Message: Just returned from a week in NM. We used Albuquerque as our base and though it required considerable driving, we were happy with our choice. We stayed in an adequate motel off Coors Rd.(west side of the city) and found access to the highways(40 and 25) very easy. Only a short distance away was an interesting alternative to the highways--Central Ave., the old Rt.66. It was fun to slow down along that street to really look at all the sights from far west all the way to the Sandia Mountains.
Recommendations in Albuquerque: Aerial tramway to the crest of the Sandia Mtns.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on Sats.=free admission to demonstrations of dancing, bread baking in an horno, etc.
National Hispanic Cultural Center=wonderful exhibits in a lovely building; ample free parking.
Restaurants: Scalo No. Italian Restaurant(fabulous seafood canneloni-good for Lenten meals!)

Zinc Bistro and Wine Bar(on Central, just east of Girard) superb prix fixe dinner

The Melting Pot Restaurant--every approach to fondue dining imaginable; lovely stylish interior

Route #66 Diner--superb milkshakes!

Outside of ABQ--don't miss the Acoma Pueblo; beautiful drive to it and back; super friendly people at the Visitors' Center and on the tour.

Santa Fe--go on a Sunday=free parking at meters around town. Park and roam at will. Don't miss the Internatl. Folk Art Museum on Museum Hill! Have lunch in Santa Fe at La Fonda(right on the Plaza).

Taos--do drive up here, more beautiful, we thought, than ABQ and Santa Fe. Bandelier Natl.Monument was a special treat, good for adults AND children.

A week in February was just a short introduction to the area, but it was cool and sunny with no crowds anywhere. Just the way we like to travel!

Sounds like you had a great time, Schildc1.
How was the weather?

What was the name of the motel you stayed at in Albuquerque? I am just beginning to plan a trip to NM and might do as you did and use Albuquerque as a base since we will be flying into there. We only need a clean, safe place to stay since we are always on the go.

The weather was sunny for all but two days, temps ranged from low 30's at night to high 40's and even a few 50's during the day. As we ranged farther north(Santa Fe, Taos), we were glad we brought wool scarves and gloves. Several people in Albuquerque apologized up and down to us for the steady rain we experienced for two days. They were sheepish about it since it's bad for tourism, but essential for the area to ward off fires later in the season.
We stayed at the Days Inn West. Nothing fancy, but clean and a very good breakfast. They even had a waffle iron which produced very acceptable fare. As mentioned in my previous posting, we found the location excellent for access to the city as well as the main highways.

I'm sure those people from NM was pleased to be having rain. I always liked the way the rain smells out there -- so earthy.

yikes. what happend. were...were...not was...

You're right, Tandoori Girl. When we walked around Sky City in the Acoma Pueblo, the water standing in the road ruts looked like slip for pottery-making. The smell was like wet clay for that, of course, was what is was. Then to see some of the pots made by the locals seemed to complete their circle with their environment. Impressive.