Albuquerque/Santa Fe

[CATHYnKY]

Will be going there for a few days the middle of Sept. We are starting to plan what we want to do. Will be landing in Albuquerque and staying in Santa Fe. Any suggestions? Want to visit the Farmer's Mkt and Flea Mkt if possible and saw a few restaurants on Rachel Ray's Travels :icon_mrgreen: Any other suggestions?

[capcat]

I've only been once, a thousand years ago ;), when my brother-in-law was stationed in NM. We drove, so saw lots of neat country. However, I found this website, http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/aztec_ruins/national_monument.html
and soon became fascinated reading about the ruins left by civilization and nature....remains of ancient settlements built in volcanic craters, and the remains of ancient volcanos, with only their magma cores still standing. The link takes you to Aztec ruins, but there are lots of places, see the menu on the left hand side of the page. Interesting stuff, imo. Of course, there's also Roswell....

[gerntz]

Edit: Should be 1700s below.

SF/Taos are just about my favorite places to visit.

I'll presume you like SW Art.

- Visit Old Town in AL.
- I haven't done it, but a lot of folks say the tram to the top of the mountains gives you fantastic views.
- SF architecture is special. The Territorial style stuff is really cool.
- Have to see the O'Keefe Museum. The SF Catholic cathedral is small, but it has the neatest unsupported spiral staircase. Of course you'll hit the town square with all the Indian jewelry on sale on the sidewalks. There are tons of good restaurants around downtown. Plenty of neat hotels but you'll pay thru the nose. There is a sculpture park and workshop outside of town to the north a few miles - very interesting.

- Now me, for a day trip I'd take the High Road to Taos & even stay in Taos overnight:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/destinations/Taos/High_Road_to_Taos_Scenic_Drive.html#tour

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/52023/stories/52041

Do Orgeta's & have lunch at Rancho de Chimayo. Visit the Church of the Holy Mud there - seriously. Stop at all the little mission churches along the way. They date from the 1600-1700s. You're up on a ridge with great vistas.

- Taos Pueblo is neat.
- Plenty of galleries & shops in Taos too, but way smaller than SF.
- Visit the Millicent Rogers Museum of Indian crafts and jewelry.
- Go out to the high bridge over the Rio Grande & look down - if you can stand it. Like 1500 feet deep.
- Go up on the bluffs west of Taos & see the "Earthship" homes - built into the side of hills.
- On the way back, take the main highway & as you come down to the Rio Grande River level, there's a neat restaurant just over the river to the west with outdoor dining. Loaded with people. Dang if I can remember the name, but you should see it as you pass it. Turn around & go back.

Have fun!

[capcat]

gerntz, you've caused me to want to make that trip.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Although we were always driving a trip to Santa Fe would include a trip to the High Country Garden so Nancy could load up on cactus and other southwestern plants...she was quite the gardener...neat place even if you are only looking.

[WILD1]

Visited both on several occasions...enjoyed Santa Fe more...Thursday, I believe, is the day the area Native Americans peddle their wares (jewelry, etc.) in the Plaza...I LOVED that...they've better deals than the stores!
Giada De Laurentiis recommends this place so, it must be good.

http://www.chocolatemaven.com/

[gerntz]

Certainly SF is more refined, so I don't fit as well.

[CATHYnKY]

Thanks guys and gals. I'm already thinking we need more time. Unfortunately will only have 3 1/2 days.

[CATHYnKY]

(Quote from gerntz).

I'll presume you like SW Art. Yep


- Now me, for a day trip I'd take the High Road to Taos & even stay in Taos overnight:

This is something we are definitely considering. Thanks.

[wanderingcat]

In Santa Fe stay as close to the Plaza as you can depending on budget because that is where you can see and do many things. Check the rates at the Plaza Real and St. Francis which are near and usually have bearable rates if you call and negotiate. Look on tripadvisor.com at the Santa Fe forums for hotel and restaurant info. I have been there many times and the reports there are generally accurate and will answer most of your questions regarding rates, rankings and things to do. Taos can be a day trip as can Bandalier which is a national park well worth reading about and seeing. In Santa Fe make sure you see the galleries and shops along Canyon Road. Santa Fe is a great place.

[The Old School JPS]

wanderingcat is your expert here. I went to Santa Fe last December and everything wanderingcat suggested was 100% on the mark. I really enjoyed it there and my trip was made much easier and much more enjoyable thanks to wanderingcat's suggestions and advice.

[gerntz]

In Santa Fe stay as close to the Plaza as you can depending on budget because that is where you can see and do many things. Check the rates at the Plaza Real and St. Francis which are near and usually have bearable rates if you call and negotiate. Look on tripadvisor.com at the Santa Fe forums for hotel and restaurant info. I have been there many times and the reports there are generally accurate and will answer most of your questions regarding rates, rankings and things to do. Taos can be a day trip as can Bandalier which is a national park well worth reading about and seeing. In Santa Fe make sure you see the galleries and shops along Canyon Road. Santa Fe is a great place.

This made me remember the La Posada. $$$$ unless you get a deal - as we did. Individual buildings/duplexes & most have fireplaces. Beautiful grounds.

[wanderingcat]

Also near the Plaza is Garrett's Desert Inn which is an ordinary enough, clean and generally lower priced motel.