fsuguy92

Flying into Albuquerque in December for a family trip (Mom, Dad + 20 year old son) and I need some advice. We're planning on skipping Albuquerque all together, spend 3 days in Santa Fe, and 4 days in Taos.

Having some hesitation on 2 things:
1) is skipping Albuquerque all together the right thing to do?
and
2) is 4 days in Taos too much time?

We're not super active people but enjoy an easy hike and seeing the beautiful scenery (we're from FL). Son wants to ski and snowmobile and the wife and I would like to snowshoe and cross country ski a little bit.

Do y'all think there's anything we should do differently or see that I might not be aware of?

tomfuller

The thing I would do in Albuquerque is the Sandia Tramway summer or winter. http://sandiapeak.com/index.php?page...s-of-operation
In the west end of the city you have a zoo, arboretum and the aquarium. There are several museums in the western part of the city. The bus service was good when I was there last.

DebitNM

Yes, skipping ABQ would be a shame. I would do 2 days in each. Snow is very scarce so far this year.

easytraveler

I always think it's a crying shame to miss out on the local culture, whether it be in Paris or Albuquerque. There's a very interesting Indian Cultural Center in ABQ:

http://www.indianpueblo.org/

ElendilPickle

I agree with DebitNM. Albuquerque has a lot to offer, and I would spend a couple of days here - at least the day you arrive and most of the next day before heading to Santa Fe.

Lee Ann

Tomsd

With all due respect to DebitNM - IMO - Albeq is just another city and I prefer to spend the most time out in the Sante Fe's and Taos of the world - and points in between, such as Chimayo - or up to Rocky Mountain scenic Chama.

http://tinyurl.com/a6vjlpd

DebitNM

You know Tom, with all due respect, that is such a ridiculous statement.

There are many excellent things to see and do in Albuquerque; to just wipe it off the slate with a broad sweep is really unfair.

Santa Fe and Taos have their place. Before moving here, I visited several times. I enjoyed a bit of time in both Santa Fe and Taos but there are just as many great things in Albuquerque too.

December is going to limit outdoor activities [hiking, climbing, biking] to snow related things.

Just a few things to see and do in ABQ:

BioPark including Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Aquarium.
Museums
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Casa San Ysidro
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Acoma Pueblo
Jemez Springs
Tent Rocks

just to name a few.

islebethere

I agree with Debit et al. Many wonderful things to see in and around Albuquerque. We've visited the area at least 25 times over the last 30 years, as we have relatives there.

fsuguy92

Thanks guys! I've added a night in Albuquerque and took a night away from Taos. Seems like there's not a ton in Albuquerque, but old town and taking the tramway up to Sandia Peak for dinner sounds sound like a nice way to start the vacation. Thanks again guys!

DebitNM

Don't have dinner at the top of the tram. And keep in mind the top of the tram is going to be very cold.

sludick

Hi, fsuguy92. Given how warm the winter is so far, I'm sure you are concerned how that might impact your winter sports activities. I share a similar concern with an upcoming vacation (a bit later, in January). To maximize snow, I'd vote for Taos over Albuquerque. But without snow, that would be too long in Taos. And if you have not been to Albuquerque, it deserves at least a day.

If at all possible, you might try for "Plan A" and Plan B." If it stays this warm and dry, you'll find some fine alternatives in Albuquerque. As much as I like the area, I do have to agree that it has grown into a big urban sprawl just like many other cities. But, encapsulated within all that, you can still find wonderful gems.

Watch the weather, and try to make some reservations that can be changed or cancelled accordingly.

BigRuss

The BioPark and the science museum are great . . . but thinking they'll hold little attraction for a 20 y.o. Ditto Taos Pueblo. If you're not going to ski and won't let junior drive off to Angel Fire or TSV without you, Taos will be horrendously dull for him.

easytraveler

With all due respect to Tomsd, I actually find ABQ more interesting than Santa Fe - maybe it's because we see enough of the "old West" type of towns here in California. Coming from FL, however, you may find Santa Fe more charming to wander through.

Also I find Taos Pueblo way overhyped while the Acoma Pueblo is a lot more interesting. Just my two cents.

sludick has given you very good advice on having alternate plans.

Tomsd

If you get to Taos - do try to take the Enchanted Drive - Ring of Fire - above Taos - past Angel Fire resort, etc Very beautiful, and the drive to the Taos Ski resort is also very pretty.

see: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-enchantedcircle.html and

http://www.city-data.com/articles/En...ew-Mexico.html and

http://www.onroute.com/drives/drives_enchantedcir.html

Tomsd

And easyt: Not sure what "old west" type towns you are referring to here in California?

Other than Virginia City - is there something else of major interest? I don't count the ones way out in the middle of the Mojave desert - nor have I ever felt the draw of turning off to Bodie - by Bridgeport.

Now - driving along Hiway 49 - where you have the Victorian themed towns in Gold Country - that is authentic - but that's not really "old west" - at least IMO.

DebitNM

I have never known The Enchanted Circle to be called Ring of Fire. Can you clarify?

easytraveler

Tom: You don't have to drive out to the boonies to visit an "old West" town in California. There's even a reconstructed portion of the capital, Sacramento, called "Old Town". Plenty of small dusty towns in California with some remnant of the old West.

Didn't say I don't like Santa Fe, only that I like ABQ better.

Whether it's Old Town Sacto or Santa Fe, it's the all spruced up touristy feel that I personally don't particularly like.

ElendilPickle

That's what he always calls it, DebitNM.

For the OP - the Enchanted Circle is a lovely drive if the roads are clear. It would be a good way to spend a day in the Taos area, especially depending on snow conditions at Taos Ski Valley. http://www.enchantedcircle.org/

Lee Ann

Tomsd

Geesh. Enchanted Circle to be precise - but just fyi - here is how Angel Fire got it's name. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_An...o_get_its_name

DebitNM

The article that the link goes to does not use that term; two different things.

It can be confusing to use the wrong term/name. If someone wanted to do further research, that name would be incorrect and misleading.

Now that you know better, just call it Enchanted Circle, ok?