Adventure, chiles,and sandia skies: exploring new mexico
going on a hot air balloon has been a dream of mine since childhood. I vividly remember when my mom took my grandmother for a balloon ride on her birthday, and I wished I could join them, but the cost was too high. I promised myself that one day, I would experience it! That day arrived 30 years later when we chose Albuquerque, known as the hot air balloon capital of the world. What I didn’t anticipate while planning was how much I would fall in love with New Mexico! In our itinerary, we included White Sands National Park because we love the national parks and it was a few hours drive away. We also decided to visit Santa Fe at the end of our trip, which was only an hour's drive, and I am so glad that we did!!
We arrived in Albuquerque mid-morning and we were starving. We drove about 15 minutes to a brunch spot that was on my must try food spots called The Farmacy. This charming and cozy restaurant welcomes you warmly as soon as you step inside. The Farmacy was a great choice for our first meal in Albuquerque, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Their motto, “We make good food that you will like,” truly holds up; the food is delicious! I had the “Migas,” a yummy plate of a scramble of eggs, bacon, potatoes, red and green chiles, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and a warm crumbled corn tortilla. Be sure to add The Farmacy to your must-try food list when in Albuquerque!
Albuquerque-The Farmacy (Migas)
my top 3 Albuquerque Restaurant Picks:
The Farmacy- Cute and cozy restaurant and coffee bar that serves delicious breakfast & lunch. *Get the Migas for breakfast!
Sadie’s of New mexico- This restaurant has been around for 50 years serving authentic and yummy mexican cuisine
Sawmill Market- A stylish food hall featuring a variety of vendors
After our yummy brunch, we made our way to our Airbnb to unpack and unwind. I always invest a lot of time in researching our accommodations to ensure they are perfect for our family and friends and conveniently located near the attractions we want to explore. The Airbnb we chose was exceptional; everything felt elevated (they even left a nice basket in the kitchen with local goodies). The house gave off the quintessential New Mexico vibe, featuring soft desert hues, beautiful new wooden floors, and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains from the family room, complete with a cozy fireplace. The kitchen was also nicely updated. There were three beautifully decorated bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the primary suite boasted a spacious, beautifully remodeled bathroom with a large tub, equipped with all the essentials for a relaxing soak. I appreciated the convenience of having a garage for parking, especially since it was chilly during our visit. A highlight was spotting a roadrunner that frequented the area; it was amazing to see one in person and witness just how fast they truly are!
*Click the button below to access a personalized New Mexico itinerary that includes detailed information about the Airbnb.
On our first day, we took our time waking up before heading to White Sands National Park. The drive from Albuquerque takes about 3.5 hours and offers stunning scenery. However, we were unaware that once we got on US-70 and uS-54, there are no rest areas! Holloman Air Force Base is located near White Sands, serving as a missile training area, so the surroundings are just desert no rest areas. As we approached the entrance of the park, we did find a couple of gas stations, including a Starbucks.
our first stop was at the white sands visitors center to get a photo in front of the sign and to head in to get our National park passports stamped (if you do not have a passport, you can purchase them in the visitors center) these passport books are like a passport but for the national parks. the park store is behind the visitors center and this is where you will be able to rent the waxed plastic snow saucers for sand sledding.
driving into the park was like arriving on a different planet. i could not believe how beautiful it was with the white gypsum sand that seems like it should be on a tropical beach, but you only have mountains as the backdrop and no water!
Drive into White Sands National Park
We drove for a bit until we discovered a perfect location for sand sledding. Sand sledding is so much fun; just remember to look for a gentle slope with a flat runoff area at the bottom. We enjoyed every moment of it, even when I took a tumble—hilarious! There are several fantastic spots in the park, and you’ll know you’ve found a good one when you see others enjoying sand sledding. Afterward, we ventured onto the Playa Trail, an easy half-mile out-and-back hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the trek and wished we had time for more trails. The park is relatively small and easy to explore; in fact, we drove through it a couple of times.
Sand Sledding-White Sands National Park
After our sand sledding adventure, we changed clothes for a photo session. One of our main reasons for visiting White Sands was to capture some stunning photos. The sunset pictures at White Sands National Park are truly magical, thanks to the contrast of the white sand and the pinkish skies. We took our photos in March, and surprisingly, it was quite chilly, around 50 degrees. I chose outfits that would complement the desert vibes while keeping it casual for the sandy environment. Be aware that it can get quite cold during the fall and spring months, but the photos are absolutely worth it! I spent a lot of time researching a photographer who could capture the relaxed, candid, and fun style I was looking for. She completely surpassed my expectations—the results were even better than I could have ever imagined! *All of the details for the photographer we picked are in our New Mexico Itinerary in the Itinerary section on our website
White Sands Photo Session
We had an incredible experience at White Sands National Park, and I’m so happy we visited. However, we were super excited for the next day, as we were finally getting ready to go on a hot air balloon ride—our main reason for traveling to New Mexico.
We got up early, around 6 a.m., and made our way to the launch site. I hadn’t expected the balloons to take off from a mall, but it turned out to be an ideal location due to the ample space for inflation and launching. It took just a few minutes to inflate the balloons, and soon we were taking off. Although I typically get nervous when flying, the hot air balloon ride was surprisingly calming. The gentle sound of the burner was soothing, and the take off was slow and steady!
Our flight took us over the Rio Grande, providing breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains in the distance. The journey lasted about an hour, concluding with a smooth landing in another parking lot. After we got out of the balloon, we were treated to a champagne toast—a tradition stemming from the two brothers in France who built the first hot air balloons. I won’t spoil the whole story for you, I want you to experience it for yourself.
This was such an unforgettable moment on my travel bucket list, and I will always cherish the memory of that perfect hot air balloon ride the rest of my life.
*For additional information about the company we partnered with for the hot air balloon ride and their available packages, please click on the link below for our itinerary.
Albuquerque-Hot Air Balloon
After our incredible hot air balloon ride, we set off for lunch before heading to Old Town for some souvenir shopping. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know how much we enjoy collecting souvenirs whenever we explore a new destination. Old Town was delightful, filled with numerous shops offering the perfect New Mexico trinkets we were looking for. Additionally, there were many fantastic street vendors showcasing beautiful and unique Native American jewelry.
One of my favorite shops was Enchanted Wik Candle Co. & Bar. This charming candle store allows you to either purchase pre-made candles or create your own. My daughter and I had a wonderful time crafting our personalized candles. The staff was fantastic, guiding us through each step, from selecting the scent to ensuring we set it up correctly in the candle jar (you can choose from a wonderful variety of sizes and types). *Keep in mind that the candles require 1 to 3 hours to dry, so plan your visit accordingly.
Enchanted Wik Candle Co. Albuquerque
my top 3 old town store picks:
The breaking bad store ABQ- A delightful gift shop devoted to Breaking Bad, offering a wide range of presents for fans of the series.
Camino 66- A home goods store where every item is unique and handcrafted. This shop is renowned for its humble beginnings and a strong foundation in Christian values.
Old Town Emporium- Local store offering a variety of souvenirs, toys, collectibles, and more.
The following day marked our last day, and i loaded it with activities! I was excited that we would begin the day at Los Poblanos, located in the Rio Grande area of Albuquerque. This lovely farm, which I discovered during my research, boasts several highly-rated restaurants. We secured a reservation at one of its renowned restaurants, Campo, where the breakfast is said to be exceptional. The drive from our Airbnb took about 30 minutes, and approaching the farm was a breathtaking experience, as we were greeted by siberian elms & cottonwood trees lining the entrance. Although there was a large area dedicated to lavender fields, our visit in March meant they were sadly not in bloom.
As we approached Campo, I couldn't help but notice the farm's charming but upscale vibe. It's an ideal venue for weddings or special events. The decor is a charming farm chic vibe, featuring white buildings adorned with custom signage for each structure, making navigation around the farm easy.
Dining Experience at Campo
We stepped into Campo, a stunning restaurant featuring industrial decor with concrete and hardwood floors, complemented by light blue accents on the ceilings. The service and food were truly outstanding.
To start, we ordered the pastry of the day, a crème brûlée donut that was delicious!
I also enjoyed their chai latte, which was one of the best I've ever tasted!
For breakfast, we all enjoyed the farm breakfast, which included eggs, toast, potatoes, and a choice of meat or beans. The breakfast was soooo yummy!
Breakfast at campo!
After enjoying breakfast, we made our way to the farm shop. It was everything I had envisioned—a charming little shop featuring a coffee bar right at the entrance, filled with an array of lavender products such as soaps, sugar scrubs, candles, and more. Additionally, there was a counter filled with farm-fresh items including salts, herbs, spreads, and snacks. They also offered a great selection of kitchen utensils and products, along with a garden area showcasing unique trinkets. Be sure to stop by the farm shop during your visit to Los Poblanos; you won’t regret it!
We had an amazing time at Los Poblanos, and I truly hope we can return one day when the lavender is in full bloom!
Los Poblanos Farm
Next on our packed day, we made our way to Santa Fe. We chose to include Santa Fe in our itinerary since it was only an hour away. What took me by surprise was the stunning drive—endless desert stretched out before us, framed by beautiful mountains. Throughout all our travels, I've never encountered such vast open land with nothing built on it.
when we arrival in Santa Fe, we visited the Loretto Chapel to marvel at the miraculous staircase. The chapel features exquisite Gothic architecture and is steeped in legend surrounding the staircase. Inspired by Saint Joseph the Carpenter, the staircase was crafted over a span of six months. It showcases two complete 360-degree turns, all without any visible means of support, reaching a height of 20 feet and lacking a central support beam. The mystery deepens as Saint Joseph, commissioned by the nuns to build the staircase, vanished without ever receiving payment and has never been seen or heard from again!
Loretto Chapel-Santa Fe
My top 3 restaurant picks:
Pantry Restaurant- This restaurant has been in business for over 60 years! Their menu features homemade comfort food including traditional new mexican breakfasts like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros as well as lunchtime favorites like chili bowls, chili cheese fries & chicken fried steak
The ranch house- A bar & grill that serves a diverse selection of american cuisine, featuring a warm and inviting atmosphere with top notch bBQ
Tomasita’s- renowned for their classic northern new mexican cuisine and refreshing margarita’s. they provide bold and authentic flavors representative of new mexico
after vising the church we did some shopping! santa fe has a really cool vibe and really good shops, art galleries, and museums. we went to a couple of really cool stores and found one that is called Meteorite mineral & fossil gallery. it was a really unique shop that had unique pieces including star wars replicas made from old car parts!
Meteorite Mineral & fossil Gallery-Santa fe
my top 3 santa fe shop picks:
Doodlet’s- a charming shop that offers a variety of treasures sourced from around the globe including folk art, miniatures, toys, candies, books, greeting cards, etc.
Hyperclash- A boutique clothing store catering to men, women, and children-renowned for their stunning & distinctive styles
Kakawa chocolate house- an Artisanal chocolate shop that offers a range of distinctive chocolate creations
After our brief visit to Santa Fe, we returned to Albuquerque. We had scheduled a tram ride for the Sandia Mountains later in the afternoon (they were named the Sandia mountains because of the watermelon hue color of the mountains at sunset-Sandia means watermelon in spanish). This aerial tramway climbs to an impressive height of 10,378 feet in just 15 minutes. Once you disembark from the tram, you'll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across 11,000 square miles.
new mexico was beyond what i had ever imagined it would be. i just thought it was the place you went to go on a hot air balloon ride. i was blown away by how beautiful it was, how amazing the food was, and just the all around vibe. if you do not have new mexico on your travel bucket list, do yourself a favor and add it!!
for those curious about our new mexico trip, including accommodation Recommendations, Hot air balloon recommendations, boutique store recommendations, excursions, and must see spots check out our custom curated travel Itinerary templates in pdf format in our store section of our website that includes our full itinerary including links, custom map, tips, etc. (sign up for our email list, and receive a free pdf yosemite itinerary template download). additionally you can collaborate with me to create a personalized itinerary exclusively tailored to your vacation.
Happy Travels!
Mandy
check out our link below for custom travel itinerary to New Mexico:
