! New Mexicans and past New Mexico visitors. Help plan a trip to NM?

I though Bandelier was really worthwhile as was going to the Nuclear Museum at (I forget! The famous nuclear development site…), the museum in Santa Fe is good; Taos for at least some hiking the trails, the church of miracles on the road to Taos from santa fe where everyone leaves their medical devices at the shrine was humbling. You can see Georga Okeefe’s stuff and there is a museum in Santa Fe to Kit Carson (his house). The Taos pueblo is a toughie–expensive to get in & you have to pay to take pictures and you feel unwanted but it is a unique way of life. All the galleries on Canyon Road if so inclined in Santa Fe, and be sure and have sopapillas on the square in Albuguerque! You have a very busy schedule ahead of you!

You have a full trip planned for just the week!

Albuquerque:
The Tram: Early morning. Truly beautiful.
Balloon ride might be a sketchy idea because they fly best in October, unless you want a tethered ride which is not that great.

Santa Fe:
That is all good. On your way there from Albuquerque, take North 14 from Tijeras Canyon and you will get a chance at doing Madrid (pronounced Mad rid by the locals). Madrid is an old coal mining town that was taken over by the hippies in the 60’s and 70’s and has all kinds of great art, clothes and food. Going on North 14 will also give you the chance to see old remains of ghost towns along the way.

Taos:
That is all good. If you get the chance, go to Eagle’s Nest and Red River. Great towns and people.

You will have a wonderful time visiting the Land of Enchantment!

Bring water and sun screen!!!

Remember, New Mexico is the 3rd largest State in the US. To see everything you’ll spend a LOT of time driving with nothing much to do or see but the beautiful landscape along the way.

While not in NM but on the way in — do stop at Meteor Crater. The signs look cheesy but it’s a fun stop.

ALBUQUERQUE

-Old Town
The birthplace of Albuquerque. Allow a full afternoon and evening to discover Old Town. Over 150 shops, galleries, restaurants, 7 museums and fun Tours which share the History, Legends & Lore of the Duke City. You’ll find the art prices in Old Town much better than in other areas of the State. The ABQ Museum of Art & History has a great Billy the Kid exhibit right now! The Ghost Tour of Old Town (8pm) is not to be missed! Live entertainment around the Plaza on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights.

-Sandia Peak Tramway (is there a best time of day for this?)
The Tram is fun sunset is popular. There is a restaurant up top (High Finance) though it is a little expensive for dinner. I’d suggest going up about Noon and getting lunch up top. Be sure to bring a sweater/light jacket with you regardless of how hot it is in town. It is always at least 30 degrees cooler on top.

-Petroglyph National Monument
Kewll to see- but honestly a bit of a let down (vandalism, etc.) and a little bit of a hike. I would suggest going in the morning when it is cooler outside. You only need an hour or two for this.

-Aquarium
Amazing what we have here in the high desert! A small Aquarium but is very nicely done with the Biological Gardens right next door. A few hours later afternoon there would be perfect. (The Shark Reef Cafe - where you can watch the sharks swim while you eat - is pretty impressive too.) And the butterfly house in the Gardens.

-Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) and Laguna Pueblo on the way there
DEFINITELY MAKE THE TIME TO STOP AND SEE SKY CITY!!! The Acoma Pueblo is worth the time. Allow a few hours to take their Tour and see their Museum. (Then only about 1 hours drive to ABQ from there.)

-Hot air balloon ride (Rainbow Ryders? any better companies?)
A trip to NM would not be complete without a ride in a hot air balloon! This is an early morning adventure so plan to be in bed early the night before. Discover Balloons is good too.

Take the 14 on the other side of the Sandia Mountains to Santa Fe instead of the I-40. Much more scenic drive! Stop in Madrid at the Mine Shaft Tavern for lunch - best burgers around! Coal Mining Town turned Ghost Town turned Artist Compound.

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SANTA FE

-Plaza
Kewl to walk around and shop.

-Palace of the Governors
Great museum. Try to find the window with the bars made of Gun Barrels (once used as a jail) and check out the Great Seal of New Mexico made with spoons and hardware!

-Loretto Chapel (staircase)
Very interesting and magical place. Just a quick stop.

-Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Interesting to hike and walk through. Very hot this time of year - bring water. Search for Apache Tears as you enjoy the scenery.

-Rancho de los Golindrinas
This place is great! Allow a few hours to do the entire walk through. Authentic & Historic. Gives you a good idea of how early travelers and settlers lived. Lots of walking — hills, etc. But a very good time.

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Hope this helps! I know you will have a wonderful time!!!