Things To Do in Farmington
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Farmington Attractions
Northwestern New Mexico through Artists' Eyes
Farmington's lush green fields and mild (mostly) climate are attracting more and more artists. A great place to sample some of the lively work is Artifacts Gallery, 302 E. Main St. (tel. 505/327-2907). Set in a Victorian-style lumber building is a collection of art studios whose artists are often on hand to discuss their work. Look for the moody landscapes and still-life watercolors by Dwight Lawing, the whimsical ceramic plaques and masks of Mary Bruce, and contemporary landscapes by Allison Verlinich. Also on hand is a specialty foods shop, where you can purchase such treats as Cibolo Junction Green Chile Pineapple Preserves or Besito Caliente Blackberry Habanero Marinade/Dipping Sauce.
Farmington Shopping
Downtown Farmington shops are generally open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. Native American arts and crafts are best purchased at trading posts, either downtown on Main or Broadway streets, or west of Farmington on US 64 toward Shiprock. You may want to check out the following stores: One of the best in the city is Fifth Generation Trading Company, 232 W. Broadway (tel. 505/326-3211; www.tannertrading.com). Trading since 1875, the Tanner family offers jewelry, Navajo rugs, pottery, alabaster sculptures, old pawn, and katsinas (kachinas). Bob French Navajo Rugs, on US 64 18 miles west of Farmington (tel. 505/598-5621; www.bobfrenchnavajorugs.com), sells silver and turquoise jewelry and a range of antique and new rugs. Hogback Trading Company, 3221 US 64, Waterflow, 17 miles west of Farmington (tel. 505/598-5154), has large displays of Indian jewelry, rugs, and folk art. And Navajo Trading Company, 126 E. Main St. (tel. 505/325-1685), is an actual pawnshop, with lots of exquisite old jewelry; you can peruse bracelets and necklaces while listening to clerks speaking Navajo.
Historic Art Stroll -- Northwestern New Mexico's lush green fields and mild (mostly) climate are attracting more and more artists. A great place to sample some of the lively work is Artifacts Gallery, 302 E. Main St. (tel. 505/327-2907; www.artifacts-gallery.com) in Farmington. Set in a Victorian-style lumber building is a collection of art studios whose artists are often on hand to discuss their work. Just down the street, step into Andrea Kristina's Bookstore & Kafé, 218 W. Main St. (tel. 505/327-3313; www.andreakristinas.com). This lively place, in a historic building with tables set amid bookshelves, has a great selection of books and offers live music, poetry, and films on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9pm. A range of coffee drinks and soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizza dress the menu. It's open Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm and Saturday 8am to 10pm. In nearby Aztec, stop in at Feat of Clay, 107 S. Main St. (tel. 505/334-4335). A cooperative gallery, it holds the work of 14 local artists and has great prices. Look for "Molten Treasures," glass jewelry by Jinx Bolli. While in Aztec be sure to take some time to stroll through the town's newly renovated 19th-century historic district.
Farmington Nightlife
Sandstone Production's Summer Outdoor Theater stages two fun shows each year. Presented in the Lions Wilderness Park Amphitheater (off College Blvd.) against a sandstone backdrop, the offerings are usually a dramatic piece and a musical. For information and advance ticket sales, contact tel. 505/599-1148; www.fmtn.org/sandstone. Shows are Wednesday through Saturday from mid-June through July, with dinner at 6:30pm and the performance at 8pm.
If you're looking for a pub, 3 Rivers Tap & Game Room, 113 E. Main St. (tel. 505/325-6605; www.threeriversbrewery.com), is a big hit with locals. This brewpub/game room has the feel of the bar from the television show Cheers, with wood floors, high ceilings, and lots of laughter and brew flowing. Pool tables, foosball, and shuffleboard fill patrons' time while they munch on popcorn and peanuts, and, some nights, listen to live music jam. Patrons can order food from the next-door brewpub/restaurant of the same name .
