NEW MEXICO: Full Of Decrepit Shacks & Old Churches - The Stark Beauty Of "The Land Of Enchantment"

[@bradleyheights5905]

In Las Vegas, just a short walk from the "Howdy" cowgirl sign (7:26), across Grand Avenue, is E Lincoln St, the location of a bar Doc Holliday once owned in 1879. It's the 4th storefront off of Grand and is a one-story building.

[@thegreatpapyrus1097]

As a born and raised New Mexican, I'm glad that our older cities are getting more attention and that people are learning more about our history. So thank you.

[@Inspirationgate]

My great grandfather William Letcher was co owner of the Plaza Hotel. You can still see faded lettering on the side of the building “Ilfield & Letcher”. It was quite emotional for me when I went back ..unfortunately during Covid ..to lay my hands on the cold stone wall of the building gazing into the ballroom. They put all their goods on 45 donkeys and traveled all the way from Taos to Las Vegas to open the store..quite remarkable!

[@joycelebaron2582]

Wow!

[@bp5439]

Beautiful story! My great grandfather traveled from Meoqui, Chihuahua. Moved him and his wife to El Paso, TX where they started a farm. Moved to the Hatch Valley and opened chile Farms.

[@johngriffith6692]

I've seen the name Ilfield on a big old brick building in Santa Rosa NM. Don't recall seeing Letcher, but it was pretty faded. It sits to the north of route 66 a few blocks west of the courthouse

[@chosipian]

I love the trips and restaurant reviews, thank you!

[@jackies5481]

I love the amount of research you do and share with us about the towns in your videos. That alone sets your channel apart from so many others. I started following you from nearly the start, saw you add so much into the videos and watched your channel grow -- well-deserved! Thank you for all your work!

[@gretchenburton7184]

Yes. Just found them recently. Learning so much❤❤❤

[@jeffneptune2922]

Honestly, I never heard of Las Vegas, New Mexico. Fascinating town in many ways with a beautiful main street. Santa Fe is known for having a cool vibe . Thank you again for allowing many people to get acquainted with parts of this country that rarely gets any exposure.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@LetsGoAlready]

Red Dawn the movie was filmed in Las Vegas, NM in 84’ , Patrick Swayze in it 👍🏽

[@bthomson]

Yes. This country has been polished and burnished by Joe and Nic and their wonderful travels and insight!

[@onthespotwithtaalibah983]

I always enjoy you and the wife’s interesting and educational travels. Thank you for educating everyone. Also, you give many of us travelers ideas for interesting vacation locations with a lot of history. Stay safe. 🙂

[@HaveKayaksWillTravel]

That church and staircase are awesome. I never would have guessed that the oldest church was in New Mexico. Its a cool state. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.

[@levibrewer4304]

Lived in Lincoln county New Mexico in the capitan mountains since 97 . Viva New Mexico.

[@patm5594]

I was born in New Mexico and lived in Las Cruces for many years. I am always happy to see anything about N.M.

[@ipsosmaati1971]

Hey thanks, I've been everywhere too. Nic is warming nicely to camera. I like your vids, no stress, just driving around looking at stuff.👍

[@BigDaddy-bi7kk]

I miss my home state, I lived there went to school, got married, had my children there , and I will return to NM, when when I die.

[@MrShene123]

I think I prefer Las Vegas, New Mexico over LV Nevada.

[@edwardpincus]

Thanks for doing some of NM. I moved from the Pacific Northwest to Taos 22 years ago and have never regretted the move. It’s stunningly beautiful here year round. The mix of cultures is wonderful. FYI: As you look at the San Miguel chapel, there’s a small street on the left. In your film one can see some adobe houses on the street to the left. The unprepossessing brown adobes are some of, if not the oldest houses in Santa Fe. Another awesome film, as expected - thanks.

[@CL-333]

In New Mexico we call town squares 'plazas' I love the hotsprings and arm and hammer world college in Las Vegas, NM ❤😊

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

Seeing that miraculous winding staircase was worth watching the entire video. Thanks, folks...

[@JayCruces]

Appreciate KZbinrs like you that show love to the culture & New Mexico 🤝🏽

[@evanorthcliff2782]

My home State. I've never been there in the roundhouse or this Mission. Love to watch your videos.

[@trevorx6703]

As a Canadian from Toronto, Ontario, I must say I love your videos.

[@dopeMike_]

How are ya now?

[@santafefavs]

I used to live in Las Vegas and in Santa Fe. Thanks for the video!

[@nancyparker9986]

The church staircase was amazing !! Thanks for telling us the story about it Joe !

[@peterw.kocsis2520]

That staircase and the backstory is simply amazing! Boggles the mind. I'm in awe!

[@pinkywilliams8063]

Enjoyed Las Vegas, NM and the history you sharing today. The oldest Church was awesome to see close up, Thanks Nicole for lighting a candle... Chills came over me with the back story of the Miraculous Stairway, so cool. Loved the Stations of the Cross in the second Chapel. Thanks Joe & Nicole for sharing, see ya next video...

[@carolmchargue7746]

Ah,my home state- born and raised in Alamogordo. New Mexico has many beautiful places especially the mountains and White Sands. Spent most of my youth trapsing through the Sacramento mountains and the desert hunting arrowheads. I miss her. Great place to visit.

[@The_Dudester]

9:45 That is the "Harvey House." Harvey houses were a string of hotels built in trainyards, early 20th century. With the decline of passenger rail (and rise of Amtrak) in the late 1960's, the Harvey Houses were closed. This particular Harvey House was used in the filming of Red Dawn (1984), late in the movie. Exterior scenes of the TV series Roswell New Mexico were also filmed in Las Vegas.

[@joycelebaron2582]

Interesting! Thanks for the info.

[@alkanista]

This one was renovated and reopened. As far as I know, it is still open. There are Google reviews of their restaurant as recent as a couple of weeks ago.

[@The_Dudester]

@@alkanista Thank you. I read a magazine article, oh 12-15 years ago, about how a couple was trying to renovate it. I guess that they, at least partially, succeeded. There is another, in Belen, that has been turned into a museum.

[@prophetmargin7497]

Every time I watch your videos, I'm usually starving by the end, I wonder way!

[@martygonzalez1446]

Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!

[@Jay-Leigh]

This was so interesting and very educational. The churches were incredible. Always good to see. Thank you.

[@gffriedman]

Downtown Las Vegas might look familiar to some people because that was the location for the Absaroka Sheriff office in the fictional town of Durant WY in TV series Longmire.

[@annabelleb.8096]

The circular capitol building was very cool! My favorite capitol building so far. And the circular staircase in the church is so beautiful. I wonder if the choir actually used it without railings? I can't even imagine going up and down the staircase without railings!

[@Bear_58]

Absolutely fascinating adventure! I never knew there was a Las Vegas New Mexico. It was a very cool place but to be honest, I didn't see a house that was worth more than $40-50,000. Santa Fe is such a marvelous place! Interesting that you were at the Lorretto Chapel. There was an episode on Unsolved Mysteries from the early 1990's telling the mystery of the staircase. So very cool 🤠👍🏻. You two rock and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your adventures. Thank you Joe and Nicole 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤠👍🏻

[@minime8048]

i didnt even see a house i would every consider living in 😋

[@wr2009]

You didn't see a house worth more because this video chose to present a very biased view of the town, showing only the poorest residential areas. While it is certainly not a wealthy town, there are plenty of nice old houses. There's also a university with a pleasant campus, which didn't even get a mention. Most of the more expensive housing in the area is not in the city, but in the surrounding countryside and villages. Unfortunately, last year's enormous forest fire, the largest in NM history, did destroy some of that more upscale housing.

[@lrn_news9171]

@@wr2009People like seeing the bad areas lol

[@lrn_news9171]

@@minime8048I would pick almost any tbh I prefer owning than renting a space

[@paulaadams1765]

I have been to Las Vegas, NM at least three times in my past, stayed at the Plaza Hotel and a lovely bed and breakfast. The neighborhoods around the library boost several gorgeous Victorians and beautiful homes with nice yards. Unfortunately, there is not enough revenue in the city’s coffers to spruce up some of the area. Joe spoke of the famous gunslingers that roamed the streets, one thing he didn’t mention or probably didn’t know is that Billy the Kid was thrown in jail which was located near the Plaza Hotel. A wonderful day trip from Santa Fe.

[@mikewalker5287]

Expensive lunch! Very nice town.

[@Karroway]

That Calumet mural is leftover there from the movie "red dawn" that was filmed there in the 80s featuring Patrick swayze...if I remember correctly anyway

[@seapower61]

Nice to see Nic n Joe back on the road again so soon. Love all the fascinating places and history. Plenty on my bucket list now. Remember Joe, Plymouth Duster Mercury Cougar 😊

[@TOCC50]

The Governor just suspended gun rights from the citizens

[@katherinekrawczyk9431]

What a fascinating video. I love the spiral staircase. That Loretto Chapel is absolutely beautiful. I wonder if the staircase was carved. Either way it is just beautiful. I'm so glad you guys take us along with you. The food looks delish! God bless and safe travels. 💗

[@keyup2626]

Fantastic video again. The stair case is mind blowing to say the least.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It’s amazing, key.

[@bayoumanbryan]

wow i sure would love to own that 1970 Mercury Cougar at 8:30 that was parked in front of Body shop. About 1977 or 78 a friend of mine had one that was lime green with a Black top it had a 351 Cleveland in it and it would really run. i was 13 or 14 and he was 17 or 18. we once had 12 or 13 teen aged girls in it with us. memories .....

[@warbirdwf]

It's amazing to me how all these small downtowns look the same despite where they are located in the USA! Same building designs, layout, etc. It's really nostalgic and sad seeing some of these downtowns in your past videos that are now abandoned and decaying. I always wonder what these downtowns looked like back in their glory days. All the buildings occupied with small business. Lots of foot traffic supporting them. I love seeing old pictures of these small downtown areas at Christmas time with the lights and decorations up back in a simpler time in America. I really enjoy your videos of these old towns. Nice job.

[@annedonlon2232]

I want all that yummy food from Santa Fe. Thanks once again Joe & N and I con't wait for your video from Arizona

[@WhittyPics]

You tell some interesting stories. You bring these small towns to life.

[@WhittyPics]

I am surprised you don't have New York yet

[@TOCC50]

@@WhittyPicsThey messed up

[@sandyg202]

Thank you Joe and Nic! Such a beautiful town, Santa Fe is! And the churches are incredible!! Safe journey, friends!!! 💞

[@perry92964]

san miguel church is the name of every church in dozens of western movies, when you walked in it looked just like the inside of the church from "shanghai noon" starring jackie chan and owen wilson at least the set was inspired by it and the bell was even part of it

[@smesui1799]

Thank you, you two for the educational information & enlightenment !

[@bp5439]

New Mexico is completely different from every other state in the union. Heavy Native American Culture, Spanish, and Mexican culture.

[@mariesheppard3750]

Sad so many beautiful building . They don t make beautiful building like these any more thanks for another great video Really enjoy them all

[@billiegutierrez2506]

How crazy is that i just spent last night there on my way back to tucson

[@Lalunabreeze]

Wow 1610 church. That’s old. Omy, cool. Thanks

[@barabaraboyer8740]

Amazing church. I wish I could see in person. The staircase is a miracle.

[@clane1700]

That mural was painted when the movie Red Dawn was filmed in the Las Vegas, NM area.

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

Glad I found this page great information on different states and the cities

[@reneemontoya9304]

If you watch Red Dawn (1984) , a lot of these locations can be seen in this movie. The Longmire series was filmed there, too.

[@505Lucky7]

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment. Pretty exciting to see ya'll in my state, Love your videos. 🙏

[@clarelear129]

Thank you! So enjoyable! Love seeing Nicole getting stamps at the Capitol , its so sweet how you both get that done ❤️❤️

[@tinal.holloway2149]

That's so cool. About the oldest church. Wow. And the stair case. Look forward to seeing your videos. And learning about each town and the vital statistics of the towns

[@chrisjolly6954]

Love "old" churches - I live in the UK and old churches are as an example St Martins in AD 597! 👍

[@michaelbrodie7658]

I, again, enjoy your repartee and easy going style of narrative. My best to and your wife!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Many thanks!

[@45AMT]

I could watch the Texas and southwest videos all day. Another excellent video! Thanks Joe and Nic. Stay safe in your travels!

[@maedero05]

What a contrast to the NE those figures ! Southern charm ? Eery area has it´s ups and downs. What great work bring this to us !

[@GM-wr4nx]

I’m not complaining, but I thought you guys were going to rest awhile 😂. For my enjoyment I’m glad you’re Back On The Road Again

[@skitakaujou]

난 미국 도시 여행할때 이것저것 설명해주는 이사람거 본다. 영어발음도 편해서 알아듣기도 좋다. 강추 I like your explanation easy to listen. Seems like as if I am travel in the US. Thanks From s Korea.

[@Victory1981]

And those meals looked good.

[@NativeNYer]

That was a fascinating road trip! Thanx 4 the vid! BTW that food looked delicious! Stay safe.

[@brucesumter4327]

wow so cool town also santafe,nw that church is so cool too i like indainds ty joy nic video lots fun

[@49er61]

Thank you for sharing the incredible story of the staircase wow just really makes you believe

[@everydaypresent444]

Wow, those churches are absolutely amazing! Thank you for such a thorough and engaging tour of both of them. I had never heard of Las Vegas, New Mexico, prior to your video, and now I really want to visit. Hope that restaurant is still around when I make it there.

[@LScofield1]

Enjoying your travels. Thanks for posting.

[@seoulalone2420]

My ex-bf from high school’s aunt and uncle lived in LV,NM… they unfortunately died on hwy 666 on their way to El Paso TX….. just something that I’ll never forget about that town. Still makes sad for his family. Even though it’s been 35 yrs.

[@TinkerTailor4303]

Surprised anyone would designate a road 666. Think I would find another route.🫣😳

[@janettetorrez9218]

That family on Christmas or Christmas Eve?

[@seoulalone2420]

@@janettetorrez9218 it could have been either but if I remember correctly, it was Christmas Eve.

[@seoulalone2420]

@@janettetorrez9218 Now that I think about it… it actually might have been New Years Eve. (My bf’s relatives were in a Jeep) I remember it was a drunk driver that killed them and it was his 4 or 5 DUI. The DD survived. 😑

[@anthonyshepherd3908]

Ive been a NM resident for 10 years. A bit like stepping back in time! I ve learned more about New Mexico watching your video than ive picked up on my own in the past 10 years😂...thanks for the education ❤

[@joewenzel5142]

Very enjoyable trip with a lot of unique architecture.

[@TOCC50]

They should’ve went to Albany, NY to get their book stamped

[@-Star-Soul]

Oh no! Don't show how cool and unique New Mexico is. We like to keep it a secret 😂.

[@barbaratardy9788]

So interesting to hear about the unknown carpenter (angel). Beautiful city, thank you for the tour.

[@magicman1433]

I just discovered your channel. I love how you travel off the beaten path to show us the side of town that we don't normally get to see. Very interesting!

[@stevemergy6087]

With the buildings and history you would think tourism would do well. But the neglect has gone on for too long. Those old hotels could be brought around. Great video, much appreciated!

[@sundinfamforlife4129]

The El Fidel hotel is indeed open. It has mixed reviews. But it has reviews if you look it up online.

[@marygambrell8238]

I have never heard of Las Vegas New Mexico. Thank you for your exploration ethic, I have learn a lot about different states and regions their history.

[@tpickett1381]

The best thing about living in west Texas is that is close to New Mexico...the land of enchantment. Always had a wonderful time there.

[@joebehrdenver]

Las Vegas NM is one of my favorite small towns. Thanks for covering it!

[@SoulStarLA]

Hi Joe & Nic, we really enjoy your videos! My wife and I always bet on what Nicole will eat for lunch. We’re usually correct in our guesses 😀

[@sherrelnave5770]

Hey guys, love this video. I appreciated all the info about the churches, that was great! Enjoy all your videos. Wishing you well.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@WayneSummey]

Had friend who grew up in Las Lunas. Gave me an appreciation of the state; the culture and the people. Also love the style of food.

[@robc9706]

Fascinating video guys … great work. If those old buildings and churches could talk what incredible stories they could tell. Being from the Southwest (Arizona) I really enjoyed this one.

[@mrc6182]

The Plaza played a role in the film adaptation of the late Cormac McCarthy's "No Country For Old Men." The hotel was where Chigurh captured and killed Carson Wells. McCarthy, btw, was a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

[@dopeMike_]

Good movie

[@billhillify4924]

Also the “crossing the border” scenes were filmed on the bridge over the interstate on the middle exit into Las Vegas…

[@clane1700]

The Castaneda was recently remodeled and opened. Im surprised to see it closed again. Love your videos!

[@YachtsOnTheReg7]

Hardly any tourists go to Las Vegas. They all go to Santa Fe.

[@daviddecelles8714]

All the more reason to go to Las Vegas (it may not be closed).

[@michaelporter3555]

I've only been to New Mexico a couple of times and from what I've seen it's a beautiful and interesting state your video confirms that. Another great video.

[@Rickettsia505]

I went to a concert at the San Miguel church not long ago. The altar is magnificent. The adobe walls are very thick, allowing temperature regulation.

[@RobinGerhart]

Very interesting! Another enjoyable ride along🎉

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Many thanks!

[@magnumss]

1:05 .... That town reminds me of the town of Hazzard county from The Dukes of Hazzard. Very much similar with the roundabout and all the buildings surrounding it just like Hazzard. I was waiting to see the General Lee come drifting around the turns with Roscoe P. Coletrane in "Hot pursuit " with his beautiful basset hound Flash riding shotgun A throwback to the awesome 80's !

[@yvesfrancoisritmo]

I love the state of New Mexico - I had a good friend there ,(fellow trumpet player) we were to make 2 bases for playing music, alas, he died in 2014. I love the food, architecture and general vibe. What a great state - I haven't been to Santa Fe, have to see it sometime

[@grahamharris9559]

Hubby & I love your videos! We are from Belen, NM. He's originally from England.

[@OrlandoGomez-ws8ui]

A lot of history in New Mexico thanks brother 👍

[@michaelmoore1716]

Very good and totally inspiring, Excellent footage ,the stair way to Heaven was very pretty.Joshep is a true carpenter He taught Jesus the trade. Made me cry a little , but ❤ it.Keep up the good shows you 2 May the Lord Jesus totally bless you and your loved one's and your journey's .Amen

[@4melifeisgood]

Thank you for sharing all these wonderful states and towns. ❤❤

[@indianaslim4971]

How's the new Jeep working out? A few things missing in this video are the mileage on the vehicle, the price of gas, and of course the all important cat sighting!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

So far so good. 😀

[@georgekelly9797]

Very interesting Town Las Vagas with all the history. I remember hearing about the circular stairs but never seen them, Thay are fascinating, so was your lunch Joe, the corn cakes looked great. Thanks for the video..

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@Marvel_Polaris]

Yummy!!!. Rooftop nachos ❤😂 Dude had madd REAL carpenter skills when he built those stairs

[@Victory1981]

Pretty neat! You should come to St. Augustine, FL(oldest city in the USA) with its Spanish colonial past…etc if you haven’t already been. Beautiful buildings there in Santa Fe, I’ve been to New Mexico, but not that part.

[@chrispearson8779]

In 2004 we stayed at the Plaza hotel. Just a cool old hotel, had breakfast in the restaurant sitting while watching it snow. Love Santa Fe. Hopefully on one of your trips you can hit southern New Mexico

[@captmaverickable]

Just went out to Las Vegas NM before the flooding last Friday. Such an interesting town. Lots of infrastructure but hardly any people. I loved the masonry and historical buildings.

[@JanesDough855]

Beautiful chapel in Santa Fe. I always wanted to visit that city.

[@allenhamilton6688]

If you want to see something cultural and fun in New Mexico. Go to the 4th of July fireworks show between Artesia and Alamogordo on US Hiway 82. This is Chavez County. This a great show that the local ranchers pay for. They serve Smoked beef and pork. The 150 or so locals that attend bring home made foods to complement the smoked food. It's all free, of course. A warning though. Drive slow after dark. There are many serious accidents on this road after dark. The usual reason is elk in the roadway, sometimes wild horses when you get close to Cloudcroft.

[@juliefindlen9882]

The Casteneda Hotel in Las Vegas next to the train depot is open, and has a very nice restaurant with local craft beers on tap. It was the very first Harvey Hotel built along the Santa Fe railroad line. Fascinating video.