The_NM_TX

  While I was living in New Mexico during the 2021 holiday season I was still so new to the state that I didn't get too full enjoy it. I got to see some of the decorations in Old Town, and tree lightings around but to get to fully experience what New Mexico eluded me for the year. All I can say is thankfully 2022 was different. Officially settled into the state I was looking forward to December more than most years, and while it was busy, I was lucky enough to be able to make the most of it. I know there are some things that I missed that will have to wait, but what I did made for a great time, and some might even become yearly traditions. Here are a few of my favorite holiday activities from the past month.  River of Lights: It had been years since I attended a holiday light display, so I decided why not attend River of Lights to see if it was worth it. The answer is it was totally worth it. The way the Botanical Gardens was transformed was beautiful. The walking paths were...

  Anybody that knows me knows that I love college football, and that is especially true when it comes to the bowl games. Usually, I just watch them on TV, but thankfully now I am fortunate enough to live in a city that hosts a game. So as soon as the games were announced this past year, I was more than excited to get to attend my first New Mexico Bowl, but also my first college bowl game ever. Even more lucky is that it featured a great game between BYU and SMU and was moved to a night game.  In the days leading up to the game the energy and excitement was already building. From the arrival of the teams to the pep rally in Old Town Plaza fans were flocking to Albuquerque to watch the 17 th edition of this bowl game and enjoy the festivities leading up to it. Of course, come Saturday night it was all about the game at University Stadium. Outside the stadium hot air balloons were on display along with other activities to enjoy before the game. Despite the cold weather the exc...

  When I first moved down here there were a lot of places I knew I wanted to explore and find. Now that I’ve lived down here longer that list only continues to grow with each passing week. One of the surprising areas I enjoy visiting is all the local coffee shops. Each Saturday I know that I am going to find a new coffee shop with a unique environment, and a unique menu with flavor profiles unique only to New Mexico. Recently I found a couple that not only serve good coffee, but also some great food options for breakfast, and even lunch.  Café Bella: Tucked away in a strip mall on Golf Course Rd. in Rio Rancho this small café has a huge menu, and delicious offerings to choose from. The inside is very spacious with ample seating. There is artwork on all the walls, and rustic wood coffee counter. There are both sweet and savory food options for breakfast and lunch, in addition to Tacos and Rides on Friday night. Now, I have only been here for breakfast so here is what I recom...

  I think it goes without saying that most people that know me know that I am a huge fan of craft beer. Before living down here I was pretty exclusive to drinking beer, it was widely available in Colorado. Thankfully since living down here I have been able to expand on drinking local with wineries, but also distilleries. So how lucky was I to discover a place in the North Valley that not only makes their own beer, but is also a distillery making great agave spirits, rum, and vodka? To make things even better they also serve great tacos and Mexican dishes. One restaurant I was thrilled to find is La Reforma. Tucked away in a strip mall this place is very easy to drive by and miss, but it is worth the stop. The inside is very spacious with tables to fit groups of all sizes. It is bright and vibrant, with colorful artwork all over the walls, including a gorgeous mural of their logo over the bar. The smells coming from the kitchen were amazing, and only made me more excited to try th...

  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...