And, just like that, it’s June! Summer has arrived in the mountains. Streets are buzzing with tourists, though less than we had hoped, but we are grateful to be open to 50% occupancy. That being said, we are saddened when we have to turn away guests at our own little haven in the mountains. We are working hard to protect you during this crazy time. We are using air cleaning machines as we clean each cabin, and we are practicing social distancing to the best of our ability. Arriving guests have been very helpful and gracious with the processes we are now implementing, making the changes so much easier.
When you drive into our place, you will notice that we are ready to see you! Bright flowers have been planted in areas around our place and are popping with beautiful colors! Our fish pond is being stocked weekly with gorgeous, tasty trout, ready to jump on that hook, or tease you by swimming right up so you can see them but ignoring your bait. We have stocked a whopping 1,850 pounds of trout for our guests’ fishing pleasure so far this season.
Activities in Red River are starting to liven up. With restaurants open to 50% and retail stores allowing 25% of store occupancy in at a time, things are looking up! Even though the masks are a necessary evil, I try to find humor in different mask designs. Have you seen some fun ones out there? People are very creative and you might see one with a bear face or a trout face. I (Marla) actually ordered myself a mask with a sky view of Red River! I can’t wait for it to arrive. Of course Brian and Tawnya can usually be spotted wearing their Steelers masks, and the boys, Josh and Zach are usually sporting a ski mask or their Steelers mask as well.
The Red River Ski Area is open daily offering chair lift rides, tubing, the pioneer flyer, and the ropes course. Horseback riding is back, as well as fishing tours, and ROV rentals. I also saw people working at the go cart track, getting it ready to go. I believe it is open now. Also new this summer is the Steam Coffee Shop located in the old (but newly remodeled) caboose in front of Pioneer lodge. Stop in say hi and grab a great cup of coffee or tea!
If you’re coming up with the Family this year, you may want to consider a family portrait. Southern Exposure has been operating in Red River almost since the beginning. Southern Exposure can usually be seen at the Memorial Day Run Bike Rally, scenic chairlift, ropes course and zipline, and Rio Grande rafting, but in addition to all of that they still take time to do an amazing family photo shoot, just like they did for the Griggs family below! What better way to commemorate that wonderful summer trip than a great photo. Contact them at 575-754-6495 or visit their website southernexposurephoto.com (Masks are optional!)
Red River is back on track for summer fun, just maybe with a few less people. If you haven’t scheduled a trip to our beautiful town, you might want to start thinking about it now. Answer the call of the mountains and come visit us!