Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [133]
Celestial Creations
Showcases art from around New Mexico for all budgets. 575-894-7591; www.celestial-creations-nm.com; 220 Date St, Truth or Consequences; 11am-5pm Mon, Tue & Thu-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, closed Wed
Peppers Gallery
A cooperative featuring the work of 30 local artists. It’s on the right-hand side of the road at mile marker 113. 575-854-3696; 100 First St, Magdalena; 9am-5pm Thu-Sun
Magdalena Arts Gallery
Adjoins the Bear Mountain Coffee Shop in the center of town. 575-854-3318; www.magdalenaartsgallery.com; 902 First St, Magdalena; 10am-4pm Wed-Mon
Montecristo Gift Shop & Gallery
There is no numbered address, but Monte Cristo is easy to spot – it’s one of the few operational buildings in Chloride. 575-743-0493; Wall St, Chloride; 10am-4pm Mon-Sun
EAT
Barbershop Café
The sandwiches are delicious at this café; inquire about rooms ($60) if you need to crash. 575-895-5283; 200 Main St, Hillsboro; mains $5-12; 11am-3pm Wed, Thu & Sun, to 8pm Fri & Sat
Los Arcos
The most upscale place to dine, inside or out, in town. 575-894-6200; 1400 N Date St, Truth or Consequences; mains $15-25; 5-10pm
Silver City Brewing Company
If interested in the craft of beer making, ask to chat with the head brewer. Pizza and calzones are served with a rotating selection of microbrews. 575-534-2739; 101 E College Ave, Silver city; mains from $6; 11am-late
SLEEP
Palace Hotel
A restored 1882 hostelry, it has 19 rooms that vary from small (with a double bed) to two-room suites (with king- or queen-size beds) outfitted with refrigerators and microwaves. 575-388-1811; www.zianet.com/palacehotel; 106 W Broadway, Silver City; r from $45
Sierra Grand Lodge & Spa
Nonguests are charged $25 for the first person then $5 per additional person to use the pool. Rooms and suites are a mix of luxe and tranquil and have wi-fi access. 575-894-6976; www.sierragrandelodge.com; 501 McAdoo St, Truth or Consequences; r from $99
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.nmfiberarts.org
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
42 Pueblo Life
43 Out of This World
53 Hot Springs & Swimming Holes
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Return to beginning of chapter
Farm to Table: Organic New Mexico
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WHY GO Santa Fe local Richard Harris spent a year researching New Mexico’s artisan farms for his book “Artisan Farming: Lessons, Lore and Recipes.” Over lunch at Harry’s Roadhouse, his favorite Santa Fe eatery, he shared some of his favorite spots and scenic drives.
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TIME
3 days
DISTANCE
210 miles
BEST TIME TO GO
May – Aug
START
Albuquerque, NM
END
Albiquiu, NM
ALSO GOOD FOR
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Driving along these dirt roads and side highways into the river valleys of northern New Mexico, you may see a farmer in his field, darkened by the sun despite his straw hat, leaning on his shovel and watching the water flow from the communal acequia (irrigation ditch) into his field. He stands, ready to divert the water as it meanders gently, adjusting the dirt so the water fills straight furrows along his seedlings. It’s the acequias, clear and shallow, beautiful and promising, and the people who rely on them, that give New Mexico farming its distinct culture.
This trip takes you away from the Walmarts and McDonalds, shopping carts and processed foods, to a part of the country where everything runs a little slower and demands a little more patience. Begin with a stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn in Albuquerque. This 1934 hacienda, with spectacular mountain views, and breakfasts made from ingredients provided by its own organic farm, sits on 25 acres of gardens and fields. Farmer Monty grows everything from lavender to chile, and you can walk along the historic acequia, swim in the tiled pool or simply sit in the gardens, watching the cotton from the cottonwood trees drift in the wind.
From Los Poblanos, drive past the corrals and farms lining Rio Grande Boulevard, turn left at Alameda Ave, cross the Rio Grande and turn right on Corrales Rd to the village of Corrales. Side roads