Civil Municipal - September 2024

Kachina Place, a unique stop for tourists looking to connect with the region’s rich Native American culture. “They have a variety of Native American artifacts that they display,” Mayor Gonzales notes. Places like this give Milan its distinct identity—a small village offering authentic experiences tied to the area’s history and culture. The downtown district also offers a mix of culinary options that reflect the local heritage. “We have a variety of Spanish, Mexican, and other types of food to eat in our Route 66 district,” the mayor adds. These restaurants, alongside shops like Uncle Roy’s, keep Milan’s downtown alive and engaging, drawing people in for the convenience, warmth, and personality these local establishments provide. WALKABILITY AND OUTDOOR SPACES Milan is also making strides in enhancing its walkability and promoting outdoor recreation. With Route 66 acting as a central vein for both car and foot traffic, the village has worked to ensure that both locals and visitors can move around the area comfortably. “Our Main Street district is basically 66,” says Williams, noting that this makes it naturally walkable and bikeable for those passing through on foot or on two wheels.The village sees hikers and bicyclists on the Transcontinental Trail passing through, drawn by the ease of access along Route 66. But the village’s attention to pedestrian safety doesn’t stop at Main Street. “We’ve put in a lot of work creating sidewalks, curbs, and gutters so that they can have safe places to walk,” Williams explains. Beyond the downtown core, Milan has invested in making its streets safer and more accessible for residents, ensuring that even the off-streets of the village offer secure paths for walking and biking. For those seeking a more leisurely outdoor experience, Milan offers six parks with walking tracks and designated areas to enjoy nature. “One of those parks is also used as a dog park,” Mayor Cibola County in the Land of Enchantment has much to offer. Great food served in a genuine atmosphere of beauty and enchantment. Catch the real spirit here in Milan and Grants New Mexico. We still revere tradition here as well as innovations, and continue to celebrate the early blend of Native American and Spanish cultures that created our singular cuisine, different from anywhere else in the American Southwest or Mexico. Our official state question is after all, “RED or GREEN?” Watch Intro Video 100 Iron Avenue P.O. Box 297 Grants, N.M. 87020 (505) 287-4802 executivedirector@chambergrantscibola.com www.grants.org 166 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09

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