Friday, Jun. 20, 2008

Hot Destination

New Mexico is a Wealth of Inspiration

By Rita Cook

Contributing Writer

New Mexico has more to offer than most places with a truly laid-back atmosphere and a one-of-a-kind charm.

While most people will begin their trip in Albuquerque, it’s Santa Fe and Taos where travelers can really get that easygoing New Mexico experience.

Santa Fe

In Santa Fe, there is always something going on — from festivals to museums to fine dining.

The 400-year-old city offers a historical walking tour of downtown. Pueblo dwellers, Spanish settlers, fur trappers, mountain men and American pioneers all inhabited this mostly harsh terrain made famous by renowned artist Georgia O’Keefe. Needless to say, there are plenty of museums in the area, including the one that bears O’Keefe’s name. This is the only museum in the world dedicated to an internationally-known woman artist, according to www.okeeffemuseum.org. The museum is at 217 Johnson St.

After you’ve finished with the history and museums, try some local cuisine.

One very special place to have a meal is The Pink Adobe.

Established in 1944 by Rosalea Murphy, locals know this place as simply "The Pink." It has grown into a national landmark since it first opened, serving only French onion soup and apple pie. The menu today consists of much more: try the house specialty, Steak Dunigan — a New York strip with sautéed mushrooms and green chile, or the Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas with a Green Chile Lobster Bisque wrapped in blue corn tortillas.

The Pink sits in the center of the historical Barrio de Analco, just across from the San Miguel Mission. For a unique flavor, décor and personality this is what Santa Fe is all about.

Another interesting detour is the "chocolate trail," a cache of specialty shops offering choice chocolate — even in the heat of summer.

Some of the delectable artisan creations — all using cocoa — include: Mayan Chile Hot Chocolate from the Chocolate Maven; Pistachio Red Chili Bark from ChocolateSmith; and rich, dark chocolate fudge bolitas from Señor Murphy Candymaker, which according to local lore will bring happiness.

Whatever chocolatier you visit, you’re sure to be satisfied.

A bit down the road from Santa Fe is Espanola. The best place to stay in the area is Rancho de San Juan, which is just far enough out of town to be off the beaten path.

With a guest list like Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Roberts, this Relais & Chateaux property is literally an oasis in the desert with a Spanish hacienda courtyard and public rooms reminiscent of small European chateaus.

Rooms offer marble showers and baths, plantation shutters, wood burning fireplaces and local art. The area is also full of old sandstone formations and in the Black Mesa there are ancient petroglyphs created by the early Pueblo Indians. The award-winning restaurant touts the name John Johnson as chef and owner and the experience is truly rewarding.

Nature lovers will rejoice with all the outdoor activities. This is a great place to hunt and fish. The natural healing mineral springs of Ojo Caliente are also a favorite of visitors.

Taos

Who hasn’t heard of Taos, with its list of famous names visiting or living in the area?

For example, it’s where actress Julia Roberts and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld call home.

When you’re visiting, the best place to spend a few nights or longer is at El Monte Sagrado, which recently opened a new wing. You might even run into the likes of Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart who also stay there when in the Taos area.

There are many reasons to choose El Monte Sagrado, beginning with the Sacred Circle in the middle of the property and the spa with a must signature treatment called the High Desert Body Treatment.

When you’re finished being pampered, art galleries abound. Plenty of artists call Taos home, and beginning at El Monte Sagrado’s upstairs gallery you can get a good idea of what to expect. Farther out, there is the artist Thom Wheeler who offers everything from painting to sculpture and Randall LaGro who pierces the soul with his archetype pieces.

For dinner, try Sabraso, a wood-fired grill that serves American and International cuisine and is open daily. The owner loves his job, and it shows, so go for the sample menu or test the fresh Gulf oysters or fried calamari.

Also in Taos, depending on the season, you will find in addition to the fabulous art shows going on all the time, a hot air balloon rally, story-telling festivals and even a wool festival. Taos is a great place to relax and find some "me" time.