Travel
The Land of Enchantment - New Mexico
This is my favorite place in America to visit. I love the culture, the food, the music and the pueblo history
One of the most exciting group tours I have ever led was to the annual Albuquerque Balloon Festival which takes place every October. More than 800 balloons with over a million spectators. I have been to New Mexico many times, and love Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. I like the food, the culture, and the scenery. It has old Spanish churches, interesting architecture, arts, crafts, red and green chilies and 19 Indian Pueblo's who sell the most amazing and beautiful turquoise silver jewelry.
I always have a few days in Albuquerque, and stay at the Sheraton Hotel which is close to old town. A visit to the Acoma Pueblo, an hour from the city on top of a mountain is well worth seeing The old town is wonderful for shopping.
Drive the high road to Taos, highway 14, also known as the Turquoise Trail, only 60 miles from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Stop for lunch at the Mine Shaft Inn in Madrid, nestled in a narrow canyon in the Ortiz Mountains south of Santa Fe. Madrid is famous for its Christmas open House when all the artists put on wonderful displays.
Find out what's happening in Los Altosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Santa Fe is one of my favorites towns. I usually stay at the Inn at Loretto. This has a wonderful restaurant, in a great location. It is a very easy town to walk around. I love the Indian market in the square at the weekends. Visiting in December is wonderful, especially if they have had snow.
The town is magical, with thousands of candles all lit on rooftops, and every house has a string of red chili hanging out in front. I always go for a breakfast at the Swiss Bakery, lunch at La Fonda Hotel, and a fun place for dinner is the La Casa Sena Cantina where the staff are all professional singers and put on a great show. They have several good spas, and a great cooking school.
Find out what's happening in Los Altosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are several big events held each year, such as the Indian Market, the Spanish Market, the Santa Fe Opera, and the 19 different pueblos hold many ceremonial dances which are worth seeing.
I usually stay at the Sagebrush Inn, or the Taos Inn, when I go to to visit Taos.
You could easily spend a week in this state. Lots of interesting places to visit, any time of year.
Maureen Jones
All Horizons Travel/Frosch
825 Santa Cruz Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-961-2340 direct