New Mexico’s Carlsbad City Library should win a prize for holiday decorations with the best I’ve seen so far. The whole block was lit up and a wonderful surprise for a relatively small city. Later, after a boat ride on the Pecos River, I understood why.
The night lights were so unexpected, I returned the next day to see the outdoor statues and go inside the library.
Now, back to the library …
After the European immigrants arrived, the settlement was named Eddy in 1888 after a local rancher. Later town was renamed Carlsbad after the Bohemian town of Karlsbad (in English, Karl’s Bath) to capitalize on their local mineral springs. Today Bohemia is part of Czechia, formerly called the Czech Republic.
Carlsbad is a convenient place to stay when touring the Carlsbad Cavern’s National Park, about 20 miles south towards the border with Texas. And I highly recommend visiting!
Today both sides of the northern part of the river are lined with opulent residences which go all out with holiday decorations. The city celebrates with an annual nighttime boat ride called “Christmas on the Pecos,” running to December 31st. The decorations were incredible, and many had a Wild West theme. And now for some enchanting river photos for some extra holiday spirit!
Karen Stensgaard is a novelist and is always amazed at the fascinating variety of libraries to visit. Her latest novel, PROJECT ONION, is in a Goodreads Giveaway until Jan 8. Link to Goodreads Giveaway
KAREN STENSGAARD 