Striking gold in Silver City - tourism in Colorado

For lighter gourmet fare, try Vicki's Deli and Eatery. Or visit Diane's Restaurant, which serves fine salads, sandwiches, and a full evening menu anchored by fresh baked goods.

The day I visit, the heartwarming scents of Diane's Restaurant compete with rich aromas from the A.I.R. Coffee Company, where Jacqueline Shaw is finishing her bean roasting. With any luck, her rich brew will continue flowing in the beating heart of modern Silver City for a long time to come. And it will give everyone--old-timers newcomers, and visitors alike--a jumpstart to explore this plucky town sparked by the smell of pay dirt and nourished by an evolving vision of the new West.

Silver City travel planner

Silver City is 225 miles south of Albuquerque, in the foothills of the Pinos Altos Mountains at 6,000 feet. September days are crisp and sunny; nights can be cool.

For more information contact the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 201 N. Hudson St.; (505) 538-3785.

Area code is 505 and addresses are in Silver City unless noted.

Attractions

* Historic District. A numbered map leads you through Silver City, visiting sites such as the former haunts of Billy the Kid. Maps are available at the chamber of commerce (see above).

* Silver City Museum. 9-4:30 Tue-Fri, 10-4 Sat-Sun; free. 312 W. Broadway St.; 538-5921.

* Western New Mexico University Museum. 9-4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat-Sun; free. 1000 W. College Ave.; 538-6386.

North of town

* Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. State 15, 44 miles north of Silver City (a two-hour drive); 536-9461. Visitor center, 8-4:30 daily.

* Gila National Forest. Maps and information are available at the Forest Supervisors Office (3005 E. Camino Del Bosque; 388-8201).

* Pinos Altos is 7 miles north of Silver City on State 15. It's home to the Log Cabin Museum, Silver Winds Gallery (see "Galleries and shopping" below), and Hearst Church. For more information contact the chamber of commerce (see above).

Galleries and shopping

Azurite Gallery. 110 W Broadway; 538-9048.

Christine's Silver City Gallery. 106 W. Yankie St.; 388-3414.

Eklektikas II Gallery. 703 N. Black St.; 538-8081.

Fire Cloud Traders. 209 W. Broadway; 538-5276.

Silver Winds Gallery. 29 Main St., Pinos Altos; 388-5202.

Toytown Store. 107 W. Broadway; 388-1677.

Yankie Creek Gallery. 300 N. Bullard St.; 538-5232.

Silver City hosts the San Vicente Annual Art Fair on Labor Day weekend. For information, call the Yankie Creek Gallery (see above). Columbus Day weekend (October 6-8) brings Weekend at the Galleries. Contact Christine's Silver City Gallery (see above) for more information.

Lodging

Bear Creek Motel and Cabins. On the forest fringes in Pinos Altos, this rare find has rustic but comfortable accommodations with big comfy beds and fireplaces. From $79. 88 Main, Pinos Altos; 388-4501.

Carter House. A relaxing bed-and-breakfast near downtown. From $70. 101 N. Cooper St.; 388-5485.

Cottages. European tastes meet the Old West at this French country-style inn. From $119. 2037 Cottage San Rd.; (800) 938-3001.