February Closures, New Business, and Seasonal Offerings: Your Cloudcroft Update
Brother-in-law BBQ and High Rollin' Coffee take some time off; the Old Apple Barn is closed; Cloudcroft Brewing Co. expands; Ski Cloudcroft Monday School is open, and more
Cloudcroft’s usually high tourism numbers have cooled with frigid winter temperature lows. Still, the off-season attracts relaxed visitors, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking lovely frozen hikes and other seasonal play.
Plan your trip and stay informed with our round-up of February business updates.
Closed (For Now)
Some local business owners are taking time off for R and R (and R)—rest, relaxation, and renovations. Brother-in-law BBQ is closing Thursday, January 30th, and will reopen on March 1st, 2025.
Located on the same southern side of James Canyon Highway, fresh organic café High Rollin’ Coffee will be closed from Friday, February 7th through Friday, February 21st.
Something is up at the Old Apple Barn on Highway 82. The popular attraction recently changed ownership, and employees were seen loading inventory into trucks last week. Employees told The Reader the barn is currently closed. We are following the developments.
Fresh Ventures
Cloudcroft Brewing Company has expanded its space and its offerings. The DISTILLERY next door connects to the brewery via a courtyard, patio, and an underground tunnel that houses the beer lines and adds some prohibition-era flair. The drinks-only menu includes a Black Bear martini crafted with the house vodka and cold brew from local favorite Black Bear Coffee Shop.
The article continues after this brief message. Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Be in the Mountains Yoga:
Be in the Mountains Yoga, conveniently located in the Village Plaza off James Canyon Highway, offers Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative, and private Thai yoga sessions. Now offering Thai Yoga Massage, Swedish Blend Table Massage and Yoga Group Classes. Book yours today.
Coming soon: Roots Flower Co. is slated to open on February 1st in a chic storefront just behind Mad Jack’s. Owner Shanna Waitt will offer a range of both affordable options and picturesque, stately floral bouquets.
The flower shop’s focus on sustainability, local vendors, and eco-friendly practices creates an exciting business model. We look forward to publishing our exclusive interview with Shanna in the coming weeks.
The Fat Rabbit, A Turquoise & Silver Trading Co., hopped shops and is now directly off the boardwalk along Burro Avenue in the new courtyard next to the Pine Stump Mall.
Gather, Learn, and Play
Ski Cloudcroft is open for the season. Without much snow so far, the bunny and tubing hills are the only spots ready for play. This Thursday’s forecast calls for snow—fingers crossed.
Beginning in February, Ski Cloudcroft will offer the School Program in partnership with Cloudcroft Schools. Students in the program receive lessons, equipment, and a full-day lift ticket for only $25. Parental consent forms should be available through the school.
The James Sewell Natural Ice Rink at Zenith Park will be closed this Monday, January 27th, and will reopen later in the week. Its hours are Saturday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Ice Rink Facebook Page regularly updates skate classes, live music, and other events.
Local artist and designer Samantha Odom adds “coach” to her lengthy list of accomplishments. This year, Odom organized the Little Bears basketball league, a fun introduction to the game's rhythms where elementary students put on an entertaining halftime scrimmage at Varsity home games. Sign-ups are now closed, but the usual after-school basketball program will resume this spring.
Kids ages 5-8 can now register for Little League Baseball with Coach Chris Davis. Practices will be held in Cloudcroft, and games in Alamogordo. You can find out more about it here by registering here. For kids ages 8-10 with previous Little League experience, you can contact (575) 430-4601 and (210) 701-7412 to join another prospective Cloudcroft baseball team.
Feeling inspired? Catch a cooking class with Chef Lepree and his brigade de cuisine at the Lodge:
January 29th: Learn to make fresh pasta, knife skills, and more.
February 5th: Learn about butchery, steaks, and stocks.
February 12th: Learn sweets like ice cream, sweet sauces, creams, butters, and meringue just in time for Valentine’s Day.
February 19th: Learn about soups and curing meats and seafood.
Each class is $150 per person; reservations are required.
Starting in March, the Cloudcroft Senior Center hosts free community classes on Diabetes education. You'll need to pre-register. Contact Kelly Knight at (575) 437-0231 or by email at kelknigh@nmsu.edu.
Mountain mamas, you’re invited to bring yourself and your children, ages five and under, to socialize at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Cloudcroft on Wednesdays. The first gathering is February 5th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Do you have a business with news to share? Contact us at business@cloudcroftreader.com
Water Matters
Every drop now counts in Cloudcroft.
Cloudcroft is now at Level 3 Water Restrictions. Our village needs residents and visitors to mind their water usage.
Public Works Supervisor Joe John Carrizal urges citizens to conserve water—because their efforts make an impact.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like PVT:
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by businesses like Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe, Instant Karma, Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Ski Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, Be in the Mountains Yoga, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
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