I’m not a good enough writer to be able to capture New Mexico in a meaningful way. So rather than disappoint us both, here is a list of ten things you should do when you go there. Which you will.
1. Tour Georgia O’Keeffe’s Home and Studio [1] in Abiquiu followed by lunch at El Farolito [2] and hiking at Ghost Ranch [3]—truly the best day possible.
2. Hike at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument [4], take the Canyon trail all the way.
3. Eat lunch at The Kitchen [5] at Plants of the Southwest and be sure to get an iced tea and tell Olive I said hello.
4. Become a breakfast regular at Dolina [6] (home of the happiest staff on earth?) and try everything on the menu in a week.
5. Eat a green chile cheeseburger at Santa Fe Bite [7] or Shake Foundation [8]—they’re great.
6. Shop for straw hats at The Man’s Hat Shop [9] in Albuquerque before meeting friends at the ridiculously beautiful Los Poblanos [10] for dinner.
7. Take the high road to Taos and stop at Rancho de Chimayo [11] for some of the best New Mexican food possible.
8. Get to Bandelier National Monument [12] right when they open and have ancient cliff dwellings to yourself.
9. Wander around downtown Santa Fe and shop at Shiprock [13] and Santa Fe Vintage [14], check out museums, or head over to the incredible farmers market [15] on a Saturday morning.
10. Smell that air, the best I’ve ever had.