Cimarroncita Says, “I Know Jo”, Do You?

By Jo Mixon

This week we are kicking off the new “ I Know Jo” campaign at the Angel Fire Chamber.

As the new membership manager, I really want to get to know you! If you are a member and would like to be the featured “ I Know Jo” business of the week, invite me over and market your business! You’ll get a featured write up in our newsletter and also on our website!

This week our featured “ I Know Jo” business of the week is:

The Historic Ranch Retreat Cimarroncita, in Ute Park.

Owners Minnette Burges and Alan Huerta invited us out last Saturday for a fabulous evening of fun, dinning, and fellowship. Cimarroncita’s buildings were constructed in1908 and still serve as lodging and dinning facilities. Minnette, namesake and cousin of Minnette Thompson Burk, who in 1930 acquired the land and buildings to establish the exclusive Cimarroncita Ranch Camp for Girls, gave us the royal tour. She has beautifully accomplished keeping the past present in her delicate attention to the details. Cimarroncita is where rustic meets simple elegance in her choices right down to the terry cloth robes and slippers for each overnight guest.

We toured the Kiva, with 2000 square feet of dance floor plus a crafts room; the Laguna Lodge, renovated guest quarters surrounded by peaceful screened in porches; and the Isleta Cabin, a one-room cabin that sleeps twelve. We also spent time in the Trading Post where Minnette and Alan sell vintage camp clothing, jewelry, cowboy hats, boots, and more. Needless to say we did not walk away empty handed! We were also allowed into the archive room with its amazing collection of historical photos and memorabilia.

The Frijoles building houses the dining hall with spectacular original murals lining the walls, a library, and parlor. Here we were treated to a delicious dinner as Alan poured us a glass of wine!

This venue would be great for weddings, family re-unions, or just a weekend get away. Try your hand at fly-fishing, go for a horseback ride, or just explore the pristine wilderness and the warm hospitality. For more information call 575-376-2376 or visit www.cimarroncita.com.