Friday, December 01, 2006

Friday Destination Dreaming # 7

It's the first day of December, and the time when I finally think it is O.K. to start thinking about Christmas. Frankly, it annoys the hell out of me and probably 99% of the U.S. population, that we are bombarded with Holiday shopping advertisements and decorations well before Thanksgiving. PLEASE, let us take one holiday at a time!

Now that I'm ready to start thinking about all things green and red, and quite literally 'buy' into the belief that life isn't complete without amassing more things, it's time to go shopping! In search of handmade ponchos, turquoise jewelry, textiles, and all things arty and crafty, let's head to North Central New Mexico!!!


Loose Itinerary:

1) We'll Fly to Albuquerque, stroll the old town plaza, and eat enchiladas at Duran Central Cafe or Sadies.
2) Day 2 will find us on Route 66 after a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest tram line in the world, with stunning views of the canyon below.
3) The Drive will continue along the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe, where there is so much to do and see! - Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission, Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, and the Palace of the Governors. We'll compare green and red chiles at The Shed, Guadalupe Cafe, and La Choza Restaurant.

I hear Santa Fe is the place to be on Xmas Eve. Farolitos (candles in brown paper bags) are lit and lined along sidewalks, outlining buildings, and perched in trees. There are carols and holiday performances in various plazas and free warm cider to drink. Alas, I will be elsewhere on December 24-25th, but I'll be satisfied with shopping, and admiring the Southwest twist on Christmas decorations, with the smell of Pinon wood burning in the fireplaces.

4) Next on the list is the Bandelier National Monument, where we can spend a day exploring ruins of Anasazi cliff houses and pueblo-style dwellings.
5) Our final destination is Taos, an artists' colony made most famous by Georgia O'Keefe, with legendary galleries and museums. We would also visit Pueblo, an actual living Indian village.


The above water color painting of Georgia O'Keefe is by Theresa Campos (my mother).

*With more time and a lot of driving, here are some bonus New Mexico attractions well worth visiting:
- Carlsbad Caverns
- White Sands National Monument
- Chaco Canyon Historic Park

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You guys, out of all people, need to go to the lightening fields! IT is absolutely amazing and so worth the trip. go go go!

btw, my mom's side of the family is from NM. Hobbs to be exact. I still have lots of family there. Wegener Oil (mom's maiden name). Lots of black gold there:)

Anyhow, I still think the prettiest sunsets are in NM. Enjoy!

oxoxo
rein and the kiddos

2:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hopefully we'll all be in this vacinity next Christmas.
Thanks for using my Tribute to Georgia in your blog.

9:55 PM  

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