One crucial bit of information I left out of my previous post is that I’m going to Santa Fe, New Mexico in mid-June to celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday (or to shop and drink with my baby sister, depending on who you’re asking. She’s better at shopping, I at drinking).
I know New Mexico very well; I’ve lived there twice (Clovis and Albuquerque) and my mother has lived there off and on since the 1970s. North of I-40, it’s a gorgeous state with a great mix of country and city. I can tell you what’s best on the menu at Duran’s Pharmacy (yes, they serve food there) and how to shop for earrings and where to go for brunch in Santa Fe (Tecolote).
Many of you responded on- and off-blog with great ideas based on what I asked for. But suddenly I said to myself, “Self,” I said, “why don’t I change my ticket and hang out somewhere in New Mexico? There are various motels in Albuquerque, retreat centers, the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, Ghost Ranch, and other places I know and trust. I will enjoy a few days by myself and won’t have long drives to get somewhere nice.”
Self liked that — a lot. Self loves New Mexico and would live there again if she could (we came close four years ago).
I even mulled extending my reservation at the Santa Fe Sage Inn, where my sister and I are staying for my mother’s wingding, but would rather have a different venue for writing than for my family visit. (When we’re plush, Sandy and I stay at the Santa Fe Hotel, which is gorgeous and comfortable. But the Sage is a do-right kind of place.)
So I’ve changed my ticket, made a reservation at Albuquerque’s Monterey Nonsmoker’s Hotel — a funny name, but a genuine Route 66 motel, and not one of the scary rundown Route 66 places but a sweet place now managed by Europeans — put out feelers to retreat centers, and so forth. I have a place to stay that will be great (I may refer to it in future posts as the Monterey Nonsmoker’s Writing Retreat Center) and if I find something more interesting or apropos before the cancellation period (48-hours prior), well, go me. (It might be wise to stay there at least the first night anyway, since my flight gets in late.)
Oddly, everyone who gave me tips is responsible for my success here. I know you were helping me find places in the area, and those are all wonderful “file for future reference” places, and yet your suggestions pushed the gears so I thought around and beyond “Plan A.”
Posted on this day, other years:
- Presentation Alley - 2007
- Leslie Burger Wants YOU! - 2006
- Take Michael Stephens' Survey - 2006
- American Libraries has RSS Feed - 2005
I too am going to be in Albuqueque and Santa Fe in mid-June. I’m trying to make it all 50 states and NM is one of the 5 I have left, so my boyfriend and I are going for my 30th birthday.
Any suggestions of things that are not to be missed?
A bit out of the way, but my husband and I enjoyed staying at the Abominable Snowmansion Hostel in Taos. http://www.abominablesnowmansion.com/
That was a few years ago so I can’t comment to the quality, but would recommend checking it out…
It’s also a gorgeous state south of I-40! You just need to open your eyes to the beauty and color and drama of the desert and of the grasslands.
True no CITIES south of I-40 – but afterall ABQ is really our only city by eastern definitions. If you want to see NM – I highly recommend not spending all your time in Santa Fe and ABQ and thinking you’ve seen NM.
Geri (who lives in Rio Rancho – works in Santa Fe, went to school in Portales, high school in Bloomfield and grew up in Carlsbad)
Geri, thanks for commenting with your perspective. I know a lot of people love NM south of I-40. I was stationed in Clovis for two years.
If nothing else, the tourist visiting ABQ and Santa Fe should at least take the Turquoise Trail (the old route between the two cities). It’s gorgeous! For us city mice, that, plus a trip to Jackelope and some sopapaillas at Thomasita’s, can round out a short trip very nicely. (Getting hungry for some green chili even as I write this…)
My dad and I took several backpacking trips into the Pecos Wilderness, so I know that area.
There are cabins up Holy Ghost Creek, some of them are for rent, I expect. Ah, here is a list:
http://www.markrentscabins.com/
I know there are some lodges, resorts, and summer camps along the river below Holy Ghost and Terrero.
A bit downriver from there is a Benedictine Monastery. http://www.pecosmonastery.org/ The hermitages might not have wifi.
Hi. Having lived in Albuquerque recently, I’d recommend Madrid if you have time and find tinkering for stuff fun. Don’t forget the Frontier (green chile cheeseburgers) or the Flying Star. And do checkout the ABQ blog that always gave me ideas what to do next http://www.dukecityfix.com/
Karen, The blog has changed significantly since I last looked. The archives of the Duke City Fix are very useful in getting ideas for day trips etc..
http://archives.dukecityfix.com/index.php?catid=64&blogid=1
http://archives.dukecityfix.com/
Karen, Check out a small b&b in the Sandias. It comes recommended. http://www.elainesbnb.com
for eats, check out nmgastronome.com
gil knows his stuff
Pedro, thank you! Alexandra, yes on all your suggestions. I’ll take pix. (Of the food, too. 🙂 )
While shopping in Santa Fe, visit The Sign of the Pampered Maiden. It was a favorite of my mom and sister in the 70’s and is now one of my wife’s favorite places. If I remember correctly, it is roughly across the street from the Coyote Cafe (yes, food-oriented landmarks).
It is worth walking into photography galleries along the way. There was one with more Ansel Adams and Elliot Porter than many museums.