Debi: Los Poblanos looks beautiful. I searched the web and found a funky little place in Bernalillo called Hacienda Grande and, barring any other options, was thinking of staying in their "bridal suite" which looks pretty atmospheric. I'll check out Poblanos this weekend. I appreciate the suggestion, thanks.
gail

First of all, thanks for all of the advice on this board. I've narrowed down a place in Santa Fe but I need some advice for accomodations in Taos for 1 or 2 nights. Is the "Fetchin Inn" a good choice?

Fechin Inn is very nice, in a great location.

Gailw, nothing is all that far from anything else in Albuquerque. You'll have time to visit Petroglyph National Monument; just make sure you have water, a hat and sunscreen.

Lee Ann

I can't seem to reach anyone for Fetchin Inn. Maybe it's too early. What about Historic Taos Inn or Sagebrush Inn? Has anyone stayed here? Also, How many nights in Santa Fe versus Taos?

I would do one night/ two max in Taos and 2 nights/ 3 max in Santa Fe. I think the Sagebrush is a Best Western?? I would really try for Fetchin Inn. If you want to go out of town, Bishops Lodge is a bit north of town and is beautiful.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Lee Ann: It's hard to tell how far apart things are just looking at maps -- I live in NH where the whole state could probably fit in a New Mexico parking lot! -- so I really appreciate your advice about making it to Petroglyph Monument. I know both of us would really enjoy that and find it interesting. I'm getting psyched about our trip. Thanx for the input.
gail

The best photos in Petroglyph park are often taken in indirect light because the rocks are so shiny. Try to get there around dawn or dusk. If it's really sunny, try to shade the rocks you're shooting. A white sheet would be ideal to make the shade, but I doubt if you'll happen to be carrying one.

Have a blast,
Dan
familyroadtrippers.blogspot.com

Dan: I never thought of those rocks being shiny -- thanx for the heads-up. My S.O. likes to wake up REALLY early (not moi) so you've inspired me to join him and head out for the park. I'll let you know how it turns out.
muchas gracias

I have 6 nights planned to stay in Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque. I thought 3 nights in Santa Fe, 2 in Taos and one in Albuquerque. Do you think this is a good plan or should I plan on 1 more day in Albuquerque as we will be coming back from Taos? We want to do all the scenic drives in between each area. Thanks for your help.

RE: Fechin Inn
Wyndham Vacation Owner bought them 1/26/07. The hotel will be converted into a timeshare resort and will undergo renovations.

Re: Fetchin Inn
Thanks DebitNM for the info. I would have still been trying to reach them. I'm leaning toward a couple of B&B's right now for Taos.

I have vacationed in New Mexico probably two dozen times, and here is my opinion. Keep in mind everyone is different, but I wanted to give some additional info. I love Santa Fe so much, I do not stay even 1 night in Albuquerque unless I have an early flight, and then I stay at the end of the vacation. I definitely wouldn't stay 2 nights there.

Our last New Mexico trip was to Jemez Springs. I would only take that route to Santa Fe if you really want the long, out of the way, scenic route. Santa Fe from Alb. takes about 1 1/2 hours, but through Jemez with lunch there it would be 4 hours easy. It is beautiful, but so are the other areas you're going. It might be best saved for when you could spend some time there.

I've stayed quite a few places in Santa Fe and really like Hotel Santa Fe. It is Native-American owned, and usually has an entertainment book coupon. We usually do day trips to Taos, taking a route that is a big circle. Go there by scenic route, return by the faster highway.

One last thing: If you happen to be a Georgia O'Keeffe fan, she had a home in Abiquiu (about an hour from Santa Fe) and you can tour it in a small group. If this is your thing, be sure to make reservations in advance.

Just to add to your wonderful delimma, you can also get to SF via the Turquoise Trail (Hwy 14), which is dotted with old mining towns that are really interesting, especially Madrid.

Besides The Turquoise Trail, where are the most scenic drives located? Are they closer to Santa Fe or Taos?

ttt

We went to NM last year in early May. Most days the weather was perfect, a few coolish day, one was hot (about 85 degress)! So bring both short sleeves and sweaters. We rented an adobe house in Taos on www.vrbo.com and cost less than a hotel would. The house was beautiful and comfortable.

We had all kinds of plans to go many places but NM is very large and so we did not go to many of the places. We decided just to slow down and enjoy all the rustic beauty and the wonderful people and food of the Taos area. It was such a relaxing trip. You can pick any direction and you won't go wrong on a scenic drive!

We loved Bandelier National Park. Also, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is really cool. You drive this backroad and think you are lost and then there it is. We rented a private hottub and it was so romantic!

I love NM, heck even the airport and highway overpasses are cool!

Hi. I'm not sure exactly how this works, but here is my dilemma:

Going to Santa Fe NM May 3 - 8th. Flying into Albequerque around 5 pm.

Would love to take some scenic drive trips from Santa Fe to other areas but my husband and I are really scared-y cats after driving up a hairy mountain road in California. Thought we were going to fall over the edge. Way too stressful when you are on vacation.(We are from FLAT Ft. Lauderdale FL!)

I am looking for roads and destinations where you don't feel like you are going to die at every turn!

Thanks for your help.

I am from Nebraska and understand flat. Nothing hair raising at all in the drive from Albuquerque to Sante Fe and up to Taos. The Enchanted Circle drive was wonderful too. I know what you mean about California and there is nothing like that! Not even close!

Thanks for the 4-1-1.

Does anyone know anything about the train trips from Santa Fe? Are they worth the time and $$?