Welcome to Backyard New Mexico

Although the postings are new on this blog, much of my writings about Backyard New Mexico: Alamogordo is in notebooks, zip drives and the laptop itself. I will be updating this blog as time goes by with the photos I have taken, the notes and the history of my hometown: Alamogordo New Mexico.  This blog is my humble attempt to share a bit of my backyard with not only my instructor, but also any and all worldwide that wish to learn about New Mexico from a local. I will take a zillion photographs and have commentary post when I see fit.  I love my home and am grateful for this opportunity to share my experiences and love here at Backyard New Mexico!

My assignment explained

My Never-Ending Story

Special Features will be a part of this blog, and one I have titled Defining a Community. Here is one part of what defines a community. I will be adding to this feature often as Alamogordo as well as all of my backyard has incredible stories to share that mold and define us. Alamogordo: Defining a Community.

August Brings the County Fair to Alamogordo

Alamogordo has the Otero County Fairgrounds on White Sands Blvd across from the Mall.

The county extension agent has an office here on the fairgrounds.

The parking lot seems big enough, but the County Fair is jam packed with excitement so come early to find a good parking spot!

This is the south side of the fairgrounds.

Our youth do an incredible job with their 4-H projects and the craft barns are a must see when attending the fair

Don't miss out on the flower show! The Yellow rose in the center comes from my farm and is a Peace rose

New Mexico crook neck squash that looked like a swan! My daughter was reserve grand champion with her entry!

Not only attending the County fair is popular in Alamogordo, but many residents participate by entering prized recipes, crafts, photography, flowers, and items from their gardens. These are the blog owners very own ribbons as she loves to enter her creations each and every year!

The tortilla competition is tight in the southwest! Come on down and see if you can pick a winner!

And don't forget that no one is too old to enjoy the simple Ferris Wheel. As you enjoy the ride you are able to see around the area and see the lovely mountains to the east!

Some Homes of Alamogordo

Most of these photos are of homes that people live therefore I will just show the photos with no addresses. I was not selective in one feature over another and actually took photos all over town!

Alamogordo: Rest for weary Travelers

Although Alamogordo has many chain motels and hotels, this post will share a few other selections of places to stay while in our fair city. Keep in mind that we have several campgrounds and RV parks.

White Sands Motel is on White Sands Blvd close to fast food, as well as a few other local restaurants

The Classic Inn gives the southwest feel throughout! Located on White Sands Blvd

Assignment: A Visual History of My Town

Welcome to my blog Backyard New Mexico! The first tour will be of Alamogordo New Mexico which is an incredible community that rests in the southern part of New Mexico.  I stumbled across Alamogordo as a result of looking for land to buy in Roswell.  I did not find exactly what I wanted in Roswell and decided to travel back to Nevada on a whim taking the southern route that took me through Alamogordo.  By the time I drove to the local grocery store, Lowe's I knew I wanted to spend a few days here and get to know this town. Within a day I decided that I wanted to live here and called my husband and my journey to this blog had begun.a

When I began this photo journal of my town I began with the sincere plans of capturing what locals would view as hometown.  We all know that the local will tell you the best place to eat, where to shop and what to visit.  So I ventured out not ignoring our Walmart, Kmart and chain fast food restaurants instead shining a light on what one misses when one goes for what is known. It is quite safe to creep out into the unknown and try out what our community has in store for you. It is refreshing to travel and rest and realize that my hometown is like what you left. We have the restaurants where everybody does know your name, we have the honor system in place at our local national park, and we have a history that is begging to be heard and carried on to another generation.

So as you visit this blog, you will encounter photo posts that have little information except an address and other times you may enjoy a spotlight of an interesting person, fact or nugget from my backyard. Please feel free to leave comments as to where you are from and if you have visited any of my backyard!

Welcome to my backyard and you all come back, Ok?

Jennifer

Some Reflections about Alamogordo, New Mexico

I began this project nearly 16 weeks ago and must confess that I believed it would end at some point.  I realize now that there is no way that I could end this project~ as it is ongoing.  It will take a lifetime to explore Alamogordo as well as my backyard~ New Mexico.  The story and project began to give a virtual tour of my community and it has evolved into a life changing project. As I took photos I began to research about the town, the people and the rich history that has taken place.  I have spent hours each week taking  photographs labeling them and filing them to soon be added to this blog.

It is a tedious but fulfilling project yet allows me to actively record history for those that will walk after my journey here.  From this project I realized that I need to open my eyes as I go about my life and appreciate the community from which I am from and share it with the world.  I love my hometown of Alamogordo and I love my backyard which is New Mexico.

New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is on White Sands Blvd. and Indian Wells.

It is listed on the state historical markers.

View to the north on White Sands Blvd

Across the street from the NMBVI is Alameda Park and the Toy Train Depot

Plaque on front fence

It is a beautiful campus and many students spend the week here and go home on the weekends.

It has a few buildings that have survived since it was opened.

It is a wonderful campus that is open during the day to the public. In fact one can use the walking course that surrounds the entire campus.

This is the north side of the campus on Indian Wells looking east

Historic Downtown Alamogordo

Stella Vita rated #2 with 4 stars out of five on tripadvisor.com!! Congrats Stella Vita!

Beautiful buildings make an evening stroll down historic downtown delightful!

Hello artists! Come have your artwork framed at Pat Beatty Gallery located on the east side of New York

This building is waiting for you to come to town and open a unique store for the community

East side of New York

Tally's Boutiques on the east side of New York

Gentle Reflections Beads east side of New York

Don't forget while walking down New York to take in all that is offered. Shop, visit and look up, as these buildings invite 21st century travelers back in time with the flair we do not see often today in construction.

It really reveals the detail that was taken over a century ago

Incredible ornamentation and detail of these older structures in town

The Mane Attraction is on the east side of New York

Pantazm Tattoo is on the east side of New York

Second story architecture of buildings this is on the west side of New York

East side of New York and 10th

Very lovely designs on these buildings. This is the east side building of New York and 10th

Wonderful isn't this? This is on top of the current Keel's Attic building on the corner of New York and 10th Street

Corner of New York and 10th Street businesses on Historic New York

View looking south on New York and the Wolfinger store (Exit Realty)

Original advertisement of Wolfinger Store now the Exit Realty building on the east side of New York

Looking east from Alley entrance of 9th Street between New York and White Sands

Alley view closest to 9th Street between New York and White Sands revealing brick under stucco

Alley view of buildings on New York

Alley between New York and White Sands looking north

Alley between New York and White Sands photo of second floor of buildings revealing older architecture

Back side of New York in alley between New York and White Sands

Back side of Keeli's Attic in alley between New York and White Sands Blvd

Snapshot of New York from 9th and New York looking northeast

Exit Realty on east side of New York and 9th Street

East side of New York Exit Realty is at the south end near 9th and New York

This is the back side of Keeli's Attic and other businesses on New York. 

Keeli's Attic New York west side of street.

Interesting architecture

This is from the west side of New York looking south beyond Keeli's Attic

West side of New York street looking south

Classy Cats Thrift store next to Keeli's Attic on west side of New York. Money from this thrift store aids animals in community.

West side of New York continuing to go south on the strip of businesses. Gypsy Rose Flower Shop

West side of New York CAPPED- Cancer Awareness Prevalence Prevention & Early Detection

West side of New York

West Side of New York

End of west side near 9th and New York Salvation Army Thrift Store

East side of New York looking north

West side of New York looking north