Newbie to New Mexico, please help
 

We will dropping our son off at ENMU in Portales the first week of Aug. While we are up there we would like to visit Santa Fe and Taos. Maybe Albuquerque. We have never been in New Mexico before (coming from Houston, TX).

I would greatly appreciate any adivce on where to go and see and do up there. And stay. We will be driving.

Traveling would be myself and DH, and DD(15), DD(5) and DS(4).

We may not be able to do museums with the little guys, but pretty much everything else would be good. Especially outdorsy stuff.

In advance thanks for your help.

My husband graduated from ENMU. :-)

How long do you plan to be in New Mexico? Albuquerque is about five hours from Portales, Santa Fe is an hour north of Albuquerque, and Taos is about 90 minutes north of Santa Fe.

Your little guys would enjoy Albuquerque's zoo, natural history museum, and science museum, all located near Old Town. Santa Fe has a children's museum, too, but Albuquerque's is bigger and has more to do.

Bandelier National Monument would be fun; you can climb in the old cliff dwellings.

As far as lodging, what is your budget?

Lee Ann

Where to begin???

Lots to do in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Taos is more artsy and less thing for kids.

Here's a start for you.

Lots of neat things in ABQ that your kids would enjoy --

http://www.dukecityfix.com/index.php?itemid=1307

We have a great zoo [as nice as the zoo in Herman Park] as well as an aquarium and botanical gardens.

Go see the AAA baseball team [for the FL Marlins] The ABQ Isotopes at their beautiful stadium. Get the general admission tickets and bring a blanket to save some $$. The kids will love the fun things they do on the field between innings and the mascot, Orbit, is a kids delight [mine too!]

http://www.albuquerquebaseball.com/

Theres a kid's explora museum, and others that all will like just outside Old Town.

Go to Acoma Pueblo just west of ABQ to see some of the history.

In Santa Fe, the is Museum Hill with the International Museum which is great.

Drive up Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe and stop in Madrid, which is an old mining town that was a ghost town and now has a fun and funky tavern to have lunch. Stop in Cerrillos and go for a ride at Broken Saddle.

Go rafting, fly in a hot air balloon.

Eat lots of great food.

Tent Rocks just north of ABQ is an amazing place.


Taos has gorge and bridge. Rafting. Pueblo is great too.

For restaurants, type in Albuquerque restaurants, or Taos restaurants or Santa Fe restaurants in the search box above to find tons of posts.

Same for hotels.

Feel free to email me directly for more info.

I will be happy to answer more Q's that you might have.

Hope this helps - it should be a good start.
Debi

ElendilPickle

YAY!! Go Greyhounds!! We are excited about my son going to ENMU, a little far away from home, but he got a football scholarship and we are tickled he gets to play college ball. And we get to visit pretty places we hadn't planned on visiting.

Thank you for the info, definitely a good place to start. We are thinking about 4 or 5 days, after we are done in Portales.

Budget for hotel 150.00/night.

Thank you!

DebitNM

Thanks Debi!! All sounds so much fun, I will start working on my itinerary and reserching all this stuff you have so kindly shared with me.

As for hotels we love the old B&B kind of hotels, but with the children it may be a little too expensive. I will search and then I will probably have tons of questions. Love the good food too (all part of traveling right?:-) )

But I do have one question, drive to ABQ or Santa Fe first? or does it matter?

Thanks! :-)

You certainly have two of the best posters helping. I thought I'd throw in Sandia Peak (ABQ) for an easy hike for the family. I would also suggest skipping the Atomic Museum. It has been my biggest disappointment in Abq.

Also, wanted to say hello to a fellow Houstonian. :)

Also "hello" to fellow Houstonian. Definitely research all of DebitNM's and Elendi's posts. They're the resident experts and have more info than you can digest. After you've looked at some posts, come back with specific questions and we'll provide more info.

As to your latest question, I don't think it matters. We've always gone to ABQ first then north to Santa Fe then Taos. With only 4-5 days, might suggest 2 in ABQ, 2 in SF and 1 (including an overnight) in Taos.

moldyhotelsaregross(interesting screen name :-) )
dfr4848

Hello fellow Houstonians!! Thanks for the great encouragement on the two posters, I will definitely read, read and read. I know I will have tons of questions. I am getting real excited about our trip!!

Thank you.

Aww, shucks, I'm blushing... :-)

From I-40, you could head northwest from Clines Corners to Santa Fe, then down the Turquoise Trail to Albuquerque. Or you could take I-40 to Hwy. 14 at Tijeras, then head north on the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe. The latter would actually probably be a better route; you can stop at Tinkertown Museum just off Hwy. 14 on the way. Make stops in Madrid and Cerrillos too.

Lee Ann

Hi crarmy,
We are headed to New Mexico(our first time)tomorrow! We plan on a first day in Albuquerque, then 2 nights in Taos, 2 in Santa Fe, a full day along the Turquoise Trail, and back to Albuquerque for the final 2 nights. We'll post our adventure when we return.
Larz

Larz - Not sure what you plan to do for a full day along the Turquoise Trail - are you going up to Sandia Peak and hiking? The drive time is less than 90 minutes. A stop in Madrid with lunch. What else are you doing that it will take full day?

Do you have any last minute questions or need restaurant recommendations or the like?

Debi

ABQ restaurants
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34921091

Santa Fe restaurants

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35016101

Restaurants in Taos - Doc Martin's is excellent as is Joseph's Table ; Apple Tree just off the plaza is nice too; Michael's forbreakfast or bakery treats; Dragonfly for breakfast and lunch. I've eaten at all of these and highly recommend any and all of them.

A great trip report on Santa Fe from AnnMarie
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34882576

Larz - would love to read your report when you get back!!

I have a quick question, In ABQ is it better to stay at a hotel close to Old Town or on the outskirts? I guess I don't really know how big ABQ is?

We plan on going to Old Town and walk around maybe take a tour and them take the children to the Biological Park and Explora Museum, then I would like to check out Nob Hill. Is UNM really interesting to visit??

Thank you!

ABQ is fairly spread out. It is divided into quarants. Central Ave is the north/south dividing line. UNM is on the north side of street; Nob Hill is on the south side of street. Broadway [along side the railroad tracks] is the east/west dividing line. Old Town is NW, being just north of Central. It is close to I40, so going to other parts of town isn't too difficult.

The only large hotel in Old Town is Hotel Albuquerque. There are many more places to choose from along the I25 corridor which is NE designation.

UNM is a university in an "urban" setting. The campus is in town and has several buildings, but really isn't a must see.

Nob Hill has many good places to eat and some funky shops that your 15 yo will love. Not sure your younger ones will though.

I really suggest going to the zoo. It is pretty compact and can be seen in a couple of hours and has wonderful, upclose exhibits. I think it is one of the best zoos I've been to [sorry, didn't think zoo at Hermann Park was nearly as good]. The bio park is nice too, but don't think kids would like it nearly as much.

As for hotels, not sure if you are going to be able to get 5 people in one room. I just checked Embassy Suites [which is a great hotel in an excellent location] for Agusut 7 -14 and they have a 2 bed suite [with pullout couch] for $149. It also allowed me to put in 2 adults and 3 kids.

http://tinyurl.com/2lrjt8

It includes a really good hot cooked to order breakfast and evening mgr. reception with munchies and free drinks. They also have a "Build a Bear" Workshop Sleep Over PAck they give the kids.
http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/e...tyhocn=ABQEMES

We stayed there for 5 nights in Nov 2005 and it was great.

Hope this helps..
Debi

I was having so much fun planning my vacation, but unfortunately my husband has informed me we have to be back to Houston earlier than planned. I will only have 2 days to play in New Mexico. :-(

So, my question, ABQ, Santa Fe or Taos for just two days?? Luckily we will be coming to New Mexico often since our son will be in Portales.

Thanks, once again.

The drive from ABQ to SF is about an hour. You could plan on staying both nights in ABQ.

It really depends on what you want to do as far as all of the activities listed in above replies, but if it were me -- I would do the 2 days in ABQ. I think there are more kid oriented things to do in ABQ than Santa Fe. The museums in SF are great, but to me Santa Fe is more of a grown-ups kind of place.

Debi

Could you plan to visit him during Balloon Fiesta? That is always what brings me to Abq in October.

Congrats to your son! I realize my suggestion won't work for this upcoming August trip, but something to remember for the future...you mentioned the fam likes outdoorsy stuff. If they like the mountains, they'd love Red River. It's north, very close to Colorado (think Colorado - big mountains, green trees, Carson National Forest, hiking, beautiful lakes, wildlife) and would offer quite a contrast to Taos & Santa Fe (which are similar geographically). Between Albuquerque, Taos, and Santa Fe, I'd skip Albuquerque (sorry folks) with Santa Fe so close (hour drive as others have mentioned). This fellow Texan has a vacation home in Red River so we fly often into Albuquerque, then drive north through Santa Fe and Taos - enjoying food along the way, of course! Hope this helps...

with all do respect to dorkforcemom, Red River is a small community and has limited hotels, restaurants etc. While it is pretty there and there are place to hike etc -- all that can be found in ABQ, SF and Taos. I would drive the Enchanted Circle perhaps which would include Red River, but I wouldn't stay there personally.

Thanks Debi, moldyhotelsaregross and dorkforcemom,

I think I will keep the reservations in ABQ, at Embassy Suites.

The first day, do Old Town (walking tour), Biological Park, Explora Museum(maybe) and Nob Hill. I want my DD (15) to see Bart Prince house, I know she will love it!

The second day go up Turqouise Trail, stop at Sandia Park and do the tram and maybe walk a trail. Also stop in Golden, Madrid for lunch at Mine Shaft, go to Cerillos and maybe Tinkertown(I can't find in my notes where exactly Tinkertown is) so how does it sound?

Explore Santa Fe and eat dinner, then drive back to ABQ. Best way to come back to ABQ I-25 or Turqouise Trail?

I don't think I will have time for Enchanted Trail this time, but it sounds like we would love to drive that in the future and also Balloon Fiesta!

Debi you had recommended Sadies for dinner, would that be a good place fo dinner on the first night. I also read somewhere about Duran Central Pharmacy and Model Pharmacy, are those places really worth eating at, or maybe just getting a soda??

I still need to read a little more on restaurants in SF, we want nothing but New Mexico cooking!! The whole time we are there.

Is there any place worthwhile stopping between Portales and ABQ?

Once again, thank you!

Tinkertown is on the road to Sandia Crest. You go north on Hwy. 14 through Cedar Crest, then hang a left on the Sandia Crest Hwy. Tinkertown is about a mile or so up the road.

It's a bit of a drive to the top of the crest, then a mile or more walk (at over 10,000 ft. elevation) to the tram, which takes you back down to Albuquerque. Doing that would take a big chunk out of your day. I would go to Tinkertown, then head on up the Turquoise Trail. In the evening, go back to Albuquerque on I-25.

Model Pharmacy is fun; they have good sandwiches and ice cream.

There's not much to see between Albuquerque and Portales, but keep your eyes open for pronghorn antelope!

Lee Ann

I agree that Red River is a very small community - I was offering a completely different opportunity/setting than ABQ, Santa Fe, or Taos, but within a drive for, perhaps, another time she's in NM. With her son in school there, I got the feeling the OP would be returning time and again to this beautiful state. No one goes to Red River for the restaurants or lodging - they go for the magnificent beauty of the mountains! I was just suggesting an alternative for future visits...

While I'd otherwise prefer 2 days in Santa Fe (sorry Debi) I agree that in your situation the 2 days is better spent in ABQ. Like your plan and also like Elendi's suggestion of taking the Turquoise Trail up to Santa Fe and I-25 back. The Trail is always nice both ways IMO, but with your limited time I-25 will save you some time.

dfr- you can object to my suggestions anytime :) but I know that most of the time we agree, so once in awhile disagreement is A OK!

Given the OP has children, I think for a first time visit, ABQ is the way to go. She will have lots of other opportunities to visit SF, Taos, Red River and maybe even head a bit further up and see SW Colorado and Durango and Mesa Verde NP.

Debi

crarmy - If you go to Fiesta, be sure you book everything in advance (months and months, even!) as you will find problems with sell outs and inflated prices.

If you happen to spot good airfare, I'd be delighted to know. In the past, I've paid $218 - $278 during Fiesta from IAH. Last year was over $300 and the best non-stop (based on time schedule) this year is over $450.

My e-mail is my screen name @ gmail.com.

We loved Las Vegas NM. We stayed acouple of nights at the Plaza hotel there. I really hope to get back to New Mexico and spend more time there.

You guys so helpful, thank you so much!

Lee Ann - So the Tram brings us back to ABQ so that means I would have to ride the tram back up to the peak? Oh my! walk a mile++ at 10,000 ft, I think we are going to die coming from sea level here in Houston.

pronghorn antelope, we will definitely keep our eyes peeled for that!!

Any suggestions for Santa Fe, restaurant with good New Mexico food??

moldyhotelsaregross - I think we will always fly into Lubbock since that is closest to Protales (that is where my son is attending college), but I will for sure start looking for airfares.


I think Ballon Fiesta sounds very exciting, we will definitely have to work that in with one of my son's football games. What are the dates in Oct?? I wonder if it is too late to find hotel room this late in the year??

It looks like it is Oct 6-14th. They have a website: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/.

My husband and I will be there around that time as well and hope we can get to join some of the festivities if we can work around it.

If you guys really want to do the tram, the easiest way is to drive to the base (off Tramway at I-25), then ride up from there. Look around and go back down - the restaurant at the top isn't that great.

We don't eat out in Santa Fe that often, but I hear good things about Tomasita's and The Shed.

Lee Ann

I recommend a visit to Bandelier Ntl. Mmt. Kids love the short hikes that include climbing ladders to visit the cave dwellings. If it's a hot day, go on the main loop in the early morning or late afternoon. Or take the hike to Alcove House, formerly known as Ceremonial Cave. It is 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon and is reached by 4 wooden ladders and a number of stone stairs. Much of that hike is in the shade.

You may want to consider swinging by the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos if it's open at that time. It's the museum of the Los Alamos laboratory, which developed the bomb that ended WW II. See http://www.lanl.gov/museum/ for hours and other info. Although the content is more for adults, there are some fun things for kids.

Consider driving through the Jemez Mts with a stop by the Valles Caldera National Preserve. it's a beautiful drive and an impressive volcanic caldera. See http://www.vallescaldera.gov/

<i>Any suggestions for Santa Fe, restaurant with good New Mexico food??</i>

Tomasita's, Shed, or Maria's: http://www.marias-santafe.com/.

I don't think I mentioned Tent Rocks. It is west of the interstate on the way down from Santa Fe to ABQ.

It isn't a long hike and the formations are truly unique. The kids will love them and so will you. If you want to just look at them, you can do so from parking lot if time is short.

http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/alb...sha_katuwe.htm
Debi

Hi crarmy
I'm reading this thread with interest, because I'm hoping to spend 3 nights in SF next year. I really want to see the Bradbury Museum and also Taos (as I painted a picture of one of the churches some years ago, so would like to see it!)
I'm a bit flustered on accommodation (although there's a whole year to go yet!). I fancy the El Farolito, but am toying with the idea of a vacation home, because it works out cheaper.
Have a GREAT time!

El Farolito..... sigh.... I need to stop opening these threads since it'll be fall of '08 before we can get back to Santa Fe. :((

crarmy- Just thought I'd give you a heads up. I just saw good fares from IAH- ABQ. I know it isn't the same route you need but perhaps there is something equally good for you.