The_NM_TX

  In a previous blog I discussed a couple books I read on the history of beer and wine in New Mexico. They were very insightful and considering what a huge history fan I am I did not want to stop there. Thankfully there is no lack of local authors writing about New Mexico. This state is so rich in history that I decided to just read about the history of the state, and to say I learned a lot is an understatement. So here are a couple more New Mexico based books I would highly recommend to anyone looking to move here, or someone just wanting to learn about this great state.  It Happened in New Mexico: Author James Crutchfield creates an amazing timeline in this book that starts in 9000 BC and takes through time detailing all the critical events that happened in New Mexico. Reading it was very entertaining, informative, and there was a lot that I had learned like that New Mexico is home to some of the earliest American Indian artifacts found in North America. He also touches on...

  I’m going to preface this by saying that it took me moving to New Mexico to start watching Breaking Bad. So, almost 10 years after the finale is when I was first introduced to Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Like a lot of other people, I was instantly hooked, and a little sad when I finished the series. But the great thing about living in New Mexico is that I can live Breaking Bad every day. The legacy of this show in Albuquerque is still alive today, and this show is still just as relevant today as it was a decade ago.  On top of the fact that people visiting Albuquerque will visit the filming locations there are also businesses in Old Town that keep the spirit of Walter White alive. Most fans of the show are familiar with the Candy Lady who made the blue meth during the series. But did you know that as soon as you walk into her shop there is a tray of blue candy along with cutouts of Walter and Jesse making for a great photo op? In addition, they still sell that famous b...

  As I have said before if you want a good cup of coffee in New Mexico there is not a lack of options to choose from. But as I continue to explore and try these coffee shops there is one additional aspect of them, I continue to find. Not only are these shops brewing up delicious cups of coffee, but they are also roasting their own beans on sight. The result is not only a delicious, and fresh cup of coffee, but also the ability to bring home some of the freshest beans you can buy. Here are a couple of coffee roasters that are worth the trip.  Rust is Gold Coffee: Located on Eubank in Albuquerque Rust is Gold serves not only delicious espresso drinks, roasts their own beans, but also has a cool motorcycle theme on the inside. The environment on the inside is very spacious and comfortable with tables for groups of all sizes, a small patio, and a couch if you just want to hang out. Throughout there are motorcycles, as well as a wall of vintage oil cans. But the highlight is a w...

  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...