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Tag: New Mexico

  • Explore Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Explore Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

    I could be wrong, but I think Old Town in Albuquerque is a bit of a hidden gem for visitors driving through New Mexico. It took us a few times to travel through before we discovered it. Once we did, we stayed a couple of nights while on our way to Sedona, Arizona. We loved it so much that we stayed again on our way home!

    Things to do near Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Visit Old Town! Look at all these beautiful storefronts and colors! There are over 150 galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums. Each one is individually owned. This area offers something for everyone and is historically fascinating dating back to the 1700s, predating the formation of the United States. All within a short distance are the Explora-Science and Learning Museum, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Chapel of our Lady Guadalupe.

    Tiguex Park is within walking distance of the museums and just .5 miles to Old Town Plaza. It’s a great park to get fresh air, sit in the shade, and walk the dogs. There is a playground, basketball courts, and workout equipment. We really enjoyed walking around this Tricentennial Park with the dogs.

    Dog Friendly Hotel Albuquerque, New Mexico

    We love staying at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn; it’s easy access off I-40 and Route 66 and is close to modern and old fun. The hotel is only .7 miles from Old Town. It is convenient with an onsite restaurant and cocktail lounge and is dog-friendly. We appreciate that they have a little kennel in the back, a designated spot for the dogs to go to the bathroom.

    Favorite Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    The Range Cafe is only .2 miles from Best Western. My favorite is the blue corn pancakes!! We always took our food to go and the service was fantastic. Hot food packed nicely and easy to eat in the car. My mouth is watering thinking of the pancakes. 😉

    Our other favorite food spot was the Sawmill Market with multiple yummy food options. I really liked the salad from Meso Grill. It was fresh and huge! They offer beer tastings, yoga, live music, and other events. Check their website for updates.

    We really loved the pizza from Hawt Pizza Co. and so did the dogs! They give you an option to add burrata to your pizza. Do it!

    If you’re like us and get sick of eating out while traveling, we always try to find the local co-op. La Montanita Co-op didn’t disappoint. The fresh bread and deli is amazing. We also really love the Albuquerque Whole Foods hot food section.

    Albuquerque is a great stop on Route 66 on your way west or back east! Allen approves! 🐾

    If you’re heading to Sedona, here are our favorite restaurants >> https://solsiteco.com/2020/12/07/best-restaurants-sedona-arizona/

    Never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Holidays in Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Holidays in Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Things To Do for the Holidays in Santa Fe New Mexico

    The cool Minnesota air has me thinking about winter travels.

    Santa Fe, New Mexico is magical over the holidays. We had a blast celebrating the new year in this unique and historic city! Imagine seeing twinkling lights adorning the trees on Santa Fe Plaza, the comforting aroma of local cuisine in the air, creamy hot chocolate to warm your hands, and the sound of live local music on the streets.

    Before the New Year celebration, we enjoyed walking around town, learning about Santa Fe history, shopping, and eating. The historic buildings and churches are absolutely gorgeous.

    I toured the Loretto Chapel which was built in 1873 and learned about the legend of the “miraculous” spiral staircase. The chapel is a peaceful, special, place. It’s a must-visit.

    We stayed at The Sage Hotel, a dreamy bohemian retreat. It’s a spacious, comfortable, dog-friendly hotel. There is a park right across the street which was perfect for quick walks and dog potty breaks. Our girl, Utah, gave the bed two paws up. 🙂 She was a little tired after the long drive.

    Where to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico

    For authentic Northern Mexican cuisine, we went to Tomasita’s for lunch before walking around the Santa Fe Railyard (see more about the Railyard below). This was the best Mexican food that I’ve had in a long time. Hit the spot!

    For breakfast and coffee, you have to stop at The French Pastry Shop. Amazing French food! The quiche serving is huge and melts in your mouth. The service was above and beyond and we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere.

    For dinner, we loved the romantic Luminaria located at the Inn & Spa at Loretto. Delicious, innovative, Southwestern food with impeccable service.

    The Santa Fe Railyard is such a cool urban space. There are restaurants, shopping, art, events, and we loved watching the trains. What a fantastic idea to transform this historic area into an inviting space for the public to enjoy!

    If you’re REI addicts like us, you’ll love the REI in Santa Fe. 🙂

    We spent New Year’s Eve at the La Fonda on the Plaza. It was decorated with tons of balloons and looked so festive. One of the best things about traveling is the people that you meet. On this night, we met new friends and celebrated bringing in a new year with them. The following day, there was a snowstorm and all of us were getting back on the road. We had exchanged phone numbers, so as we all traveled, we texted each other giving weather updates. It was very helpful knowing we were there to help each other.

    Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

    If you’re in the southwest, make sure to visit Sedona. Read more HERE and use the search bar to find all of our Sedona blog posts.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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