Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
308
MESCALERO APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION
Immediately south and west of Ruidoso, the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation covers
over 460,000 acres (719 sq. miles) and is home to about 2,800 members of the Mes-
calero, Chiricahua, and Lipan bands of Apaches. Established by order of President
Ulysses S. Grant in 1873, it sustains a profitable cattle-ranching industry and the
Apache-run logging firm of Mescalero Forest Products.
Seeing the Highlights
Even if you're not staying or dining here, be sure to visit the
Inn of the Mountain Gods
Resort & Casino,
a luxury resort owned and operated by the tribe (see below); it's the
crowning achievement of Wendell Chino, former president of the Mescalero Apache
tribe.
Also on the reservation, on US 70, about 17 miles southwest of Ruidoso, is the
Mes-
calero Cultural Center
(
&
575/671-4494
), open weekdays from 8am to 4:30pm.
Photos, artifacts, clothing, crafts, and other exhibits demonstrate the history and culture
of the tribe.
St. Joseph's Apache Mission
(
&
575/464-4473
), just off US 70 in Mescalero, on
a hill overlooking the reservation, is a grand Romanesque-style stone structure that stands
103 feet tall and has walls 4 feet thick. Built between 1920 and 1939, the mission church
also contains an icon of the Apache Christ, with Christ depicted as a Mescalero holy
man, as well as other Apache religious art. Local arts and crafts and religious items are for
sale at the parish office. The church is open daily during daylight hours.
11
WHERE TO STAY IN & AROUND RUIDOSO
If you're looking for a budget stay in Ruidoso, the
Motel 6
on the outskirts of town has
clean, reliable rooms. Call
&
800/466-8356
for reservations.
Escape Resort
Finds
For years Ruidoso has needed a really upscale lodging
option, one with elegance and functionality. Now, finally, it has one. This cluster of five
casitas, set within town a little off the main road and surrounded by pine trees, offers
A Silver Dollar Dinner
One of the region's most cherished relics has been restored.
Tinnie Silver Dollar
Steakhouse and Saloon,
on US 70, 43 miles west of Roswell and 28 miles east of
Ruidoso (
&
575/653-4177;
http://tinniesilverdollar.com), offers excellent food
and fine accommodations. The elegant 1870s Victorian structure provides a per-
fect backdrop for frontier-style dining. A meal here might start with coconut
shrimp and move on to a filet mignon with green-chile au gratin potatoes or
roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and a light gravy. Tinnie also serves Sun-
day champagne brunch, including such traditional favorites as eggs Benedict
and prime rib. The steakhouse is open Monday to Thursday from 5 to 9pm, and
Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10pm, with the saloon opening at 4pm. While eat-
ing, enjoy the view of the gardens and water fountain from the veranda, and the
original Peter Hurd paintings that hang in each room of the restaurant.
The same location has a deli (Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-8pm), offering
packaged liquor sales, a gift shop, and two suites for overnight guests. The suites
range in price from $89 to $175, depending on the season.
