Chill Beach is to the left and Thrill Waterpark is to the right.

 Captain Jill’s Galleon, in the center, is reminiscent of a pirate ship but it is replete with waterslides and water cannons. Only steps away Thrill Waterpark boasts 13-waterslides, Daredevil’s Peak the 135-ft. tallest waterslide in North America and the Caribbean’s largest wave pool. Adventure Pool, a water-based obstacle course, showcases a rock-climbing wall. 

Zip Line Takeoff is a 1,600-ft. long ride that zips you above the island. Reservations are recommended.         Up, Up and Away is a thrilling, but relatively tame, tethered hot-air balloon ride. The 12-minute ride can soar as high as 450-ft. but be aware that the altitude and if rides are available at all is determined by the wind currents. The balloon offers the highest viewpoint in the Bahamas. Reservations are recommended. Guests may also choose from a menu of adventure tours including snorkeling, scuba diving and even swimming with pigs. 

                  CocoCay is a private destination for Royal Caribbean guests exclusively. Sailings depart from Florida and the Northeast on a selection of 11 different ships. The Bahamas & Perfect Day trip is perfect for all ages of travelers as well as a girlfriends’ getaway, honeymoon, reunion, anniversary, birthday or for simple rest and relaxation. Comprehensive information is available online including departures, shore excursions, schedules, pricing and reservation tools. www.royalcaribbean.com/cococay-cruises

                  What are you waiting for, curate your perfect day!

Delve Deeper into Greater Williamsburg, Virginia

Virginia’s Greater Williamsburg, also known as the Historic Triangle, is comprised of the City of Williamsburg and James City and York Counties. This is one of the most historic regions in the nation and boasts such singular sites as Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Yorktown and Yorktown’s American Revolution Museum and nearby Busch Gardens, consistently voted The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park, thrills visitors with rides and shows. While a traveler may arrive with these attractions at the top of their list, in order to make your trip as spectacular as possible, I invite you to dig a little deeper and delve into the extraordinary variety of experiences Greater Williamsburg has to offer. visitwilliamsburg.org

Colonial Williamsburg, at 301-acres, is the world's-largest living history museum. The historic complex, home to more than 40 locations and colonial trades, 4 historic taverns and 2 art museums, is showcased through guided and self-guided tours featuring authentically clad interpreters. Immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of 18^th-century individuals from all walks of life. @ColonialWilliamsbur

Amber Ox Public House presents handcrafted quality beer with 18 drafts rotating daily and seasonally. Menu selections include the freshest ingredients in Southern dishes with a contemporary twist. www.theamberox.com

Jamestown Settlement is a complex that consists of a museum, recreated Powhatan Indian village on the footprint of the original, the recreations of the three ships,  Susan Constant, Godspeed an Discovery, used to bring the early colonists to Virginia in 1607 and a 1610-14 fully staffed and stocked colonial fort. An outstanding introductory film, “A Nation Takes Root”, is regularly scheduled. This year in commemoration of the introduction of women into the colony, TENACITY: Women in Jamestown and Early Virginia, will be on exhibit through January 5, 2020. It focuses on women from the 3 cultures, European, Native American and African, present in Jamestown during the years of first contact. www.historyisfun.org

Yorktown, because of its location as the deepest natural port in the colonies, was settled in 1682. The first slaves in the colonial transatlantic slave trade were brought into this port. Visitors can rent bikes or Segways at Patriot Tours & Provisions or take a free shuttle tour to explore this charming town. Waterman’s Museum traces the history of Chesapeake Bay watermen from the pre-colonial era onwards with galleries filled with dioramas, artifacts, antiques and models. There is even an onsite workshop where you can watch as models are made. @watermensmuseum

Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Petite Café is a Yorktown gem. Originally the 1730 Diggs House, rumored to be haunted, it now houses an award-winning working Coffee Roastery and a wonderful selection of pastries. Directly across the street is the original Customs House. A stop here will make your day.mobjackbaycoffee.com

The Water Street  Grille sits along the York River and offers 20 micro-brews on tap. The menu consists of pub food and fresh seafood selections that can be enjoyed inside or on the patio. waterstreetgrille.net

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the origins of our country from first contact to early post-revolutionary America. The story is related through an indoor museum with interactive exhibits, videos, artifacts and a surround screen film, “The Siege of Yorktown”.Outdoor exhibitions include a recreated Continental Army encampment and a Revolutionary-era farm complete with garden, main house, tobacco barn and slave cabin. From June 29^thuntil March 22, 2020 the Forgotten Soldier Special Exhibition, highlighting the contributions of enslaved and free African American soldiers who fought for the British and the Continental armies. Artwork by Titus Kaphar is featured in the exhibition. www.historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory- center

Grab a girlfriend, live the history and then wind down, or up, with some unique shopping opportunities. Weekend Retail Therapy www.visitwilliamsburg.com/trip-idea/shopping-williamsburg- weekend-retail-therapy

Merchants Square consists of more than 40 shops and dining venues clustered in an 18^th-century designed village adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg. www.merchantssquare.org

There are more than 120 stores in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, Virginia’s largest outlet mall, including name brand designers, and there are 10 eateries to keep your strength up. Visitors can join the VIP Club online and access special discounts prior to arrival and check out special sale events.  www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/williamsburg 


The Three Sister Boutique is a great girlfriend stop. The focus is on customer service, cutting edge fashion and finding the perfect style for each individual. Clients can be styled online or over the telephone as well as in the boutique.www.shopthreesisters.com

Two of the most fun stops in town are The Sideshow and Quirks. They offer whimsically curated handcrafts that are totally unique. Visits to these shops are a must! www.kinksandquirks.comand www.shopthesideshow.com

Yankee Candle Village is more than a candle emporium. The complex consists of a gift boutique, General Store and Xmas themed Holiday Park complete with Santa and  daily indoor snowfalls. Visitors can make their own candle or wax mold of their hand. It appeals to adults and children. #yankeecandlevillage 

The Williamsburg Winery at Wessex offers tours and tastings as well as a boutique hotel and two restaurants. It is listed on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. www.williamsburgwinery.com 

Taste Studio, a demonstration kitchen, treats guests to amazing culinary experiences demonstrated by the city’s premier chefs. Demonstrations can feature spirits, gourmet or historic recipes or even an evening of chocolate tastings. www.colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/dining/taste-studio                  

Williamsburg Lodge, a 5-star Marriott Autograph Collection property, features perfect accommodations for any visit to Williamsburg. It is a superlative wedding venue and offers superior accommodations with deluxe amenities, three restaurants, golf and the Colonial Williamsburg Spa. The lodge is located a short distance from Colonial Williamsburg and numerous other attractions. Special packages are available online including the Fun Girlfriend Getaway. www.visitwilliamsburg.com/fun-girlfriend-getaway-weekend-in- va

Remember to dig more deeply into Williamsburg to fully experience it on all levels. Make it the vacation of a lifetime. @visitwilliamsburg