RSTravelers

Forgot to mention the petroglyphs at Petroglyph Nat'l Monument are amazing and Bandelier is also fascinating. If you do the Turquoise Trail, stop in the Mine Shaft Tavern and Restaurant(Madrid) for a snack....a fun & unique place.

SuzieTrue

Here is a question for those who have been to this area recently, Is it possible to get overloaded by a certain type of activity?

I keep looking at the number of museums and pueblos and wonder if I will get to the point of not really enjoying all that I am seeing. I plan to make a list and go with the ones that are the most unique, like the O'Keefe museum or Turquoise museum.

DebitNM

I have lived in the southwest now since 2001. I am still not tired of it - it is that amazing! It is so ancient, so beautiful, so different than what I was used to as a New York suburbanite.

If you love the outdoors, scenery, museums, being on the same land, in virtually similar conditions that our ancients lived and worked on -- you certainly won't overload.

DH has been here 30+ years and still is awed by it!

For non B&B's in Santa Fe:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35111589

Deb

BeachGirl247

SuzieTrue, as a visitor I guess you could hit overload at some point. No different than when we visit Paris and visit too many museums. Or galleries on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Sometimes we just need to take in the atmosphere of the place we are visiting and just "be".

Visit the places at the top of your list and if you need to make adjustments along the way do so. So if you pass up a museum for people watching in the park or a long lunch at The Shed that's good too! Santa Fe and surrounds has much to offer not only in galleries, pueblos and museums, but it has a peaceful and serene calmness about it that "soothes our soul", so to speak. Sounds queer but it does. Our blood pressure goes down every time we make the turn up HWY 285 towards Santa Fe. That hasn't changed in the 18 years we've been visiting New Mexico.

I'm with Debi. I'm not tired of "it" either!

ElendilPickle

>>I'm with Debi. I'm not tired of "it" either! <<

Well...I kind of miss seeing more greenery. But don't tell anyone! ;-)

Lee Ann

SuzieTrue

Thank you Deb, Lee Ann and BeachGirl. I'm overthinking this trip. I will have my lists with a priority then play it by ear.

ST

SuzieTrue

The trip is now only a week away. Have a number of things nailed down. We are starting in Santa Fe, spending one night in Taos [instead of just a day trip from Santa Fe] and ending up in Albuquerque. I'm making lists of activities in the three areas and will pick and choose based on weather and whim.

I've read the various food threads for NM, but what are your top choices in those three locations? We tend to keep breakfast simple and have been known to splurge somewhere at lunch rather than dinner. Eight days and counting!

ST

janjanjan

I wish I could offer up a hotel, but I can't since we generally use our RV when traveling in this area.

But, I just want to tell you that you'll love NM. We've been in all 50 states, and of the 48 contiguous states, NM definitely has the most unique culture. Approximately 1/3 Latino, 1/3 Anglo, 1/3 Native American, and all three cultures have an impact on everything. I'm certain that there are many have-nots in NM, but the feeling one gets when visiting is that all cultures are respected and have a unique place in the state.

DebitNM

Suzie - Here is a list of my favorite restaurants in ABQ. It might be a bit out of date, but most should still be accurate.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34921091

Deb

follow_your_bliss

In Santa Fe, we really liked Hotel Santa Fe. It is Native American owned. I don't think it has an indoor pool, but I remember a hot tub. I know we didn't pay more than $200/night. I think we got a suite and may have used the Entertainment Book.

You mentioned Georgia Okeeffe--I have to tell you about this amazing opportunity if they are currently running tours. She had a summer house at the Ghost Ranch and a winter house at Abiquiu. Between these two places is some of the stunning scenery she painted. Anyway, they offer tours of her winter home in Abiquiu. They are very small guided tours, gives you an intimate perspective of how she lived and worked. Definitely worth it if you can get in.

Have a great time--I'm so jealous!

SuzieTrue

Four days from now, DH and I will be in Santa Fe. We found out about the free museum visits on Friday evenings. Any other special tidbits or tricks that anyone might want to share?

Since many of the museums are closed Monday, we will probably do Badelier NM and Los Almos that day. I see a 30% chance of rain in the forecast for Monday. For those in the know what does that really mean?

New Mexico, here we come!

ElendilPickle

It might rain - or not - or it might rain but not hit the ground (it's called virga). Or it might be cloudy...or sunny. Or it might snow.

I wouldn't worry about it. Bring a jacket and you'll be fine.

Lee Ann

BeachGirl247

Suzie, you will have a great time! Snow or rain or sunshine. Just like LeeAnn said, take a jacket. I just looked at the weather and it looks great. Sunny and low 60's. Lucky girl!

Tidbit: Galleries on Canyon Road are open late and serve a little wine. Some do some don't serve.

Mocha Latte @ Cafe Pasquals. THE best anywhere.

Sit at the bar @ The Shed. Talk with others and enjoy the Shed red sauce with a Silver Coin margarita, too.

Also, check out the Santa Fe Reporter web page for the Spring guide.

Have a great time, SuzieTrue. I'm true-ly envious.

DebitNM

The spring winds have started to kick up so: be sure to bring sunglasses; lip balm, a backpack for hiking [Camelback - with water reservoir- is even better]; moisturizer and hats. ALWAYS carry water with you and lots more than you think you will need. Keep some in car and carry it with you at all times. Dehydration isn't fun and happens way faster here in the high desert.

I also suggest bringing some Claritin [generic stuff is fine and cheap] with you. Even if you haven't been bothered by allergies in the past, a lot of people come here and are exposed to lots of different "offenders" for the first time [we have lots of different shrubs, trees, pollens etc] and have some symptoms. You can always buy it here if you need it. People who have never had allergies are sometimes bothered and think they are sick, when it is really allergies to these new things.

DRINK LOTS of water, and don't push yourself the first couple of days so you get acclimated to high altitude. Also, alcohol effects you more/faster at altitude.

Have a great time, I know you will.
Deb

SuzieTrue

Deb, DH was mentioning getting out the daypack, boots, hats, etc. He and DS did Philmont a few years back, so he is familiar with the hiking conditions.

First stop after getting the car will be a store to pick up a small cooler and bottled waters & snacks.

We always have rain gear [in daypack] and coming from Michigan will have a jacket.

I am so looking forward to being someplace sunny and warm. Today it is snowing and mid-30's - spring in MI!

SuzieTrue

Topping for crabtree.