Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: taos

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Until Next Time New Mexico

I am wrapping up our journey through New Mexico and I have to say it was such a wonderful place to experience. After a full day spent at Bandelier National Monument, we took a recommendation for dinner and headed up the mountains of Taos to experience some German cuisine at The Bavarian Restaurant. It had cold beer and even better food; warm and comforting was just what we needed in the snow-capped mountains. We chose the Goulasch Suppe and Spatzle, topped with cream and mixed Bavarian sausages, a perfect combination. As we made our way down the mountain watching the sunset we ended the evening sitting around a campfire and enjoying the star-filled Tao sky.

The next morning it was time to leave Hotel Luna Mystica and Sundance. We made our way to Sante Fe and hopped on the Turquoise Trail, a 54 mile scenic byway through the hills, mountains, and quaint little towns of New Mexico. We hit Madrid around lunch time and stopped at the Mine Street Tavern; this cool joint was originally built in 1895 but in 1944 was burned down on Christmas Day. The current tavern was completed in 1947 and is the oldest continually run tavern in Santa Fe county. And by the way, the Green Chili Stew is to die for, but not for those who can't handle the heat!

Our last night was spent at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. This Southwestern themed hotel is the perfect location for wandering around Old Town and is a quick ride to the airport. We opted to stay in but enjoyed the hotel bar Happy Hour on the veranda before heading to the pool and ordering dinner in. New Mexico was better than I had expected it to be, I can't wait to go back and experience more.

One last thing; have you ever heard of Earthship Biotecture? It's located just outside of Taos and is the number one eco-construction and self sufficient living company. Besides that, these homes can be rented out on a nightly bases and are some of the coolest structures I have ever seen. Michael Reynolds is the master mind behind this idea; be sure to watch his documentary, The Garbage Warrior on Amazon. https://www.earthshipglobal.com/

✌ New Mexico...

Central America here we come!!

Shona

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

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.