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Posted: 8/3/2021 9:51:31 PM EDT
Is this a good idea?
I've driven through before heading from Phoenix back to MI but haven't actually done anything in NM. It would be my wife and me. We like National Parks. We don't hike. We like museums. I read through some of the other posts in the forum and now I am wondering if going to NM is a good idea. Please let me know what thoughts you have. Thanks. |
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Posted: 8/3/2021 10:07:11 PM EDT
It's a great idea. Where will you be coming from and where will you be headed to? I-10 East and West? I-25 North and South? What time of the year?
I was born and raised in Michigan. Are there areas you'd want to avoid? Absolutely. It's no different in New Mexico. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 12:42:50 PM EDT
This could happen in the next month.
Still trying to decide if we would fly or drive. Flying vs hotel and food costs for driving would be about the same. The rental car adds lots of cost. I still have 4 weeks of vacation to use this year so time isn't an issue. Thinking maybe 10 days total if we drive. If we drive, we would come in from the NE corner area. I was thinking of staying in/near Santa Fe for a few days and Albuquerque for a few days and take our day trips or activities from each area. We don't mind driving to do stuff. Staying outside the two cities is fine. Staying in other places would be fine. We try to limit switching hotels to some extent but we will switch when it makes sense. At some point we will be getting lunch at Rudy's. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 12:46:36 PM EDT
We could start in Carlsbad and work our way north if that makes sense.
If we end up driving, finishing our exploring at the north end of the state would mean a shorter ride home. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 1:50:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wickedbeernut]
I'm more of a Southwest New Mexico tour guide, so I'll defer to the ARFCOM members in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area.
You'll enjoy Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you've never been, I'd travel through Roswell. You mentioned you like museums. There is an International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop. It's a little cheesy, but I enjoyed it. Ruidoso is beautiful. We stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, but it's very expensive. There's a casino at the Inn, however, it tends to be rather smoky. You might want to pay attention to New Mexico COVID protocols. Everything had almost been completely opened back up, but I get the sense our Governor is about to go on the warpath again. I'm sure other ARFCOM members can give you recommendations for the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, including which areas to avoid. Good luck. I hope you enjoy your stay in New Mexico. |
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MD, USA
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Posted: 8/4/2021 4:09:17 PM EDT
If you really want to see NM, you need a 4wd vehicle with high ground clearance.
Santa Fe is neat to see. There are also some nice nature areas like Diablo Canyon, and Hyde Park. There is a nice monastary called monastery of the desert. There are also lots or native American sites to see like Bandolier national monument. Sky City is interesting, and Choco Canyon. Stay out of Espanola and Albuquerque at night. Never go to the south side of Alb. Never stay in a hotel in Alb. Stay in north Rio Rancho instead. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 4:10:34 PM EDT
South East
If you are starting in the SE and going to work your way up, You must go through White Sands. You don't need to spend the whole day, but you should at least drive through. The Trinity site would be a must see. Not sure if you can just go any time. Albuquerque If you are a fan of Breaking Bad, you can drive around Abq and see some of the more recognizable landmarks from the show. I've always been a fan of the Atomic Museum (also in the show). It has some great history there. Balloon fiesta museum You could ride the Tram Santa Fe The Plaza in Santa Fe should also be on the list. Loretto Chapel Drive by the Governors mansion while sticking your hand out the window and show our governor only you middle finger. Taos Rio Grande Gorge bridge outside of Taos Taos Plaza El Santuario de Chimayo For a quiet relaxing couple of days, you could stay in Red River. Nothing special to see, but a decent place to chill out for a few days. If you make your way toward Chama, You could ride the narrow gauge railroad I'm sure more will come to me as soon as i click submit |
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Posted: 8/5/2021 6:16:36 AM EDT
Thanks for the info guys.
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Posted: 8/5/2021 4:43:22 PM EDT
In Roswell there is a decent art museum in town that also has a section about Robert Goddard. White Sands is a neat trip for a couple of hours and while you’re out that way hit up the missile museum at White Sands Missile Range. It has an actual V2 on display. There’s also a halfway decent space museum in Alamogordo. From there you could hit 25 in las cruces to head north. Along the way there’s the Very Large Array outside of Socorro. Or stop in Hatch and get an amazing green Chile burger at Sparkys.
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Posted: 8/5/2021 4:54:10 PM EDT
Quote History Originally Posted By clayvt: From there you could hit 25 in las cruces to head north. Depending on when you're coming ... The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is in October. I'm sure you've been to the festival in Battle Creek. New Mexico's Hatch Chile Festival scheduled to return Labor Day weekend |
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Posted: 8/6/2021 10:06:08 AM EDT
Keep these suggestions coming, please! I will be in NM on vacation in a week, and came to this forum to post my own thread on this same topic. Planning on spending a few days in Alamogordo, to see White Sands NP and nearby museums and sights. Still researching and planning a few days after that. Any "Must See" outside of Carlsbad, ABQ, or Taos would be appreciated!
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Posted: 8/7/2021 1:33:19 AM EDT
Can’t forget Carlsbad Caverns
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Posted: 8/8/2021 11:06:26 PM EDT
White Sands will be hot this time of year. Go early.
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Posted: 9/7/2021 4:43:20 PM EDT
Go to Chama and ride the train, it's a beautiful trip.
There are cabins and small motels in Chama. |
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Posted: 9/7/2021 5:44:14 PM EDT
NM has been delayed until next year. Going to SD next week to check and see if the presidents are still on the giant rock.
Will also watch the buffaloes roam. Thanks for all of the input. |
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