Why New Mexico?
New Mexico is a bright, multi-cultural state that really draws on influence from Native American and Mexican American values. My two cousins, Isabel and Tom, joined me on this trip. It was originally planned by Isabel as a part of Tom's birthday present and a cousin trip but after a lot of re-scheduling it ended up being us three going. We wanted to visit a state we've never been to before but one that was interesting and decently warm for a trip in February.
Itinerary:
Recap:
Day One: Albuquerque, February 28th
Flying out of Chicago early on a Friday morning gave us the entire weekend to explore New Mexico. We opted for landing in Albuquerque so we could take the rest of the day to check out the city's history, find some cool eating spots, and experience their nightly ghost tour for ourselves in their famous plaza.
We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, which was convenient because it was covered by Isabel's points and easy to get to from the airport since they provided a shuttle. One inconvenient part was the distance between us and the heart of the city. Each trip was about a 15 minute ride from our stay but we managed just fine with Uber. If anything, having the opportunity to talk to each driver gave us more of a chance to really experience the town in just one short day and hear about where they thought would be best for us to go.
Our first stop after checking into the hotel was Ponderosa Brewing Company. It was an industrial styled restaurant with 8 beers made in house on draft and amazing food. Isabel and I got the Ghost Train IPA since it was fitting for later's theme (our ghost tour) while Tom got a Grapefruit IPA. After a few beers we walked our way into Old Town Albuquerque which is the more historic part of this town.
Walking around the historic plaza we stumbled -a little buzzed- into the different stores and gift shops. Most of them were very themed around Southwestern charm, Native American culture, and of course, Breaking Bad. I got a sterling silver bracelet for $5 from a women who was apart of a Native American tribe who was selling her jewelry curb-side. I got my sisters some gifts I thought they would like along with some candy from a classic shop.
Meanwhile Tom was in his own head. He decided he was finally going to fulfill his dream of owning cowboys boots. Today was the day and now was the time. Before we knew it the three of us were on a mission. We searched far and wide, through gems and junk and finally, we found Tom's treasure. He grabbed the first pair he found in his size, bought them, and immediately put them on outside the shop. I'll let you know when he takes them off.
After shopping we decided to re-coop at the hotel before dinner. Taking our Uber driver's suggestions, we went to El Pinto. He suggested we try the famous New Mexico green chili. It was a gorgeous restaurant, fit with a fireplace outside. We got margaritas on their drink menu and their world famous nachos, along with their classic green chili soup. I had a spoonful of Isabel's before tapping out, that shit's real spicy.
We didn't have a long dinner and kinda rushed out of the restaurant for our ghost tour at 8 but I would suggest that you take a look around the entire place if you go because from what we saw it looked really pretty, noting the giant waterfall sculpture at the front host stand. Uber once again saved us, delivering us to the historic plaza just in time for our tour.
Our guides were totally fitting for the theme, carrying around lanterns as we walked around. The stories they told us were not only chilling but really cool to hear for the historical aspect of things. The three of us were totally engaged the entire time and even found some humor in things. Not because of the deaths, obviously, but because we had earlier been taking pictures and joking around in the exact spot where a women had murdered someone with a sow during the 1800s. Yeah, that was a little uncomfy to find out.
The picture above is taken in the same place where Lizzie Borden killed a woman. Super awesome to find out. The tour lasted about 2 hours and after being out in the cold and walking around we decided we wanted to call it a night. But of course, we had to stop at a liquor store before a good nights sleep. We had a big day tomorrow.
Day 2: Santa Fe, February 29th
After our first night in Albuquerque we checked out of our hotel and ubered to the downtown train station.We purchased tickets from Albuquerque to Santa Fe the week leading up to our trip so booking was no problem. With our luggage in hand we made our way down Central Ave. in downtown Albuquerque in search of some food. We opted for Brixtons which is right on Central Ave. and known for good food and drinks. They had Uno cards and other games handy to play while you wait and we ended up getting a few drinks before rushing back to the station.
The train ride to Santa Fe was easy. We had our tickets printed out prior to arriving and the train was roomy, comfortable, and not crowded. We were able to enjoy some dessert landscapes on the ride there. It was about an hour ride in total but for someone touring, the scenery was entertaining enough to keep us busy. The best part was the walk to our hotel was less than 5 minutes from the station.
Arriving in Santa Fe, we were able to walk from the train station to our hotel. We stayed at the Old Santa Fe Inn which was located in a prime location. It was a very classic "New Mexico Inn".It was decorated in rich Southwestern charm and they even gave us a room with a fireplace where we were able to start our own fire any time and a balcony that overlooked the mountains. Unfortunately though, our room wasn't ready when we arrived so met one of my mom's friend's brother at local place, called Cowgirl BBQ, to chat about what's popular. John (that's his name) was extremely helpful, giving us suggestions all over town.
Our reservation for Meow Wolf was at 6pm! We got inside to their bar and ordered a round of vodka cranberries before I convinced the cousins to switch to absinthe to make it more of an experience. I swear, it took us almost an hour just to get a feel for the place, we spent the other hour and a half trying to figure out what the hell we were looking at.
Basically the whole exhibit is a house that fell into a worm hole just to burst into other dimensions of space but god damn, it's A LOT to take in. We were there until almost 9 trying to read through clues and understand things.
Once back at the hotel we had a little dance party. Jamming to 2000's hits and drinking wine. Trust me, you had to be there to find this part entertaining. Anyways, we walked to our first bar and began our night out on the town.
First stop: The Matador- we walked in to the sound of a screamo-punk rock band playing while ordering a classic Santa Fe beer. Next, Tom ordered tequila shots and I almost passed out from the thought . After that we made out way down the street to find some other bars. They included: Evangelos, Tonic, and Del Charro.
Home at last to sleep. We had a long day tomorrow and rolling into bed at 2am isn't the best start. We needed all the luck we could get..good thing I had that bracelet from Albuquerque that was said to bring good fortune.
Day 3: Santa Fe, March 1st
That bracelet might have been a sham because we all woke up with major hangovers. We had to pull ourselves together pretty quickly to meet Isabel and Tom's great Aunt and Uncle for brunch. We walked over to a place called Santacafe and had an amazing meal with them. The restaurant was located near the plaza and even had a cool historic story to go along.
After brunch, Aunt Marsha and Uncle Bill drove us up to Museum Hill where we were able to catch a glimpse of some exhibits. First we decided to take in the amazing view by taking a little hike down this desert path before heading over to the Museum of International Folk Art. Here we saw some pretty interesting exhibits. I'd recommend going to this museum over the Native American one just because it was more diverse and had things everyone could appreciate. Loaded up from the gift shops we were ready to go.
We waited for a bit at the cafe they have up on Museum hill, getting a cappuccino while taking in the view. The McNeill's great aunt and uncle picked us up and showed us around their adorable, Moroccan inspired home before we went off to the plaza to shop for turquoise and sterling silver. After more shopping we went to the Loretto Chapel where we say the magnificent stairway. It was a five dollar admission but worth it to see.
After a short stop there we went over to check out the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. Taking in its breathtaking architecture from the outside since it was now past five and closed for the day. We did the same kind of thing for the Georgia O'Keefe museum. Getting a glimpse from the outside since it closed before we got there. I was a little bummed out about it but this just gives me more of a reason to come back.
Next we check out the lobby of La Fonda since it's known to be breathtaking and luxurious. Once we had seen enough there we went back to shopping. Stopping in little shops and picking up gifts like their Green Chile salsa for family back home. Now hungry from a long day we stopped at San Francisco Street Bar and Grill. All of the food was amazing and well priced.
We took a nice evening stroll back to the hotel room the main plaza area to rest up our feet. After about an hour of re-grouping in our room we were off to Ten Thousand Waves. Now this was an experience. Based off of Japanese design and traditions this spa's #1 goal is to have you relaxed when you leave.
For just $40 the three of us were able to spend about 2 hours here. You're given a kimono and slipper upon arrival and all of the staff had a very calming vibe to them. This spa had two co-ed hot tub areas, one women's hot tub, as well as foot baths, saunas, steam rooms, meditation centers and more. Sitting in the one giant hot tub we were surrounded by an endless sea of stars in the sky. The dim lighting from the stars and the moon added to the aesthetic and made it something I'll truly never forget. We all left feeling lighter, refreshed, and detoxed. It really was magical.
Day Four: Travel Day
Ten Thousand waves was the best way to spend our last night- especially since we were going to have to get up around 6am to catch our train back to Albuquerque. We bought our tickets prior to the morning, remembering to print them out as we checked out of the Old Santa Fe Inn. We walked from our hotel to the train station, taking the 7:13am train which was very quiet and roomy.
Once we arrived in downtown Albuquerque we took a free shuttle to the airport, ready to begin our journey home. First we had to check our bags due to our green chili hot sauce being too big to travel as a carry on. After we were through security we got on our flight to Kansas City and then waited another 2 hours for our flight to Chicago. We made it back at 6:30- perfect timing for me to watch the bachelor and crack open some wine. What a trip.
Video coming soon...
To be honest, I even envy you, you had such a great trip, and your videos are simply amazing! It would be cool if you added editing to them using Movavi software (music, transitions, etc.) But they look great anyway