Explore Albuquerque
The words of the official New Mexico state ballad, “Comeback amigo. No matter where you go. To the Land of Enchantment – New Mexico,” entreat visitors to return again and again. As indeed you will.
Blessed with remarkable desert landscapes, snowcapped mountains, bubbling hot springs, acres of national forests and seemingly endless sunshine, the moment you cross the state line into New Mexico you fall under its spell.
With a history that spans from ancient ancient pueblo dwellers to early Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors and Mexican settlers to American gunslingers, New Mexico has a rich and diverse heritage creating a unique and colorful melting pot. Add in the food, the art, the architecture, the museums, the festivals and the music, and “Land of Enchantment” is exactly the way to describe New Mexico.
I fell in love with New Mexico the first time I visited Santa Fe more than 29 years ago and have been returning as often as possible ever since. More than a destination, New Mexico evokes a feeling that speaks to your soul. Although it’s impossible to experience all the things the state has to offer, as soon as my COVID vaccination was in effect, I took off for 10 days to show a friend the ways in which New Mexico enchants me. Our tour has been divided into five segments.
Day One: Albuquerque
It is approximately a 10 and ½ hour drive from Austin to Albuquerque and with the one hour time difference you can leave early and be there in time for happy hour or dinner as you watch the Sandia Mountains turn pink as the sunsets – a sight that will remain in your memory forever.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Chaco is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Historic Old Town. Entering the lobby you get your first taste of New Mexico’s unique style as the architectural design and interiors speak to authentic historic elements found in the Chaco Canyon and the pueblos. As you savor your glass of champagne handed to you at reception you can take in the stunning reception lobby which is designed to invoke a Native American kiva.
Credit: Minh Quan
The hotel has a modern feeling with a nod to its New Mexico roots and has one of the best collections of contemporary Native American art in the state. The rooms are comfortably decorated in a modern Southwestern style and have a balcony where you can watch the incredible sunrise which lights up the Sandia Mountains each morning.
Credit: Nick Merrick
Where to Eat: Treat yourself to Level 5, the in-house gourmet rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains and locally sourced, seasonal menus. Reservations are available only to in-house guests with the exception of holidays.
Day Two: Albuquerque
Explore Old Town which dates back to 1706 and is the site of the oldest building in the city, San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793.
Old Town centers around the plaza with 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings which now house shops, art galleries and restaurants. Within a short walking distance are two museums with fine collections – the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. Check out the exhibit calendar – we actually planned our trip to be able to see a special Frida Kahlo exhibit.
In the afternoon take the Sandia Peak Tram for spectacular panoramic views from the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains. There are several hiking trails which afford a 360 11,000 square mile vista. For lunch or dinner or drinks after your hike there is a nice restaurant and lounge Ten 3 with incredible views and a cozy fireplace. Reservations are highly recommended for both the tram ride and the restaurant.
Where to eat: Explore the offerings of the Sawmill Market, a unique dining concept – a gourmet food hall located directly across the street from the Hotel Chaco, it is the place for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a huge variety of culinary offerings. It was extremely convenient to order breakfast online and take it to go as we continued our road trip.
Credit: Douglas Merriam
Up Next: Jemez Springs and Abiquiu
What's Your Reaction?
Please do not call my ancestors “Anasazi”; that is like saying the N word to us. Instead, we prefer our ancestors are called “Ancient Puebloans”.
“Anasazi” was the word the Navajo called us as they raided our villages (in their language it means “old enemy”, quite offensive indeed).
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