The Road to Taos and Taos Village

This is a full day side trip by car. A joy of about an hour and a half of driving from Santa Fe with a few stops to just take in the beauty of the scenery. Taos is anoother place different from Santa Fe. Querky for sure and relaxed. A mountain town with that New Mexico charm but different. Drive around, park and window shop enjoy a liesurely lunch and repeat that gorgious drive now back to Santa Fe. This side trip is highly recommended.

Best online resource:  Visit Taos New Mexico (https://taos.org)

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Another full day side trip visiting the home of the Manhattan Project (atomic bomb) which helped end World War II. Home of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. A must visit for fans of the recent movie "Oppenhiemer". Beautiful drives in both directions crossing over the Rio Grande Gorge.

Best online resource:  Visit Los Alamos (https://www.visitlosalamos.org)

Albuquerque, New Mexico - International (Hot Air) Balloon Museum

Albuquerque is the New Mexico's commercial center and largest city. There is plenty to see and do but it is not like Santa Fe. However there are a couple of side trips that I recommend. The first is the International Hot Air Balloon Museum. It is a lot of fun, inexpensive and a gem and can be done in half a day allowing you to to do the next side trip which is a short drive. Come back in March to see the Balloon Festival.

The best online resource: International Balloon Museum  (https://balloonmuseum.com)

Albuquerque, New Mexico - Sacandia Peak Aerial Tramway

This is a WOW! The 2.7-mile ascent on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is a thrilling, can't-miss attraction. Once atop the peak, the view is a panorama of more than 11,000 square miles of spectacular beauty. Bring water!

The best online resource: Sandia Peak Tramway (https://sandiapeak.com)