Tag Archives: New Mexico

On the road in New Mexico

Posted on by
1

My goal to run in every state influences where I decide to vacation, usually favoring a new state over somewhere I’ve already been. Our recent trip took us back to New Mexico, and even though I didn’t inch closer to my goal, it was great to see more of a state we fell in love with last year. 

Our three-city tour started with two nights in Truth or Consequences, then one night in Alamogordo, and ended with two nights in Albuquerque. I was worried it would be too much driving, but the beautiful views helped and each area offered something different. The only thing I might change is adding one more night in ABQ or at least staying outside of the touristy Old Town area.

Truth or Consequences

Riverbend Hot Springs was absolutely idyllic. We had unlimited access to seven pools that ranged from 101 to 107 degrees and looked out over the river and mountains. It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a really, really long time. We also went to El Faro (twice) and T or C Brewery, and I got a run in on the Healing Waters trail.

Alamogordo

White Sands National Park isn’t something you can properly describe or capture on camera; it must be seen to be truly experienced. Walking up the dunes and only seeing white for miles and miles is very surreal, a bit off putting, and totally enthralling. We stayed the night nearby to break up the drive and enjoyed a nice dinner and drinks at Lescombes Winery and Bistro.

Albuquerque

The Sandia Peak Tramway is an experience in itself, capped off by the views up top. We popped into Ten 3 for a couple appetizers and a delicious gin toddy to warm up before the return ride, which happened to fall as the sun was setting. 

In Old Town, we visited the Albuquerque Museum, did tastings at Noisy Water Winery and Sheehan Winery, and ate at Sixty Six Acres and 12th Street Tavern. 

New Mexico delivered once again, and the trip pushed us to finally start watching Breaking Bad for the first time. It’s been fun to see if we recognize any of the filming locations and soak up the mountain views a little more.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Posted on by
2

It’s somewhat surreal to be typing up a trip recap—my first since visiting Arkansas in February 2020. Stepping onto a plane last month and heading to Santa Fe was the most “me” I’ve felt in a long time, and I’m grateful that vaccines made it happen.  

After not being able to travel for so long, I would have been happy going anywhere new. My boyfriend Dwight wanted to visit New Mexico and I’ve heard nothing but good things from friends who’ve been, including my brother’s wife who used to live there and returns with him frequently. We would have loved to explore the full state, but focused our limited time in Santa Fe. 

The things to do

The historic downtown area has a ton of shops and galleries where you could spend a lot of time (and money!). We popped into a few places, along with a stop inside the Loretto Chapel to see the physics-defying spiral staircase and outside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi to sit in the gardens.

Meow Wolf is something that can’t really be described, only experienced. It would have been nice to visit during an “adult swim” style event so you could enjoy some of the areas without kids screaming and running around.

Ten Thousand Waves was a relaxing oasis and just what we both needed. We got shiatsu massages and took advantage of the Grand Bath hot tub, cold plunge pool, and sauna. I think Dwight would have stayed there forever soaking up the sun.

After one of our planned activities fell through, Dwight asked if New Mexico had any wineries. I never would have associated this region with wine, but turns out there’s quite a few about an hour north of Santa Fe. Vivac had picturesque mountain views and Black Mesa had a cute patio and resident cats. This ended up being my favorite day and we had some souvenirs shipped back home to sip on later. 

We also really enjoyed the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the main exhibit that represented 60 years of incredible art by Linda Lomahaftewa. 

And finally, I got a run in to make New Mexico the 26th state on my list. Our Airbnb was close to the Cross of the Martyrs so I took that path. It offered panoramic views of the city and the mountains. It’s also a popular spot to watch the sunset, but we were lucky enough to be able to see that and the sunrise from our Airbnb parking lot. 

The places to eat

  • My brother highly recommended Del Charro’s wings, but I was more impressed with the bartender’s margarita. 
  • Plaza Cafe is a classic diner in the heart of downtown.
  • Tomasita’s was delicious and it was nice to get out of the main touristy area. I had the sopapillas for the first time and now I’m obsessed. 
  • Breakfast at The Pantry was our favorite meal. The blue corn cinnamon pancakes were so unique and tasty! 
  • The patio at the Inn of Anasazi was the perfect place for a glass of local Gruet champagne.

There was a lot more on our list we wanted to get to, but I know we’ll be back!