My friend and i will be hitting the road to new mexico in october. we'll be driving from Phoenix. I want to go to bandelier for at least a day, we want to see sante fe and taos. we only have a week. any route suggestions good food, and reasonably priced places to stay, must sees?

i have been crazy busy with family stuff and haven't even had time to think about it until now (had plane tix philly to phoenix since May) any suggestions and ideas greatly appreciated.

Check to see if Banelier is open. I know it was closed becasue of forest fires last year but it must be open be now.
The Old Taos Guest house is my favorite place to stay in Taos. Its back off the main highway but close to town. Get laid back place with the feel of ral Taos. Owned by the same couple for the last 20years.
San Geronimo across the road is nice also.
No trip to Taos should be had with out eating at Orlando's,great NM food at reasonable prices, to splurg eat at the Anagonda Bar at the new El Monte Sangrado resort, or of course the Adobe Bar right down town.Must see..The Rio Gorge Bridge, drive up to the Ski Valley, Millicent Rodgers Museum, The Haywood Art Museum.

In Santa Fe The El Rey Inn is a old moter inn which is charming but a little in the strip mall part of town but people still love it. The Historic La Fonda is big and rambeling but very interesting and right on the Plaza. Any place right on the PLaza is nice but pricey. Check out Site Santa Fe and the Folk art Museum along with the Georgia Okeefe Museum. Go to Ten Thousand Waves for a hot tub soak and eat at Cowgirls Cafe a great local and tourist hang out. Quadelupe Cafe for lunch.I always get a kick out of going to the Whole Foods in Sante Fa. You the most beautiful people and the most expensive oranges anywhere!

I love NM in October. Early October is balloon fiesta time in Albuquerque...definitley worth seeing, but makes hotel rooms in ABQ and Santa Fe more scarce. Check those dates. You can easily drive down form Santa Fe and see it..the fiesta park is on the north end of the city.

Bandalier is awesome. We also love the Shidoni Sculpture Garden and 10,000 Waves Spa. In Santa Fe we never miss eating at The Shed. Between Taos and Santa Fe is a great little town called Chimayo.

The fires near Bandelier were a few years ago; it will be open during your visit.

The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque is September 30-October 8, I believe - the first full week in October, at any rate. You can drive down from Santa Fe, but you'll be getting up at 3:30 in the morning in order to make the drive and get to the field in time for the mass ascension. It might be easier to stay in Albuquerque the night before if you can find a room.

What's your room budget? You might want to try Priceline. Santa Fe is fairly expensive most of the year.

Lee Ann

thanx for all the advice, more is welcome, we will only make it for the last day of the festival. so we have to take our chances. just couldn't get in any sooner. (work is always getting in the way!) again thanx justme22.

Places to eat in Taos: Michael's Kitchen across Fetchin Inn for any meal.Santa Feif on a budget: Dave's Not Here on Hickox St., Maria's or Tomasita's for authentic New Mexican food.
Bandelier is perfect for treking around in October; if you have the energy, do the ruin loop trail, then take the short & steep hike down to Frijoles falls.
Lodging, best bet is price line, maybe Pojoaque's Cities of Gold Casino Hotel (between Santa Fe & Los Alamos).
If you have time take #285 up to Taos, then circle around back throgh Penasco, Truchas and Chimayo to Espanola....fantastic views, nice drive, although road work was full on between Truchas and Chimayo on winding mountain highway. Still if you don't mind a delay or two, it's well worth the cruise.

Leaving in a week, any other last minute suggestions? has anyone been to Zuni pueblo? thanx in advance for any info.

My husband and I spent two weeks in New Mexico this past October. What a fabulous time to be there!! The trees were ablaze with color, no crowds, and the weather wonderful despite a few rainstorms. Tips from Fodorites were a big help: We heartily agree with artman's suggestions to stay at Old Taos Guest House (lovely, peaceful authentic setting, gracious hosts, pleasant fellow travelers, fair price). We also enjoyed the El Rey in Santa Fe (comfortable, reasonably priced, charming setting despite the traffic). Santa Fe is a gorgeous jewel of a city where I could happily spend an entire trip. Other highlights: Socorro, Very Large Array, stunning Chaco Canyon (despite the rough road in which made 22 miles feel like 50-It was being graded so may be better soon--or not). Had a surprising great time in Silver City because we drove up to Pinos Altos our first night for dinner drinks music and good company in the historic opera house. Stayed an extra day to explore local ruins, visit with local authors and artists. Our suggestion for handy, comfortable and reasonable lodging in Albuquerque the Plaza near the University. New Mexico is a gorgeous, relaxed (to this Californian) place with friendly people.