log cabin curio shop

We almost missed stopping by on our way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, but we were so happy we drover around the tiny town. Make sure you get a Scenic Tour book from the visitor cent in New Mexico or Silver City. We enjoy old buildings and we weren't disappointed as there are over 8 sites to see. I think Pinos Altos deserves its own spot in tripadvisor.

We were pleasantly surprised by the owner of this old schoolbuilding. Now it's a shop and a museum. You can enter the museum for 1 dollar, the collection of items you'll see is unbelievable. A lot of items were really valuable or worth seeing. It's a private collection of items of the family or from the village. Items the owner and earlier his father rescues and would otherwise perish. He's a great storyteller and knows all about the history of the village and his museum. Straight accross the street is the Buckhorn Restaurant, very authentic too. Go in, enjoy the authentic, small town community feeling.

We stopped here thinking it might be a nice place to find some of the last things we were looking for to take home. Once inside they have a little of everything, from beautiful Navajo blankets to a huge and vast collection of local minerals and gems from here and South America. The owner and proprietor is a fascinating guy that has amassed his private collection for over 50 years between him and his father Once done shopping or just looking he will invite you to look through his museum which is truly a walk into the past. The collection is very very impressive and although there is quite a lot in limited space, it is neatly displayed and kept clean and organized. there is stuff in there from the early 1800's right through about 40 or 50 years ago. A bottle collection that is fabulous, a very old and working gramophone and countless other pure treasures. It is a must on your must visit list YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT