I Fell in Love with You, New Mexico

Have you ever been to a place that gives you a feeling of just being connected? If you have, you now know the feeling I had on my recent adventure to New Mexico.  I booked this surprise get-a-way for the BF's birthday (thinking he would love it too)...but, since I have never actually been to the state, I was going off recommendations and Instagram posts.  And let me tell you, some people were not impressed at the locale I chose.  What I learned, they have no clue what this state has to offer.  It was absolutely amazing.

We arrived in Albuquerque early Friday morning and after grabbing our rental car which turned into a 4-wheel drive Jeep with an Eagle on the hood 🦅, we headed North, driving off the beaten path to Santa Fe.  I had plans and the first stop was the Santa Fe Plaza.  Colorful, vibrant, full of shops, art museums, history, and architecture.  We strolled along the streets enjoying the sunshine and music before deciding to grab lunch and a few local brews at the Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery.  Good beer and the best salsa I have ever had in my life, and I've had a lot of salsa.

As we ventured on, we stopped by Camel Rock Monument and took in the never ending views. Up next was Hotel Luna Mystica, and what I like to call, the place that touched my heart.  As we pulled into the bumpy-gravel-filled driveway, I felt a connection to this place.  I was so excited to share "Sundance" with him, the 1961 Airstream trailer we would be living in for the next three nights.  You can't even imagine the sunsets and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  It gave you that feeling... of freedom.  The Western icon has quite the history; it's warm, cozy, and the perfect place to find peace.

Just wait until tomorrow...

Shona 

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Joshua Tree National Park

Another adventure I can check off the bucket list! A self-guided, convertible-top down drive through this amazing park filled with more Joshua Tree's than you will ever see in your life in one spot!  We cruised around, stopping to explore the vastness of this beautiful desert landscape and  the dozens of rugged rock formations. There are miles of hiking trails and one can even camp there...we were there during the day but I hear the views of the stars at night are unforgettable.  This park is nestled between the Colorado and Mojave deserts and at higher altitudes inside the park, the temperature becomes cooler.

We made sure to head to Key's Point, a high point in the desert that overlooks Coachella Valley, the San Andrea's Fault and the peaks of  San Jacinto and San Gorgonia.  The views here were amazing! We drove around mostly, you could definitely spend an entire day or days there exploring, but bring your hiking shoes and pack water! Flip flops won't cut it!

We ended the day with a visit to Twentynine Palms and stopped for a quick bite at Pie for the People before heading back to Palm Springs. It was a great day to explore more of beautiful California with my BF.

Until our next adventure!
Shona

Desert, Palm Trees, and Palm Springs

California...desert, palm trees, sunshine, and days of adventure.  I have never experienced Cali, other than passing through LAX which was an experience all in itself, but I am so glad I was able to get away for a few days with my BF.

We flew into John Wayne National Airport, grabbed our bags and took off to get the car...a convertible of course. We had open highways to cruise!  Top down, shades on, wind blowing through our hair, music, and venturing our way down the 111 to Palm Springs.  It was the perfect beginning to our vaca. We stayed at the Riviera Palm Springs and this resort is nothing but amazing.  We had a great view of the pool, brightly colored orange lounge chairs, palm trees, mountains, and plenty of room to soak up the sun.  

We explored downtown driving along Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drive. Think a lot of local shops and eateries but ended that evening having cocktails at Melvyn's, a local joint just off the beaten path.  We strolled along the streets and did some shopping before heading back to the resort. The weather here is warm, but no humidity so it's very enjoyable from sunrise to sunset.  

The next day we headed back downtown to grab brunch at Lulu's California Bistro before spending the rest of the day poolside.  The food was amazing and they had some of the best coffee I have ever had. I went with the infamous Strawberry Crepes, with a side of bacon of course, and he had the California Norwegian Benedict.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool, reading our books, and enjoying the warm sun and water.  That evening we went to Village Fest, a traditional downtown event of arts, crafts, a farmers market, and for us, people watching.  

Friday morning we grabbed a few snacks at the local 7-11; you know the essentials, water, mini-tacos, mozzarella sticks...and of course I got a Coke Slurpee..not to be confused with the original "Icee" and we headed to Joshua Tree National Park.  It was a relaxing drive while enjoying the desert scenery.  I will share more of Joshua Tree and our experience there in the next blog post :) 

Friday evening we spent our last night getting all dressed up. First things first, cocktails at the resort lounge. A Cosmopolitan for me and a Negroni for him. We then headed to Trio, a restaurant filled with vibrant splashes of colors, for a light dinner of Calamari and Wild Mushroom Linguine followed by a cocktail at Eight4Nine, which boasted a chic and swanky atmosphere.  

Saturday morning, we hit the road early, stopped for a quick bite at In-N-Out burger...I can check that off the list, and caught an early flight home to get prepared for the rest of our weekend that we would spend at the lake.  California delivered all that I expected and I would definitely return again. I love the architecture, the desert and mountains, the sunshine, the breeze, no humidity, great places to dine, great cocktails, and mostly experiencing it with the one person who loves the adventure as much as me!  

Until next time Cali...

Shona