| Running with Romeo |
Hi folks,
Romance has begun at the Turtle. On Valentines Day, I began flirting with my partner and sometime this spring we will have baby roadrunners to introduce to the guests at the Turtle.
Daffodils and tulips are popping up all around the Chocolate Turtle and many daffodils are in bloom. They are relatively safe since the bunnies don't seem to like them. Last fall one of Nancy's friends gave her 3 Chocolate vines-a new plant at the Turtle. They looked good all winter-even stayed green as their roots became accustomed to their new home. I can't wait to see them start growing and climbing on our adobe walls.
These chocolate plants join the native Chocolate Flower in the garden and corral. Chocolate Flowers have bright yellow daisy like blossoms with brown centers-and yes, they really smell like Chocolate. They bloom all summer and need no supplemental water once they are established. In full sun, they bloom until about noon and the yellow petals turn light green and then form a ring of seeds-quite an interesting plant. I'll be glad to show it to you when you visit.
Romeo |
| Awards & Recognitions! |
Thanks to the reviews submitted by our wonderful guests, the Chocolate Turtle recieved a Best of the Southwest award from bedandbreakfast.com in the fall of 2009.
Also, based on guests reviews, the Turtle has been ranked the #1 B&B in New Mexico by Tripadvisor.com! Thanks to all of you for submitting such great reviews.
The Turtle was voted Best Bed & Breakfast on Local IQ's "Smart List 2010" too. The Turtle was featured in the Holiday Gift Guide section in the December 2009 edition of the Loyola Universtiy Maryland Loyola Magazine
The University of Deleware recently featured Nancy (with a focus on the Turtle) in their Alumni Spotlight. |
| The Bunny Room Gets a Facelift! |
For some of you who may remember the Daybed in the Bunny Room, there are now two twin beds-great for friends or family members who want to share a room but not a bed. We have given the room an enhanced southwest feel with new accent pillows, pictures and a wall hanging. You'll have to come see it! |
| Want to be Outdoors? |
Within a short drive of Corrales there are lots of interesting outdoor activities: Petroglyphs, Tent Rocks, walks in the foothills of the Sandia Mountans, the Jemez Trail, great golf, and biking or skiing. The Corrales Bosque provides great bird watching opportunities!! For more details, visit the Activites tab on our website. |
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| Greetings!
Not sure where the time has gone-seems like we we're just "falling back" with Daylight Savings  time and we have now "Sprung forward." Hope all of you enjoyed your holidays!! While the Turtle keeps us busy, we feel it's important to be engaged in our profession and the Village. Dallas just became Vice President of the New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association (NMBBA) and Nancy represents NMBBA on the Tourism Association of New Mexico Board. We are looking forward to Spring and the new baby wildlife at the Turtle. |
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Social Media
Well...the Chocolate Turtle is venturing into the age of technology and using Social Media-including Facebook, Blogs and Twitter. While you may have seen a few things on Facebook, Blogs and Twitter are brand new after attending our national bed and breakfast conference in March. Throughout many sessions, we heard that these tools should be part of our marketing activities so that others can help "spread the word" (about the Turtle). Buttons on our website and links in our signature block on e-mails will make it easy for anyone to use. If you enjoy using these tools, we would be delighted if you would become a "fan" of the Turtle as well as share your pictures and experiences at the Turtle with others.
Oh yes, and we now have a video tour of the Turtle on our website and on Youtube. Romeo, the quail and the bunnies were most cooperative when we were filming-Romeo seemed to know he was being featured as he climbed all around the Silverlace Vine that covers the arch.
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Reasons to Visit Corrales
There are several new events as well as our wonderful annual special events happening in Corrales this Spring and Summer.
First Annual Corrales Garden Tour
June 6, 10AM-4PM
Featuring 8 distinctive Gardens (including the Chocolate Turtle) from the Bosque to the Sandhills.Tickets are just $10. for this self guided tour. Master gardeners will be on hand in all the gardens to answer questions.
Handcrafted Fiber Art Show and Sale
July 18-27
As part of the Convergence , Albuquerque 2010 presented by the Handweavers Guild of America, the Handcrafted Fiber Arts Show will be at the historic Old San Ysidro Church here in the Village and an artist will be in residence at Galeria de Corrales . the Show and Sale will be open to the public and will give you an opportunity to talk to the Fiber Artists.
Corrales Growers Market
Every Sunday, from the last Sunday in April through the last Sunday
in October, 9AM-12PM
Corrales Growers' Market features New Mexico grown, fresh produce; greens,vegetables herbs, fruits, as well as flowers, honey, jams, baked goods, salsas and New Mexico grown agricultural products. The Sunday Market offers breakfast burritos from local hero Chef Jim White, a Market Shop, and many special events throughout the season. www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M16971
Sunday in Corrales
Third Sunday of the Month May through October, 9AM - 5PM Meet local artists at Art in the Park. Lunch at our restaurants, and finish your day at one of the specialty shops or the wineries . (505) 350-3955 www.corrales-mainstreet.org
"Village of the Arts" could be another name for Corrales. If you enjoy Southwestern Art and would be interested in meeting local artists, plan a visit to the Chocolate Turtle in conjunction with one of these fine art events:
Corrales Art Studio Tour (CAST) May 1 & 2, 10-5 pm
Visit with over 50 artists in their homes, studios, and galleries located throughout the Village. This is one of our favorite art experiences in New Mexico.
Art in the Park
Third Sunday of the month, May-October,  10AM-4PM
Located in La Entrada Park, Corrales, this outdoor art exhibition features some of New Mexico's most talented artists. Paintings, sculpture, pottery, fiber art, gourds, metalwork, photography, jewelry. Free children's Art Workshop. Admission and parking are free. May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17. www.corralesartists.org
Old Church Artfest
June 4-6, 10AM-5PM
Arts & Craft Show & Sale, food and entertainment. This is a wonderful show where I frequently start my holiday shopping. Since it is the same weekend as the Corrales Garden tour, why not plan to attend both events and schedule a get away weekend. 505-301-0042. www.corraleshistory.org
Corrales Quilt and Wine Fair
August 7 & 8, Noon-6PM
Experience a juried quilt competition with over 90 quilts and a juried arts and crafts competition. Sample wines from members of New Mexico Wine Country vintners and enjoy fine dining tastings. The Wine Discovery Tent with Jim Hammond, Quilting Demonstrations, and the Children's Art Discovery Tent are among the days activities. Note that this special event has been moved to later in the summer.
22nd Annual Fine Art Show
October 2-10
This Artist juried show is held during Balloon Fiesta and all work is available for purchase. 505-301-0042. www.corraleshistory.org
A new gallery featuring works of local artists has just opened in the Village-Galeria de Corrales, located on Corrales Rd. adjacent to Quilts Ole! The Bosque Gallery continues to be a lovely co-op gallery with works of local artists.
Interested in learning about the History of Corrales?
Heritage Day Casa San Ysidro May 14, 10AM-4PM
Living History, music, performances and artists demonstrations, the hacienda is open for viewing. Admission is free. (505)898-3915 www.cabq.gov/museumHeld at the Old San Ysidro Church, includes displays about Corrales History and Families, children's activities, and San Ysidro Feast Day Mass (in cooperation with the San Ysidro Parrish in Corrales). www.corraleshistory.org
Over 2000 horses live in Corrales and if you want to see some of them in action, plan to attend our Horse Shows
Ditch Pony Promenade May 16, 9AM-5PM
This horse show is for children 18 years of age and younger. Events include driving classes, costume classes, stick pony, leadline, moldie oldie leadline, serious western and hunter equitation and pleasure classes, plus fun events. For more information call Melanie at Dan's at 505-345-2220 or visit the website at www.dansboots.com. The Lefty Converse Memorial Horse Show August 15
A horse show for horses and participants of any ages with special classes for older horses and riders. Event blends fun classes and games with serious western and hunter equitation classes. Special classes are offered for gaited horses and older horses and riders such as the Jack Benny (combined age of horse and rider to be 39 years or older) and the Ben Gay where riders must be 45 year old or older. Classes are offered with considerations for ability, beginner riders are welcome. For more information call Melanie at Dan's at 505-345-2220 or visit the website at www.dansboots.com.
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Have you seen the May issue of New Mexico Magazine? Chocolate Turtle as well as the Corrales wineries were featured in the "Going Places" section! Thank you again to all of you who continue to give us such kudos and support-check out the blog!
Sincerely,
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Dallas and Nancy Renner
Your Innkeepers Chocolate Turtle Bed & Breakfast
& Romeo |
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