My wife and are planning a 7 day trip to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos in early October. Just looking for general suggestions (food, lodging, sights). Thanks!

Take the Tram on the west side of ALBQ. Also, there are some pretty neat museums there. The view from the top is spectacular at night.

Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe:
http://www.turquoisetrail.org/

Once you are there, here are my picks:
La Fonda Hotel
http://www.lafondasantafe.com/
Tesque Flea Market
http://www.tesuquepueblofleamarket.com/

And of course The Plaza.

Here's a link to the Santa Fe Reporter website. You have to register, but it will give you some great suggestions for restaurants and other items of interest.

http://www.sfreporter.com/SFRforum/l...Findex.html%3F

We stayed at the St. Francis Hotel in Santa Fe - about 2 blocks from the Plaza, quite affordable, and we loved the place. There is a restaurant a couple of blocks away called Julian's, which was marvellous.
I would also agree with taking the Sandia Peak tram in Albuquerque; the views are fantastic. The Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and ABQ is definitely worthwhile; plan to stop in Madrid (they pronounce it MAD-rid) and explore the shops, restaurants, and galleries. It's a tiny little town, but lovely and interesting.
The old road between SF and Taos is a bit harrowing as you get to the top - drive carefully! - but more fun than the newer highway.
Have a great trip!

I really like that area as there is so much to do.

In Santa Fe, there is a magnificent staircase built by a mysterious carpenter. http://www.lorettochapel.com/html/stair.html

If you would like to learn about the ancient history of the land, there are several places to learn about the Indian Pueblos.

In Albuquerque, there is an Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. http://www.indianpueblo.org/intro/index.cfm

My favorites are the Taos Pueblo and the Bandelier National Monument.
www.taospueblo.com
http://www.nmculture.org/cgi-bin/ins...recordnum=BAND

If you're going to Bandelier, I'd suggest calling ahead. According to their web site, they are working on the road in front and it might be closed some afternoons.

Hope this helps,
Pauline

How fun! It's been a couple of years since we've been--it's an awesome place, I'm sure you'll love it!
We especially liked: Taos Pueblo; Bandelier; dinner in SF at La Casa Sena and Geronimo; lunch at Pasqual's; drinks at the Dragon Bar in the Pink Adobe (bar is funky and fun, food at the Pink Adobe is past its prime); the jewelry vendors at the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza (they must all meet certain standards in order to sell there); Ortegas weaving shop in Chimayo, and the drive there and back; San Ildefonso Pueblo; and I'm sure I'm forgetting so much!

We stayed at the Inn on the Alameda and like it a lot: gas fireplace in the room, plus a small patio; and a vast, fresh and varied breakfast included.

Have a wonderful trip!

Fun restaurant in Albuquerque called Cowgirls. Good food and great atmosphere. Also recommend the Turquoise Trail.

If you don't mind a very casual place to relax, I would suggest Ojo Caliente for the mineral baths and massage. It is very inexpensive and a very simple place. I believe they have a website.

The tram is on the *east* side of Albquerque; you'll find yourself a bit confused if you look for it on the west mesa!

I believe Cowgirls is in Santa Fe, not Albuquerque.

Early October is when the international Balloon Fiesta is held in Albuquerque. Make your hotel reservations now if you want a room.

Lee Ann

We really enjoyed the El Dorado Hotel in Santa Fe. We had a deluxe king room with a Kiva-style fireplace (came in handy, since there was a surprise April snowstorm). We also enjoyed Bandelier and shopping in the Plaza.