Taos

Stay at - La Posada de Taos

Go shopping - in town, and at Taos Pueblo

Eat at - Joseph's Table
Lambert's
Old Blinking Light
(an old favorite, Brett House, is catering-only these days)
Rancho de Chimayo

Take side trips to - Santa Fe
Chimayo (on the High Road)

Be sure to visit - Taos Pueblo
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
the several art galleries and museums in the area

Best time of year to go - May through October, or the Christmas holidays (don't miss the Posadas)

Best things to buy - Southwestern art, jewelry, textiles, storyteller dolls, kiva ladders, wood carvings, photography, local gourmet

Best indulgence - Comfy beds, chill air, kiva fireplaces and hearty breakfasts, served up with fascinating conversation. Short of that, the best indulgence is going to Taos Pueblo and visiting with the locals.

Fly into - Albuquerque (ABQ)

Transportation - Rent a car from Albuquerque, unless you have your own.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the southwestern United States, is one of the hidden jewels of the desert about an hour's drive from the main airport in Albuquerque.


Stay at - Ten Thousand Waves

Go shopping at - The Plaza

Eat at - The Shed
Santacafe
Rancho de Chimayo

Take side trips to - Taos
Chimayo

Be sure to visit - The Chapel at Loretto

Best times of year to go - May, when the lilacs are in bloom on Canyon Road
October, at the peak of fall color
December, in the days leading up to Christmas

Best things to buy - Jewelry, pottery, paintings, Christmas decorations

Best indulgence - Rent a private pool at Ten Thousand Waves, or have a spa treatment. Their Nightingale Facials are famous. Ask if they'll arrange for you to have WATSU.

Fly into - Albuquerque (ABQ)

Transportation - Rent a car