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Message
Suggestions wanted for a first time visit to New Mexico
Posted on 12/19/24 at 9:58 am
Posted on 12/19/24 at 9:58 am
My wife and I are wanting to head to New Mexico in the spring to visit somewhere new neither of us have been before. It'd probably be around early march. We are JUST now starting to do any kind of research so we have no plans and are a clean slate. I looked in the pushpinned trip review thread and saw some cool pics from that guy which looked to be mostly in Taos. I also found this thread from last year that also had some good stuff.
I assumed we would concentrate on Abq/santa fe. We aren't outdoorsy types so I don't think that focusing on camping or hiking would come into play. It seems that hitting both these cities is common for first timers so that's probably what we'll shoot for. I would love any kind of suggestions since we don't know much. Very initial thought would be fly into ABQ, maybe spend a day, drive up to Santa fe for a couple days. I think I heard somewhere that ABQ is smaller without as much touristy stuff so could be done more quickly.
My wife loves walking around and looking at shite. Whenever we're visiting a big city she would be content walking around for 10 hours. We definitely want to eat a bunch of good authentic southwestern fare and take in the whole vibe. As far as lodging we would definitely want to stay in something that has that kind of southwestern feel to it. Go ahead and chuckle but we are very much tourists and as such will want to do a ton of touristy things...but we definitely want to go on some kind of breaking bad sightseeing tour in ABq. I saw in the linked thread above a place called Sandia peak that looks pretty neat so we'd probably try that out.
Are there any must-sees and dos for first timers? Pretty sure neither of us will ever go back to NM again so we'd like to hit all the main high points.
I assumed we would concentrate on Abq/santa fe. We aren't outdoorsy types so I don't think that focusing on camping or hiking would come into play. It seems that hitting both these cities is common for first timers so that's probably what we'll shoot for. I would love any kind of suggestions since we don't know much. Very initial thought would be fly into ABQ, maybe spend a day, drive up to Santa fe for a couple days. I think I heard somewhere that ABQ is smaller without as much touristy stuff so could be done more quickly.
My wife loves walking around and looking at shite. Whenever we're visiting a big city she would be content walking around for 10 hours. We definitely want to eat a bunch of good authentic southwestern fare and take in the whole vibe. As far as lodging we would definitely want to stay in something that has that kind of southwestern feel to it. Go ahead and chuckle but we are very much tourists and as such will want to do a ton of touristy things...but we definitely want to go on some kind of breaking bad sightseeing tour in ABq. I saw in the linked thread above a place called Sandia peak that looks pretty neat so we'd probably try that out.
Are there any must-sees and dos for first timers? Pretty sure neither of us will ever go back to NM again so we'd like to hit all the main high points.
6
Posted on 12/19/24 at 11:35 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
My wife loves walking around and looking at shite. Whenever we're visiting a big city she would be content walking around for 10 hours. We definitely want to eat a bunch of good authentic southwestern fare and take in the whole vibe.
You all are going to love Santa Fe, then. It's one of the best places to just walk around and check stuff out, imo. I can't comment on Albuquerque, because we never really go there. One place I might suggest is to check out Los Poblanos farm when you drive form ABQ to Santa Fe. Probably won't be quiet as beautiful during March, but still a cool spot.
Los Poblanos Farm
If you're into hot springs or spa life, then Ojo Caliente is a must. The real "deal" is to stay a night there, as you get two days of spa use out of a single night stay. The rooms are super charming and wonderful, and it's a pretty great experience. Very chill and unpretentious for a spa (our kids have been going since before they were technically allowed to go, and they still love it). Just be sure to go to actual Ojo Caliente, not Ojo in Santa Fe, which isn't nearly as cool.
Ojo Caliente
For walking and gawking, it doesn't get much better than Canyon Road in Santa Fe. 100s of galleries to check out and good architecture.
Canyon Road
Downtown Santa Fe Plaza is nearby and is also packed with shops and charm. Too many places to eat to name, but the Shed is probably the most famous (as well as the one with the longest wait list). They start adding people ot the waitlist at 4pm, and there will be a line starting at 3:30 to get on the waitlist. If there are only two of you, though, it probably won't be that bad.
Santa Fe Plaza
The Railyard is another walking area for Santa Fe that's newer. Lots of shops, galleries, and restaurants there as well. Tomasita's is another New Mexican classic restaurant. La Choza is also on one end of the Railyard, and is the Shed's sister restaurant. Both are excellent. If you're in town on a Saturday, the Farmer's Market in the Railyard is well worth checking out.
The Railyard
Finally, Museum Hill is what it says it is. Houses several museums. I really like the Museum of International Folk Art, but they're all worth visiting.
Museum Hill
Too many day trips to mention, but touring Georgia O'Keefe's home out in Abiqui is pretty great. You'll need to schedule that well in advance if you want to do it.
I'm not a huge fan of Taos, but lots of people really like it. If you do go out there, the Earthship tour is pretty neat.
Earthship Tours
We are big fans of AirBnbs when we go to Santa Fe. They have very very nice ones everywhere.
Posted on 12/19/24 at 12:09 pm to WG_Dawg
You’ve got a good plan. Fly into ABQ and rent a car. Santa Fe is definitely worth a couple of days. Taos could be an easy day trip from Santa Fe. The old town area of Taos is very small and doesn’t take long to walk through especially after walking through the old town area of Santa Fe.
Posted on 12/19/24 at 1:44 pm to hogfly
quote:
hogfly
awesome thank you!
Posted on 12/19/24 at 11:10 pm to WG_Dawg
Hogfly is spot on. As for places to stay, there are tons of Adobe vintage places within close walking distance to the square in Sante Fe. Taos is small but the similar accomdations are great as bed and breakfasts. In Albuquerque along route 66 adjacent to the university of New Mexico there are lots of great restaurants and local motels along with shops. Has a funky feel and is also walkable.
Posted on 12/20/24 at 7:33 am to WG_Dawg
I suggest Tinker Town in Sandia Park, east of ABQ.
We took the scenic route from ABQ to Santa Fe. The drive offers an alternate route to Interstates, with backroads being my preference to drive. Great stop, unique is the best way to describe this place.
This is the place I call NM's "Great Ball of Tinfoil". Which is a site, drive, museum, event that is a 'must recommend' for each state.
We took the scenic route from ABQ to Santa Fe. The drive offers an alternate route to Interstates, with backroads being my preference to drive. Great stop, unique is the best way to describe this place.
This is the place I call NM's "Great Ball of Tinfoil". Which is a site, drive, museum, event that is a 'must recommend' for each state.
Posted on 12/20/24 at 9:42 am to WG_Dawg
Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe- very reasonably priced for its style and location (compared to La Fonda and St. Francis). New Mexico is wonderful, really. Probably my favorite trip in the US. Highly recommend the Sandia tram
If Twisters is even still open, do NOT actually eat there. Grab a snack maybe, but it's really not good
Sandia
If Twisters is even still open, do NOT actually eat there. Grab a snack maybe, but it's really not good
Sandia
Posted on 12/20/24 at 10:23 am to Bama Bird
I can chime in with a lot of other food recs for Santa Fe, but most people are going to tell you the same places for New Mexican (the shed, Tomasita’s, La Choza, Pasquale’s, Tesuque Village).
A couple of other places I think are awesome:
Whoo’s Donuts purely for the blue corn, lavender donut.
El Parasol: eat like a local at one of their locations. Shredded beef tacos are amazing and fresh fried.
Kakawa Chocolate House: awesome drinking chocolate and truffles.
Dolina: amazing bakery serving breakfast.
The Tea House: great place for tea, coffee or food while up Canyon Road.
A couple of other places I think are awesome:
Whoo’s Donuts purely for the blue corn, lavender donut.
El Parasol: eat like a local at one of their locations. Shredded beef tacos are amazing and fresh fried.
Kakawa Chocolate House: awesome drinking chocolate and truffles.
Dolina: amazing bakery serving breakfast.
The Tea House: great place for tea, coffee or food while up Canyon Road.
Posted on 12/20/24 at 1:00 pm to WG_Dawg
I'd suggest a road trip through the state, personally. Albuquerque sucks. Spend a day or less there, hit up santa fe for 2-3 days. Then do a little road trip.
NM is a very poor state, but its a damn good road trip state. A lot of different scenery.
I'd highly recommend Carlsbad Caverns NP. White Sands NP, etc. There's the lava fields. All kinds of stuff in southern NM.
I'd strongly consider flying out of El Paso, to cover the entire state.
It would be like seeing Louisiana by only visiting New Orleans or GA by only visiting Atl. But truly NM is a great road trip state and very cheap for the most part, as long as you are willing to do a little adventure.
NM is a very poor state, but its a damn good road trip state. A lot of different scenery.
I'd highly recommend Carlsbad Caverns NP. White Sands NP, etc. There's the lava fields. All kinds of stuff in southern NM.
I'd strongly consider flying out of El Paso, to cover the entire state.
It would be like seeing Louisiana by only visiting New Orleans or GA by only visiting Atl. But truly NM is a great road trip state and very cheap for the most part, as long as you are willing to do a little adventure.
Posted on 12/22/24 at 4:12 pm to baldona
Second El Dorado hotel in Santa Fe. we stayed there last summer and for the price it was great. really cool bar area. Santa Fe is really cool
Posted on 12/26/24 at 9:34 am to GITiger66
Breaking Bad was filmed in ABQ and surrounding area. We did a drive by of all of the homes and businesses that were used in the series. Pretty cool if you are a fan. The Loretto Chapel in SantaFe is a must see. Route 66 runs through Albq. Lots of diners/drive ins on that route. Enjoy! 
Posted on 12/26/24 at 9:47 am to WG_Dawg
We have a couple of condos in Red River so we go there quite a bit, but we also love Santa Fe...and you can't beat what hogfly typed out for you.
When we stay in Santa Fe, we stay at The Inn of the Anasazi. Close to everything and will certainly give you that SW vibe you're looking for. If you book with Amex, then you get a ton of property perks.
LINK
I wouldn't spend any more time than you have to in ABQ.
If you have some time and want to hit the mountains, then Red River is a great little spot - weather can be tricky in early March, but for a small mountain town, there's a few places to eat/drink. Your wife wouldn't be able to walk around for 10 hours, but it's enjoyable for what it is.
Taos, especially since Covid, has been weird...er, but it's got a nice square to walkaround. Wouldn't waste any time with Angel Fire, as it has zero in the way of a "town center". If you go in the Summer, then you can play golf there, but early March would be tough.
Have a great time!
When we stay in Santa Fe, we stay at The Inn of the Anasazi. Close to everything and will certainly give you that SW vibe you're looking for. If you book with Amex, then you get a ton of property perks.
LINK
I wouldn't spend any more time than you have to in ABQ.
If you have some time and want to hit the mountains, then Red River is a great little spot - weather can be tricky in early March, but for a small mountain town, there's a few places to eat/drink. Your wife wouldn't be able to walk around for 10 hours, but it's enjoyable for what it is.
Taos, especially since Covid, has been weird...er, but it's got a nice square to walkaround. Wouldn't waste any time with Angel Fire, as it has zero in the way of a "town center". If you go in the Summer, then you can play golf there, but early March would be tough.
Have a great time!
Posted on 12/26/24 at 10:19 am to sstig
quote:
Breaking Bad
I was there five years ago and drove by the house. The lady that owns it was standing in the driveway. She didn't look happy. I took a few pictures out my car window and left.
'Get out of here, you Mexican trash!' Woman who owns Breaking Bad house is filmed hurling abuse and berating tourists outside Walter White's iconic property
Posted on 12/26/24 at 10:58 am to TommyCheeseballs
She did the same to us. We just waved and took pictures. I kept asking her "What did you say?" and she got madder. It was great. LOL
Posted on 12/26/24 at 8:11 pm to RummelTiger
quote:
RummelTiger
How's red River for a family vacation for kids who just want to play in some snow and sled?
Posted on 12/26/24 at 8:52 pm to burgeman
quote:
How's red River for a family vacation for kids who just want to play in some snow and sled?
It’s perfect. You can got tubing, sledding, play in the snow, and you can take the snowmobiling. We don’t ski a ton, but do take advantage of the other activities. Our daughter is 15 and we’ve been going for the last 12 years or so.
Posted on 12/26/24 at 9:46 pm to RummelTiger
Red River is extremely underrated as a ski town. We went last winter with another couple and a ton of teenagers and had a blast. Feels like an actual authentic town instead of a Vail Mountain cookie cutter. Easy access to lifts. Distillery/brewery is a great little nightlife hub. And they had a bar with good live music every night we were there. We had a damned good time and will return. Perfect place for a little low key winter vacation in the mountains with the family.
Posted on 12/27/24 at 9:04 am to hogfly
Where did y'all stay?
Posted on 12/27/24 at 2:22 pm to hogfly
Any recommendations on where to stay in town or is there a resort? Kind of going on blind after seeing some mentions of the town on this board.
Posted on 12/27/24 at 3:23 pm to burgeman
quote:
Any recommendations on where to stay in town or is there a resort? Kind of going on blind after seeing some mentions of the town on this board.
There is not a "resort" as you're thinking of it. It's not that kinda ski town...
RR was an old mining town that grew into a little ski town, so it's a little more blue collar than a lot of the other ski towns you may have been to.
The town started really cutting back on short term rentals a few years ago, so I'm not sure how many private houses are still in the mix, but if they applied for the permit when they were supposed to, then they're grandfathered in.
Most everyone will stay in-town as there are a host of condos and hotels to stay in. I'll send you a DM of our complex and let you go from there.
All of the places in-town are walkable to everything, including RR Ski Area.
Let me know if you go!
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