The_NM_TX

  Time flies by so fast that things tend to become a blur. It is crazy to realize that it has already been a year since I relocated to New Mexico. I remember just a year ago how I was a mix of excitement and nerves making the drive from Denver. Once I hit the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign my nerves calmed and the excitement took over. I was excited to get to experience so many new things for the first time. The idea of being a tourist in a new state was something to look forward to that I decided to start documenting it, first in photos, and then writing about it. On the one-year mark what better time to look back at what can only be described as a very adventurous first year in the Land of Enchantment.  The first lesson which was quickly learned is to not move during the Balloon Fiesta, so while Albuquerque would have to wait it did allow the chance to experience Red River and Taos. Taos was a great town to experience, especially the plaza with all its history. I didn’t real...

  When most people think of Old Town in Albuquerque a few thoughts usually come to mind. That it’s a tourist destination, and full of souvenir shops. While that is true if you take the time to walk around and look at all the shops there is so much to discover. Now people know that I am a huge fan of coffee so I was surprised to find not one, but two great coffee shops within the plaza at Old Town. Both are incredibly unique in their offerings and are worth checking out the next time you are down there.  Blackbird Coffee: Located on the east side of the plaza tucked away in the back of a small hidden walkway off the plaza lies Blackbird Coffee. It is easy to be distracted by the beautiful plants and fountain but keep walking past it and this coffee shop will be your destination. Walking in there are beautiful murals of what else? Blackbirds. This is a very comfortable setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, but of course you need a cup of coffee, and the signature offe...

  Old Town Albuquerque is hands down one of my favorite places to go to. It is hard to believe that it is older than the country, considered to be Albuquerque’s first neighborhood, and that it is still around today. In between all the souvenir shops, and restaurants there plenty of areas throughout the plaza that are also dedicated to the history of it. While most people see the replica howitzers, and the five flag poles, there are other areas as well. On a recent trip while exploring I discovered two museums that I promptly visited.  San Felipe de Neri: While the San Felipe de Neri Church is one of the many reasons people go to Old Town there is much more to it. In the back of the gift shop lies a small museum dedicated to the church. Even though it is small it is full of historical artifacts from the church. The walls are lined with all the various vestments that the priests have worn, but the main reason to walk around is to see the historical bell, and organ. The bell d...