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Looking for a drive destination that’s just the next state over? New Mexico has more to offer than most places with a truly laid back atmosphere and a one of a kind charm. While most people will begin their trip in Albuquerque, it’s Santa Fe and Taos where the visitor can really get that laid back New Mexico experience.
Taos
Who hasn’t heard of Taos with its list of famous names visiting or living in the area? For example, it’s where Julia Roberts and even Donald Rumsfeld call home. When you’re visiting, the best place to spend a few nights or longer is at El Monte Sagrado. Recently opening a new wing in this Taos jewel, you might even run into the likes of Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart who also stay there when in the Taos area. Indeed, there are many reasons to choose El Monte Sagrado beginning with the Sacred Circle located in the middle of the property and the spa with a must signature treatment called the High Desert Body Treatment and a scalp massage added. Lots of artists call Taos home as well and beginning at El Monte Sagrado’s upstairs gallery you can get a good idea of what to expect. Further out there is the artist Thom Wheeler who offers everything from painting to sculpture and Randall LaGro who pierces the soul with his archetype pieces.
For dinner try Sabraso, a wood-fired grill that serves both American and International cuisine and is opened daily. The owner loves his job and it shows so go for the sample menu or test the fresh gulf oysters or fried calamari.
Also in Taos, depending on the season you will find in addition to the fabulous art shows going on all the time, a Hot Air Balloon Rally, Storytelling Festivals and even a Wool Festival. Get ready to relax and just enjoy some "me" time.
El Monte Sagrado
317 Kit Carson Road
800-828-TAOS
Sabraso
470 State Highway 150
Arroyo Seco, NM 87514
575-776-3333
Santa Fe
A bit down the road from Santa Fe in Espanola, the best place to stay in the area is Rancho de San Juan, which is just far enough out of town to be off the beaten path. With a guest list like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Roberts, this Relais & Chateaux property is literally an oasis in the desert with a Spanish hacienda courtyard and public rooms reminiscent of small European chateaus. Rich in the history of the Hispanic culture, the area was first lived on by the pueblo Indian tribes. This is a great place to both hunt and fish and enjoy the natural healing mineral springs of Ojo Caliente. Rooms offer marble showers and baths, plantation shutters, wood burning fireplaces and local art. The area is also full of old sandstone formations and in the Black Mesa there are ancient petroglyphs created by the early pueblo Indians. The award-winning restaurant touts the name John Johnson as chef and owner and the experience is truly rewarding.
In Santa Fe there is always something going on as well, more art of course, but shopping, history and you might even be able to get involved in New Mexico’s reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf program with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Truly a part of the culture of this state, living at one with the outdoors is what New Mexico is all about.
One very special place to have a meal is The Pink Adobe. Established in 1944 by Rosalea Murphy, locals know this place as simply "The Pink." It has grown into a national landmark since it began way back when it was only serving French onion soup and apple pie. Located in the center of the historic Barrio de Analco and just across from the San Miguel Mission, it’s conveniently located too. For a unique flavor, décor and personality this is what Santa Fe is all about.
Rancho de San Juan
P.O.Box 4140
Española, New Mexico 87533
505-753-6818
*On US Highway 285 between Española and Ojo Caliente
www.ranchodesanjuan.com
The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501-2770 505-983-7712