Last minute decision to go to New Mexico for spring break
 

DH and I decided we just have to get away for spring break [3/28-4/5]. Finally chose NM as our destination. We fly into ABQ and plan to also hit Santa Fe. We are not B&B people. Recommendations for areas to stay in those two cities are appreciated. We plan on hitting museums and whatever hiking is available, weather-permitting. Planning on hitting the library tomorrow for the travel books.

Well, you have two choices: the "Inn" route or the "chain" route. Both are available, and your choice depends on how much you want to pay. The stuff from the library will tell you all about the inns, but you should check TripAdviser for reviews. What you can do outside and where you can do it will depend on weather.

Santa Fe and Taos are no brainers, and Los Alamos is worth visiting as well. Other than that, pick a pueblo, try Bandelier if the weather allows. If you live at a low elevation, 7000 feet can leave you a bit tired.

Santa Fe

I've already checked Weather.com for average temps in late Mar-early Apr and 60's sound really good right now [teens with below zeroes at night].

I saw something about petroglyphs near the area. Are they worth going to?

I love Georgia O'Keefe and know she has a museum in NM. Is this better from Albuquerque or Santa Fe?

Are there interesting Native American ruins in or around Albuquerque/Santa Fe?

Heading to the library in a little while to get some books. Starting to get excited about this trip!

ST

Suze, here are several threads I found quickly from the search box:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35104304

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35099478

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35095296

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35096682

Lots of info to get you started. I would love to help you out. What is your budget per night on lodging?

DebitNM and ElendilPickle have many posts on ABQ and Santa Fe, too. I'm focused more on Santa Fe and visit 6-8 times a year (more if I'm lucky!)

Will you be renting a car in ABQ and starting your trip in Santa Fe? Then ending in ABQ so you aren't backtracking?

I'm short on time but I'll be back when I have more time.

BeachGirl

What is your lodging budget?

Albuquerque is spread out, and you'll need a car to see things.

The petroglyphs are at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque. Take Unser Blvd. north from I-40 and follow the signs.

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is in Santa Fe, so you'll want to visit it while you're there. You can also drive up to Abiquiu and see some of the scenery she painted.

Bandelier National Monument is near Los Alamos. There are some nice hikes and you can climb into the old dwellings.

Take a day trip to Taos and visit Taos Pueblo - it's the multi-story pueblo you've probably seen pictures of.

You might also enjoy a visit to Acoma Pueblo, west of Albuquerque; it sits on top of a mesa and is pretty interesting.

Hope that helps you get started!

Lee Ann

As far as lodging goes, is less than $200 reasonable? It is just the two of us, but we don't care for B&B's. We do like hot tubs/ indoor pools. I started looking through the Fodor's NM book last night. Learning a lot. Since our flight gets in early in the day, we will probably head to Santa Fe and do that area first.

Are there any musuems or other attractions that are closed on particular days? I know Mondays are a popular day for museums to be closed.

We will probably visit one or two pueblos. Is there one that is better? Is a guided tour a better idea in a pueblo?

I've noticed a number of wildlife areas. Are there any that come highly recommended?

We will have a car, so that isn't a problem.

DH spent 10 days with DS at Philmont Boy Scout Reservation. He mentioned driving out that way from Taos. Is that a good idea in late Mar/early Apr? [Snow and/or road conditions]

The excitment keeps building!

ST

Beachgirl, thanks for the links. I will print them out and do some more investigating.

ST

Hi SuzieTrue,

Santa Fe and Taos are yearly haunts for us. Love, love, love it there! The 2 chains I've stayed at before are El Dorado and The Hilton. Both are at good locations, easy walk to the plaza. La Fonda is also very nice. You may be able to get the Hilton for less than $200 - not sure though.

Love Bandelier and Abiqui as Elendipickle mentioned but my absolute most favorite hike there is the tent rocks - also very close to Santa Fe. Just plan to go early and pick a time when no rainfall is in the forecase. It's a canyon and is subject for flash floods. Here's a link: http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks/

If you do end up going to Taos, our favorite restaurant is there: Joseph's Table. Love the food there. A definite must see is the Taos Pueblos, as mentioned.

Do not miss the Turquoise trail (from albuquerque to SF and vice versa) and the hi road to Taos.

http://www.turquoisetrail.org/map.htm

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

Oh, forgot to add:

Taos Inn is a great place to stay in Taos - walking distance to everything and Doc Martin's is also a good restaurant.

We hardly ever stay put in Albuquerque because we can't get enough of SF and Taos so we choose to spend our times there.

Petroglyph National Monument can be done in an hour or 2 and is nto very far from ABQ airport so you can plan to do that first or last on your trip. It's pretty interesting. http://www.nps.gov/petr/

>>Are there any musuems or other attractions that are closed on particular days? I know Mondays are a popular day for museums to be closed.<<

I don't know; check the museum websites for that information.

>>We will probably visit one or two pueblos. Is there one that is better? Is a guided tour a better idea in a pueblo?<<

Both Taos and Acoma Pueblos require a guide.

It depends on what you want to see. Taos has the multi-story buildings; Acoma is on top of a mesa, and you take a bus from the visitor center to get there. If you're planning a day trip to Taos, you can easily visit the pueblo from there.

Lee Ann

oh, and i'm very jealous. can i come with? :-)

For info on SF museums:

http://www.museumhill.org/

For a unique experience; Shidoni Brass Foundry, just north of SF [and be sure to have breakfast or lunch at Tesuque Village Market, just north of foundry.] Tesuque Flea Market is really a good one with lots of interesting, non-typical flea market finds [southwestern things]

Be careful about buy turquoise jewelry in NM - lots of imitation stuff - especially from street vendors.

<i>The foundry is open to the public for self guided tours Monday - Friday between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays. Bronze pours occur every Saturday afternoon, year around, and are open to the public at no charge. </i>

http://www.shidoni.com/

Also, think about doing the Enchanted Circle drive. Really nice, you get to see Taos, Red River and Angel Fire.

The time of year you are planning is still very much winter here. Snows can happen, especially at altitude and in mountains. It should be sunny and not to cool during the day, but temps drop about 30 degrees when the sun goes down. Dress in layers.

Be careful about hydration and altitude adjustment, especially if you are coming from sea level. Take a day or 2 to acclimate. Hiking will be harder and alcohol effects you more/faster.

Enjoy, it is wonderful out here.

Deb

We've been to CO a few times so know about altitude and hydration. It usually hits me harder than DH. At dinner we talked about how to split the trip, still haven't made any decisions. Luckily our flights in and out are mid-day so we have flexibility.

Keep the ideas coming.

The more I read/research, the more excited I become.

Does anyone know of mines that allow you to look for gems/minerals? DH has been watching a show on cable that goes to places that allow this. I did see something about Rockhound SP, need to do more research.

I checked out the Fodor's NM guide at the library and am seeing some familiar names in the book.

ST

Rockhound State Park is in southern New Mexico, so it's not exactly on your route for this trip.

Lee Ann

Thanks for the location of Rockhound SP, Lee Ann.

I've been scoping out accommodations today. Santa Fe is expensive. Would love to try one of the local places but the prices are making me hesitate. Thank goodness most places have liberal cancellation policies.

DH suggested staying one night in Taos. I know there are not as many choices as Santa Fe. Any possiblities at around $200 a night?

ST

taos inn. it's close to everything.
http://www.taosinn.com/accommodations.html

maria so, it looks promising.

you'll like that place too. their lobby/bar is a local watering hole. they have live music playing most of the nights and it gets quite busy. Some of the rooms also has kiva fireplaces - quite nice rooms and you are in the center of things. It's on the main thorough fair, same road that leads you to the taos pueblo. The plaza is walking distance from it. We rented the last few times so we didn't stay here but this is where we stayed the first 2 times we ever visited taos and it was really nice. I enjoyed sitting at the &quot;lobby&quot; by the fireplace. Good snackies there too.

In Santa Fe check out Garrett's Desert Inn. www.garrettsdesertinn.com DH &amp; I stayed there for 3 nights last Sept....very nice good-sized room, good location, they have a restaurant, and rates are definitely under $200. Enjoy your trip....we loved NM! Take a walking and/or trolley tour in Santa Fe.