More of my 2 cents..

I guarantee you will love New Mexico, it definitely deserves its self proclaimed title, Land of Enchantment. I don't know if it's the air, the people, the history, or the food. Or, maybe it's just a combination of all of the above!

Which reminds me, we haven't even gotten into the merits of how good the food is. All I can say is New Mexicans really take pride in their cooking. They're big on chili. Never thought I'd like green chili...but fell in love with it down there. Not as hot as the red chili though. FYI, I never put chili on anything.

I hope to get back to there sometime this summer. Can't get it out of my mind.

Enjoy!

P.S. bring vaseline or baby oil, it gets extremely dry there.

For me, the food IS a big draw, as well as everything else. I love southwestern food and I cannot wait to try the REAL thing. This trip has been one I have been hoping to make for years - the time is right and I cannot wait! I find it interesting that I have had no negative feedback from anyone about their past experiences in NM, just sound travel advice. This only confirms that this will be a great trip, no matter what sights we decide to take in once we get there.

I agree with mesolo. ABQ is nice but it's more of a city and there are many seedy parts. However, if food is a huge factor for you, try going to one of the Garcia's Kitchens for some pretty good red posole (soup) there. Petroglyph national monument is there too and if you have time on your way to the airport, a quick stop (like an hour) should suffice.

NM is fantastic. We've been going there annually (during Thanksgiving)since I first fell in love with the state but I do now spend most of my time in northern NM which is where it's really amazing. Don't get me wrong, White Sands is so pretty and Ruidisio/Cloud Croft area too but it's a long way from anything else. Carlsbad caverns was nice but for me, once was enough and that ride was truly looooooooong. There was especially one strip where it seems like it was over an hour before we saw another built structure of any sort (if you go, make sure you have petrol full in the car and you've used the restroom lol). I favor Santa Fe and points north more. You can base yourself from Santa Fe for 2-3 days (stay near the plaza so you are in walking distance to the best spots like Canyon road with all the galleries, fantastic restaurants : don't miss Pasqual's). Don't stay anywhere on Carrillos road since that will mean you will have to drive to see anything and you'll miss the ambience of the little town. Take the turquoise trail from ABQ to SF. My favorite on that trail is also Madrid. Cool little artist town. Stop by their only bar for a refreshing drink. After making sure you've aquainted yourself with Santa Fe, explore Abiqui country(where Georgia O'keefe spent the remainder of her life devoted to painting the beauty of the southwest) hitting places like Abiqui Lake, Ghost Ranch, Plaza Blanca, Echo Ampitheater and the monastery in the desert. The latter is a 15 mile unpaved road that follows the river chama (I think it's the chama river). Bring a picnic and stop by the water for lunch. Abiqui country can be done as a single day road trip from Santa Fe if you leave early enough. This is a good link to find out the sights of Abiqui country (http://www.digitalabiquiu.com/).
Another day trip from there can be Bandelier Ntl Monument, Los Alamos and the area. Then do 1-2 nights in Taos taking the "High Road to Taos" trail which you will hit places like Chimayo (stop by the church and try some of the food from the little restaurant next door or at Rancho Chimayo). Once in Taos, the best place to stay (IMHO) is Taos Inn. Moderately priced rooms (my favorite was is room 202) but really nice with fireplaces (if cold) and right in town, walking distance to everything. The inn's bar is also the town's watering hole and they have live music most night. Doc Martin, the restaurant connected with the inn is also quite good but for unbelievably good and innovative food, try Joseph's Table (best dinner I've ever experienced and that's speaking alot). Make sure you go see the Taos Pueblo and the gorge bridge. For breakfast where the locals go, try Taos Diner (just up the road from your hotel going left when it splits while right takes you to the Taos Pueblo. For abit of diversity, do just one night in Taos and do another at Ojo Caliente(http://www.ojocalientespa.com/) if you are into that sort of thing - I am and I loved it. It was so relaxing.

...and there's your 5 days. You'll have a marvelous time and I'm sure you'll be back to take it in year after year just like the rest of us who will forever love this land of enchantment. Let us know if you need any other info. Enjoy!

Forget staying in Albuquerque. It is not central to anywhere. Visit pueblos on the way to Santa Fe, then Bandalier & Taos. Don't drive too much. It's a very large state & to go from one end to the other means all you will do is drive. Have fun.