White Sands National Monument is the main attraction that inspired me to create this itinerary. The images I found online were just breathtaking so I knew I had to see it for myself and capture my own shots. I planned the drive to arrive in the late afternoon to take advantage of the guided sunset stroll in the evening. You can attempt to arrange a visit for sunrise but it requires much more planning. They also offer full moon hikes on the night before the full moon.
You can easily mistake this gypsum sand for snow especially when you join in on the fun of sledding down a sand dune. The gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth.
Pistachio Land, “Home of the world’s largest Pistachio!”…. if you are staying in Alamogordo or Las Cruces, which is usually where one stays when visiting the White Sands National Monument, then a quick stop at Pistachio Land is a must in my opinion. It’s a pistachio lovers dream! We arrived in time for a tour of the pistachio fields. Afterwards, we headed over to the pistachio tasting bar and picked up a few bags to bring home. Of course we had to try their pistachio ice cream!
Meow Wolf… Santa Fe is known for its art galleries but Meow Wolf is a unique and different kind of art experience. They create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Their first permanent installation, “House of Eternal Return” was launched in 2016 with the support of Games of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin. It’s difficult to put into words what you can expect. You just have to visit and experience it yourself. Let’s just say it’s a fun time and I didn’t post many pictures below to avoid giving away the cool rooms and surprises throughout the house. Check out their website for more details.
Madrid…. is a small charming town found along the popular Turquoise Trail. Madrid was once a coal mining town and is now more of an artist community. We made a point to drive a little out of our way on the return to Santa Fe so we can check out this scenic byway. It was a road trip after all so why not? If you have the time, I say add it to your itinerary. They have cute little shops and spots for dining. This is the town where I was pleasantly surprised with that vintage belt purchase shown in my New Mexico, Part I post. Check it out if you haven’t yet.
Chimayo… is a special town in northern New Mexico and a 35-minute drive from Santa Fe. Chimayo is one of the most historical villages in the southwest and its famous church “El Sanctuario de Chimayo” is known for delivering miracles and its healing soil. I’ve visited many churches during my travels but I must say, I left this one feeling something that I can’t quite explain. In my opinion, you don’t have to be religious to walk away feeling something. You just have to be human.
While visiting Chimayo, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the historic & award-winning, RANCHO DE CHIMAYO. It’s a restored ancestral family home turned into a restaurant. That is exactly the vibe you get as you walk through the many different rooms. It’s as if you walk into a restaurant, make a right or left turn and all of a sudden you are in someone’s dining room.
Pictured below, their green chili stew, shrimp enchilada, and the popular fluffy sopaipilla dipped in fresh local honey… no need for dessert with this on the table. All delicious!!!
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa… New Mexico is a great place to add to your list of “wellness destinations” if only for their hot springs. Known for their healing properties, you have plenty of options to experience the springs such as “Jemez Springs”, “Spence Hot Springs” & “San Antonio Springs”, just to name a few. You can also experience them in more of a spa setting like at the very popular “Ten Thousand Waves Spa” in Santa Fe. I opted to visit the Ojo Caliente mineral springs which offered several different pools to soak in as well as a mud pool.
After our afternoon of soaking our aches and pains away, we mustered up enough energy to take on one of their hiking trails. A visit here will deliver a relaxing yet exhilarating day trip or you can overnight at the resort and add on some spa treatments and meals.
Taos…. is another popular town in northern New Mexico and a 1.5 hour drive from Santa Fe. You can’t visit Taos without a visit to Taos Pueblo…. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw and either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. Approximately 150 people live within the Pueblo full time. You will find individually owned shops within the pueblo where artisans sell handmade items such as pottery and jewelry.
Taos was declared a National Historic landmark in 1965; and Taos Pueblo was admitted to the World Heritage Society in 1992 as one of the most significant historical cultural landmarks in the world (other sites include the Taj Mahal, Great Pyramids and the Grand Canyon). Taos is also home to a world-class ski resort, Taos Ski Valley.
DOGS of TAOS PUEBLO….
While in Taos, we stopped for lunch at Orlando’s which was highly recommended by locals. We ordered the green chili cheeseburger and a shrimp enchilada (yes, again). All of you Margarita lovers out there keep in mind there are some places that make them with wine instead of Tequilla and Orlando’s is one of them.
Before wrapping up our visit to Taos, we drove over the famous RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE…. It is the tenth highest bridge in the United States. It’s so grand it takes your breathe away, yet it wasn’t as intimidating as we expected. You can pull over after crossing the bridge and step out to truly take it all in.
San Francisco de Asis Mission Church…. a historic and architecturally significant church on the main plaza of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. One of the most photographed and iconic churches, it was also the subject of several paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe. The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and is also designated as a World Heritage church.
Head over to my NEW MEXICO, PART III post, the final chapter of this three-part blog post. We wrap up this road trip in style at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.