SANTA FE INFO
 

Looking for info on new mexico(santa fe) lodging and sightseeing by car. I woud like to get close to nature and Indian culture,is oct a good time to travel..thanks john

Visited Santa Fe last May. Can not speak for October but the high elevation does give the area definate seasonal changes. Just because it is the southwest does not mean it is hot all year(same goes for Sedona Az.) Can reccomend the Plaza Real hotel on the street to the right of the main plaza. large comfortable southwestern decorrooms with balconies, and breakfast was included. This convenient location is next door to the most expensive hotel in town the Inn of the Annasazzi (not sure of spelling) but half the price. Visited Indian sites, and Taos is only an hour away. For relaxation Ten Thousand Waves a day spa, was filled with men and women in outdoor jacuzis under the trees and waterfalls. It was a very peaceful way to end my week in Santa Fe.

October is my favorite time of year in New Mexico. It is still cool at night and in the mornings, but warms to a comfortable tempurature in the afternoon. Wear layers. The snows won't be hitting the Santa Fe area until later in October and into November--mainly in the mountains. You will be surrounded by mountains in Santa Fe, not only the Santa Fe mountains but also the Jemez mountains. Jemez also has an Indian Pueblo and they are usually selling indian bread, along the roadway in Jemez. Also around Jemez (between Los Alamos and Jemez) is the Bandelier National Monument which has ancient Indian ruins. Also during October (early in the month) is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Around 800 hot air balloons are in the Fiesta. Its GREAT! If you go to the Fiesta, don't miss the Balloon Glow and the Special Shapes Rodeo.

Early Oct for Balloon Fiesta, Bandelier Nat'l Mon anytime, Rio Grande Bridge (near Taos), trip to Chama that time of year would be great.

October is a GREAT time to visit New Mexico. If you fly into Albuquerque and rent a car be sure to take the "Turquoise Road" to Santa Fe rather than the interstate. Stop in Madrid for lunch at the Mineshaft tavern and enjoy the shops. The highlight of our trip was a Sunday morning visit to Bandelier. It is a short drive north of Santa Fe. In Taos have lunch at La Folie, a post-modern bistro with excellent food. In SF itself at the high end don't miss The Anasazi Restaurant in the Inn of The Anasazi. At the low [local] end don't miss Tia Sophia's!