For this trip, we ventured outside our southern boundaries to the southwest to visit The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. We love New Mexico and took our oldest son on a trip there for Christmas. Since he had not visited The Land of Enchantment since he was young, he was eager to see it again from an adult perspective.
Gallup, New Mexico
We arrived very early in the morning and took off for Gallup, New Mexico. During our side trip, we explored the jewelry shops, had burgers from Blake’s Lotaburger and walked through downtown. Most of downtown was closed due to the holidays, but it was still a nice walk and fun to see the variety available in the spring and summer when the shops are usually open.
Blake’s Lotaburger, Gallup, New Mexico. 
Blake’s Lotaburger sign, Gallup, New Mexico. 
Photo of the mountains in western New Mexico.
Casa Rondeña, Albuquerque
We also visited the Casa Rondeña winery in Albuquerque. Situated in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, it is a beautiful winery, with lovely wine. We fell in love with their 1629 wine. Because it was winter, the grounds were mostly dormant and we look forward to returning when the scenery is greener. We enjoyed a tasting and bought a couple of bottles of wine for our time in New Mexico.
Casa Rodena Winery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Glass of their 1629 wine, enjoyed by the fire at the winery.
Old Town Albuquerque
We spent two days in Albuquerque where we explored the galleries, shops and restaurants in Old Town. There are approximately ten blocks of shops and restaurants. We stepped into La Placita, one of our favorite restaurants in Old Town and were immediately wrapped in warmth by the kiva in the lobby. Whenever we are in Albuquerque, we make sure to get to La Placita for a wonderful meal, good service and a warm atmosphere.
I always have the Navajo taco here and my son enjoyed one as well. Chip had some traditional tacos as you will see pictured. La Placita has a long history in Albuquerque having been there since 1933. They have been serving their community and tourists for many years. Offering a culinary experience unique to New Mexico and no doubt the scene of many delightful events and memories made by those who frequent their restaurant. Truly La Placita is one of the “lights that shine” in our world. Steadfast and ready to serve, we always look forward to our meals there.
Galleries and Art
There are many galleries in Old Town that I love to visit. Many artists there have amazing work. There are two galleries that I always make sure to visit. Romero Street Gallery is full of art by a coop of talented artists. You can stroll through and see canvas paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. The other gallery that I enjoy is Yucca Gallery. Nestled in the sweet courtyard of Old Town’s Patio Market. Yucca Gallery is a coop of artists as well. You can find art here in a variety of mediums as well.
“Caught in The Rain”
During this trip, I am specifically taken with artist, Abigail Eaton’s work. I assure you, there were many, many beautiful paintings and art to choose from and enjoy. However, when I stepped into Yucca Gallery, a specific painting caught my attention and drew me in. “Caught in the Rain”, the colors and emotions in this painting are amazing. We purchased the painting and had it shipped to us at home.
“Caught in the Rain” arrived more quickly than anticipated. and I was thrilled to get the painting hung. It hangs over our bed. It can be seen from our living room, walking by the room and, of course, each time we walk in or out of the room. Every time I see it, I am drawn to it again. “Caught in the Rain” is literally a painting of a horse caught in the rain. The emotion and use of color remind me of not only horses but of any living thing, any human that gets “Caught in the Rain”. Whether caught in a downpour outside or just going through something emotionally or physically, everyone is the same and gets caught at some time. The painting reminds me to be kind. Being kind is always right because you never know when someone you encounter is “Caught in the Rain.”
San Felipe de Neri Church
On our way out of town, we stopped by San Felipe de Neri Church. This is a beautiful, historic Catholic church nestled in Old Town.
Top of San Felipe De Neri in Old Town Albuquerque 
Crosses on top of San Felipe De Neri in Old Town Albuquerque San Felipe De Neri 
San Felipe De Neri, Albuquerque
Luminaries
In Old Town Albuquerque and The Plaza in Santa Fe, many businesses, house tops and sidewalks were still lined with luminaries. We arrived the day after Christmas. Luminaries are used to light the way to midnight mass and as decorations during the holiday season.
Santa Fe’s luminaries on adobe buildings were beautiful with the snow. Santa Fe as always was charming. We went through a few galleries and shops here as well. We walked around The Plaza and enjoyed our time.
Santa Fe – More art in The Land of Enchantment!
We visited the Georgia O’Keefe museum. There are several elements to the museum in the area, but the main gallery was only open that day. We also visited the New Mexico Museum of Art. The building itself was art in the architectural sense. The exhibits were educational and enjoyable.
Santa Fe Casual Dining
There are many wonderful culinary opportunities in Santa Fe. For your everyday southwestern Mexican fare to grab lunch or dinner, we love Blue Corn Cafe in downtown Santa Fe. The Navajo tacos are always delish, and who doesn’t love a prickly pear margarita?
There is another experience that you need to have in Santa Fe is Dion’s pizza. Remember how we bought that wine at Casa Rondeña? Well, we picked up pizza from Dion’s and took it back to our hotel. We had “The 505”, which is a pepperoni & green chili pizza with our 1629 wine. Yum!!
New Mexico Craft Breweries
Craft beers have begun to earn an exceptional reputation in New Mexico. So, we hit a few craft breweries while we were there. We have a separate blog on the breweries in The Land of enchantment you can read here.
Enchanted Architecture and Landscape
If you are looking to visit the southwest and enjoy beautiful mountains, adobe architecture, and amazing art, food, wine and beer, you need to book your trip to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. New Mexico has so much to see and do in both areas that you can make a entire trip in only one of the cities.
Book your trip to New Mexico
If you are up for an amazing experience in art, food, landscape and history, book your trip to The Land of Enchantment and visit New Mexico.
If you have visited New Mexico, share your adventure in The Land of Enchantment with us in the comments! We always enjoy our time in New Mexico. If you know of a great place you would like us to blog about, contact us or comment below!
