The_NM_TX

  At the risk of sounding repetitive one thing that I love about hiking in New Mexico is that usually there is a historical aspect that’s part of it. In the past I have written about Coronado, and of course anything about the Petroglyphs transports you back in time before the U.S. was even a country. But after talking about those hikes to other people I was told I had to check out the Bandelier National Monument. After dealing with wildfires, and the heat of the summer finally the time to do it presented itself, and I was glad I went.  For starters the drive was beautiful and reminded me so much of driving through the Colorado mountains with the winding roads, and beautiful scenery. Once I arrived, I was shocked at how big this place was, and how much there was to do there. The first objective was the hike of course so behind the visitor’s center was the trail head to I began my adventure. It is always fascinating to see ancient ruins on hikes here, like walking by Kiva’s th...

  Since I have lived here one town I have found myself consistently wanting to visit is Corrales. This small town is a relaxing drive that has so much to offer, and it seems like every time I visit, I find something new to stop and check out. The first time was to check out a brewery, which I still love going to. However, on my most recent visit I decided to follow the signs on the road and check out somewhere new. So, with a right turn off Corrales Road and following the banner I found myself at Corrales Winery.  Driving up to Corrales Winery you feel right at home, and when you arrive you find yourself taken back by the scenery. In a huge yard with outdoor seating, you find yourself surrounded by plants, the small vineyard with a gorgeous view of the Sandia as a backdrop. The inside of the tasting room is equally as beautiful with large windows showing off the same views. In addition, they have displays throughout the tasting room showing all the awards this small winery h...

  2015 the weather canceled the day I went. 2021 I was in Red River and enjoyed it on TV. So, finally in 2022 on the 50 th anniversary of the first one I was primed to go to what I am calling my “first” balloon fiesta. Ticket in hand, and a very early wakeup call I drove down and joined the masses waiting anxiously to get in. Once in it was just a matter of waiting and hoping that the weather would cooperate and make the day worthwhile.  Once settled into what I hoped would be a good spot on the lawn, I patiently waited. The weather was very good this morning              so I was optimistic that the day would go smoothly. Thankfully, from my first time here there was new entertainment in the form of a drone show. It was very well put together from spelling out the Fiesta logo, to showing off the famous Albuquerque box, and touching on all things New Mexico. It was a great small show, but then the anticipation of w...

  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...

  When most people think of Old Town in Albuquerque few things usually come to mind. Of course, there is the church, the plaza, lots of souvenir shops, and an abundance of restaurants. While there is nothing wrong with any of those, I enjoy Old Town for other reasons, and one of those aspects is all the art that is all over the place. Whether it is beautiful murals, or sculptures there is beautiful art hidden all around in the small walkways, or also visible large murals. So in between enjoying what Old Town has to offer always keep an eye peeled, it seems like every time I’m down there I find something new. But some pieces stand out more than others, so here are some of my favorite pieces of art in Old Town.  Welcome to Old Town: Depending on where you park this mural might elude you, but even if you park elsewhere make it a point to see this stunning mural. This mosaic type mural shows the transition from day to night with flowers and vines as the focal point across the l...