Offbeat America Season 1 Episode 2 Kokopelli's Cave and More
- TVG
- July 10, 2005
- 21 min
Offbeat America is a fascinating show that takes you on a journey to discover the most unique and extraordinary places in the United States. In the first season's second episode, Kokopelli's Cave and More, the host, Melody Young, takes you on a thrilling ride to explore the hidden gems of the Southwest.
The episode opens with a breathtaking view of the New Mexico landscape, where a small cave can be seen hidden in the cliffs. This is Kokopelli's Cave, a unique bed and breakfast unlike any other. The cave is situated 70 feet below the surface and accessible only by hiking down a rugged path. Once inside, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and stunning sunsets.
Melody meets with the owner of the cave bed and breakfast, Bruce Black, who gives a tour of the premises. The cave is beautifully designed, with an adobe-style fireplace, a cozy bedroom, and a small kitchenette. Bruce explains how he built the cave by tunneling into the cliff, and how he faced many challenges in making it a reality. Despite the difficulties, he persevered and created a one-of-a-kind accommodation that is now a popular tourist destination.
After exploring Kokopelli's Cave, Melody takes a drive through the desert to find another unique attraction. This time she visits the White Sands National Monument, located in southern New Mexico. The white sand dunes are a stunning sight and a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and even sledding. The sand is cool and soft to the touch, and the stark contrast of the white dunes against the blue sky is a sight to behold.
Next, Melody takes a drive to the nearby town of Deming, where she visits the Luna Rossa Winery. The winery is owned by Paolo D'Andrea, who is originally from Italy. Paolo's passion for wine led him to New Mexico, where he discovered the perfect climate and soil to grow grapes. The winery produces a variety of delicious wines, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Melody takes a tour of the winery, where Paolo explains the process of winemaking from the vineyard to the bottle. She also gets to taste some of the wines, and it's clear from her reaction that they are as delicious as Paolo claims.
The final stop on Melody's journey is a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park is located in southeastern New Mexico and is home to some of the most stunning caves in the world. In particular, the main attraction is the Big Room, a massive underground chamber that is over 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high. The Big Room is filled with incredible formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other bizarre rock formations.
Melody takes a guided tour of the Big Room, where the guide explains the geological history of the cave and how it was formed. She is amazed by the beauty of the formations, and the sheer size of the chamber. The tour takes about an hour and a half, and Melody is left in awe of the natural wonder she has just witnessed.
Overall, Kokopelli's Cave and More is an outstanding episode of Offbeat America that showcases the incredible diversity of the Southwest. From a unique bed and breakfast in a cave to a stunning national park filled with underground wonders, this episode has something for everyone. Melody is an excellent host who is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely curious about the world around her. She guides the viewer through each location with ease and makes you feel like you're right there with her. If you're a fan of offbeat travel, this is a show you don't want to miss!