Elaine's Bed & Breakfast
Cedar Crest, NM
April 8-10th, 2014
On April 8th Red finally made it to Elaine’s, a Bed and Breakfast, in Cedar Crest, New Mexico and was warmly welcomed! Before heading inside, the Red Chair had to pause and take in this breathtaking view of the Sandia Mountains and the Cibola National Forest. Instantly, Red hit it off with Manny, Elaine’s enthusiastic greeter and hiking guide.
The next morning Red set out to see some of the local sights. Red was on the Turquoise Trail and wanted to see as much of it as possible. First stop was the Sandia Peak Ski Area. Even though it was off season, Red was glad it went. Red met a lovely lady who was taking a break from work and giving a lift to skiers and mountain bikers. She was glad to get to chance to chat with a world traveler who saw things the way she did. Maybe they’ll see each again one day. Red promised to write. Red continued up to Sandia Crest to the Crest House and marveled at the view of Albuquerque below from 10,680 feet above sea level. On the way back down, Red stopped off briefly at Tinkertown Museum and took in the remarkable menagerie of ageless treasures and artwork of the late Ross Ward. Back on Highway North 14, Red took a few moments to check out the beautiful and award-winning Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course. Since spring comes a little later in the high desert mountains, the green wasn’t as green as it would be in just a few weeks. No matter, it was still beautiful and, having been to golf courses before, Red knew this one would be a challenge it wouldn’t soon forget.
The Red Chair wanted to see some more of the sights in Albuquerque before heading out for Arizona. So Red turned around and headed back down North Highway 14 toward “town”. Elaine had mentioned her favorite restaurant, Church Street Café, in Old Town and Red just had to stop in to check it out. Red was not disappointed. This fantastic little place is the oldest residence in Albuquerque. Having been built in the early 1700’s, it was lovingly restored and transformed by Marie Coleman into this extraordinary, award-winning eatery that offers history, ambiance and fantastic New Mexican food. While in Old Town, Red stopped by the Albuquerque Art Museum to take in the art of New Mexico one last time before heading out. Red had great fun posing for pictures; interacting with the sculptures and reliving the glory days of the Conquistadors and western settlers. The Red Chair had such a fun time and it was rather hard to say goodbye but no worries, Red will be back again someday!
The next morning Red set out to see some of the local sights. Red was on the Turquoise Trail and wanted to see as much of it as possible. First stop was the Sandia Peak Ski Area. Even though it was off season, Red was glad it went. Red met a lovely lady who was taking a break from work and giving a lift to skiers and mountain bikers. She was glad to get to chance to chat with a world traveler who saw things the way she did. Maybe they’ll see each again one day. Red promised to write. Red continued up to Sandia Crest to the Crest House and marveled at the view of Albuquerque below from 10,680 feet above sea level. On the way back down, Red stopped off briefly at Tinkertown Museum and took in the remarkable menagerie of ageless treasures and artwork of the late Ross Ward. Back on Highway North 14, Red took a few moments to check out the beautiful and award-winning Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course. Since spring comes a little later in the high desert mountains, the green wasn’t as green as it would be in just a few weeks. No matter, it was still beautiful and, having been to golf courses before, Red knew this one would be a challenge it wouldn’t soon forget.
The Red Chair wanted to see some more of the sights in Albuquerque before heading out for Arizona. So Red turned around and headed back down North Highway 14 toward “town”. Elaine had mentioned her favorite restaurant, Church Street Café, in Old Town and Red just had to stop in to check it out. Red was not disappointed. This fantastic little place is the oldest residence in Albuquerque. Having been built in the early 1700’s, it was lovingly restored and transformed by Marie Coleman into this extraordinary, award-winning eatery that offers history, ambiance and fantastic New Mexican food. While in Old Town, Red stopped by the Albuquerque Art Museum to take in the art of New Mexico one last time before heading out. Red had great fun posing for pictures; interacting with the sculptures and reliving the glory days of the Conquistadors and western settlers. The Red Chair had such a fun time and it was rather hard to say goodbye but no worries, Red will be back again someday!
Sandhill Crane Bed & Breakfast
Corrales, NM
April 5-7th, 2014
Sunday morning, after a breakfast of an Asian pear, mango and raspberry salad, herbed scrambled eggs, seasoned home fires, Canadian bacon and muffins shared with other guests; Red was ready to take on the world! The first stop on Red’s agenda was the Corrales Growers Market. Corrales boasts many fine farms that offer a wide variety of produce. Because Corrales is located in what is technically the high desert it experiences four seasons. Therefore the produce offered for sale at this time was mostly hardy greens and some root crops. The folks at the Growers Market knew Red would be making an appearance and had a restored Farmall waiting for it to try out. Red was amazed to see the Growers Market was as much a social event as commerce with locals, dogs in tow, visiting as they wandered between the booths. What fun! Next stop was the Frontier Mart – a mom and pop grocery store that has been a fixture in the village for over 36 years. Red was confused; why would a grocery store be on the agenda? Red soon learned that this is no ordinary grocery store. In addition to carrying a wide assortment of local products, the store has a well-used hitching post. Red learned there are a number of hitching posts in town; the Post office, the library, the village offices, and the Corrales Bistro and Brew Pub. This is country living! Red wanted to go for a ride but the saddle only had two stirrups – not enough for Red’s four legs. The last stop of the day was the Corrales Bosque Gallery. Red spent some time admiring the artwork of many local artists. Red learned that Corrales has a significant number of artists in residence and was sorry to hear it would miss the annual Corrales Art Studio Tour held in May.
Monday's first stop was the Corrales Bosque – the green belt located along the Rio Grande. Red soaked in the sun along the bank of the Rio Grande and watched the river, swollen and cold from winter snow high in the mountains, go streaming by Reds perch. From the river basin Red traveled to Petroglyph National Monument to take in all of the images left behind by the Native Americans.The next stop was Old Town Albuquerque. Red had a chance to rest awhile in the gazebo on Old Town Plaza and take in the view of San Felipe de Neri, the Catholic parish that has served this area for over 300 years. While in Old Town Red also visited the sculpture garden located at the Albuquerque Museum. After a quick lunch stop it was on to hiking in the Sandia Mountains and a visit to the world’s longest tram. From the tram Red headed over to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. By then Red was getting a little tired and thirsty so we headed over to the Corrales Bistro and Brewpub for a snack and a cold beverage before returning to the Sandhill Crane B&B. That evening Red enjoyed sitting under the pinon tree in the garden and watching the Sandias turn a vibrant red as the sun set.
Tuesday was Red’s last day at the Sandhill Crane. The Red Chair was up early to visit Casa San Ysidro, an original adobe ranch home built in the 1870’s. Red also had a chance to visit the Old San Ysidro church. It was built in 1868 and, as it is adobe, it must be re-mudded every year. The last stop of the day was the top of the mountain. As the tram wasn't running, Red was driven to the top of the mountain for a fantastic view of the area. At over 10,500 feet it was a little cold so Red didn’t linger. Then it was on to his next host. The Red Chair was sad to say goodbye to hosts, Judith and George from the Sandhill Crane B&B but more adventures await and Red knows it’ll be back this way again someday!
Monday's first stop was the Corrales Bosque – the green belt located along the Rio Grande. Red soaked in the sun along the bank of the Rio Grande and watched the river, swollen and cold from winter snow high in the mountains, go streaming by Reds perch. From the river basin Red traveled to Petroglyph National Monument to take in all of the images left behind by the Native Americans.The next stop was Old Town Albuquerque. Red had a chance to rest awhile in the gazebo on Old Town Plaza and take in the view of San Felipe de Neri, the Catholic parish that has served this area for over 300 years. While in Old Town Red also visited the sculpture garden located at the Albuquerque Museum. After a quick lunch stop it was on to hiking in the Sandia Mountains and a visit to the world’s longest tram. From the tram Red headed over to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. By then Red was getting a little tired and thirsty so we headed over to the Corrales Bistro and Brewpub for a snack and a cold beverage before returning to the Sandhill Crane B&B. That evening Red enjoyed sitting under the pinon tree in the garden and watching the Sandias turn a vibrant red as the sun set.
Tuesday was Red’s last day at the Sandhill Crane. The Red Chair was up early to visit Casa San Ysidro, an original adobe ranch home built in the 1870’s. Red also had a chance to visit the Old San Ysidro church. It was built in 1868 and, as it is adobe, it must be re-mudded every year. The last stop of the day was the top of the mountain. As the tram wasn't running, Red was driven to the top of the mountain for a fantastic view of the area. At over 10,500 feet it was a little cold so Red didn’t linger. Then it was on to his next host. The Red Chair was sad to say goodbye to hosts, Judith and George from the Sandhill Crane B&B but more adventures await and Red knows it’ll be back this way again someday!
Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast
Chimayo, NM
April 2-4th, 2014
Red totally LOVED visiting Casa Escondida B&B and Northern New Mexico! The B&B is located in
historic Chimayo, New Mexico, close enough to be convenient to historic Santa Fe but just far enough away to feel like you are in a secluded oasis! While in Chimayo, Red visited the internationally known Chimayo weaving shops. Red made a pilgrimage to the sacred Santuario de Chimayo (known for its miraculous healings). Afterwards, the Red Chair dined at the famous Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant, where it feasted on local classic New Mexican cuisine, YUM! Red checked out several different hiking trails, including those at the beautiful Santa Cruz Lake and throughout the Nambe Badlands, just absolutely breathtaking views. Red concluded one of its hikes with a visit to one of the many vineyards in Northern NM, Estrella del Norte Vineyard for a much needed wine tasting. Red headed to Taos, NM and to their Visitors Center for some quick info. While in Taos, Red was amazed by the numerous museums and galleries, which, yes Red visited each one listed here: Millicent Rogers Museum; RC Gorman Navajo Gallery; Harwood Museum of Art; Taos Art Museum at Fechin House; Blumenschein Home and Museum; La Hacienda de los Martine a living history museum; Governor Bent House and Museum; and Kit Carson Home and Museum. Of course, Red also visited the historic Taos plaza. Next the Red Chair strolled down scenic Ledoux Street and admired the unique shops. Red truly appreciated the many hand-painted murals throughout the town of Taos. The view from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge really caught Red's attention it was so beautiful. On the way back to Chimayo, Red made a final stop at the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church, which it recognized from Georgia O’Keeffe’s famous painting of this church. Red wished that there was more time, so that it could have visited Abiquiu (Georgia O’Keeffe Country), Taos Pueblo (a World Heritage site), Bandelier National Monument (ancient pueblo ruins), taken in a performance at the renowned Santa Fe Opera and spent an afternoon relaxing in the natural hot springs. So Red hopes to return soon, to explore and experience northern New Mexico in even more depth.
historic Chimayo, New Mexico, close enough to be convenient to historic Santa Fe but just far enough away to feel like you are in a secluded oasis! While in Chimayo, Red visited the internationally known Chimayo weaving shops. Red made a pilgrimage to the sacred Santuario de Chimayo (known for its miraculous healings). Afterwards, the Red Chair dined at the famous Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant, where it feasted on local classic New Mexican cuisine, YUM! Red checked out several different hiking trails, including those at the beautiful Santa Cruz Lake and throughout the Nambe Badlands, just absolutely breathtaking views. Red concluded one of its hikes with a visit to one of the many vineyards in Northern NM, Estrella del Norte Vineyard for a much needed wine tasting. Red headed to Taos, NM and to their Visitors Center for some quick info. While in Taos, Red was amazed by the numerous museums and galleries, which, yes Red visited each one listed here: Millicent Rogers Museum; RC Gorman Navajo Gallery; Harwood Museum of Art; Taos Art Museum at Fechin House; Blumenschein Home and Museum; La Hacienda de los Martine a living history museum; Governor Bent House and Museum; and Kit Carson Home and Museum. Of course, Red also visited the historic Taos plaza. Next the Red Chair strolled down scenic Ledoux Street and admired the unique shops. Red truly appreciated the many hand-painted murals throughout the town of Taos. The view from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge really caught Red's attention it was so beautiful. On the way back to Chimayo, Red made a final stop at the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church, which it recognized from Georgia O’Keeffe’s famous painting of this church. Red wished that there was more time, so that it could have visited Abiquiu (Georgia O’Keeffe Country), Taos Pueblo (a World Heritage site), Bandelier National Monument (ancient pueblo ruins), taken in a performance at the renowned Santa Fe Opera and spent an afternoon relaxing in the natural hot springs. So Red hopes to return soon, to explore and experience northern New Mexico in even more depth.
El Farolito Bed & Breakfast Inn and Four Kachinas Inn
Santa Fe, NM
March 27th - April 1st, 2014
The Red Chair arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico a little in the day so it decided to rest easy at the El Farolito Bed and Breakfast Inn for the evening and start fresh first thing in the morning with Innkeeper Walt. Bright and early, the Red Chair toured the many landmark sites in the oldest state capital city in the US, making its first stop at the state capitol building. Here Red was able to take in the unique New Mexican architecture and even provided a brief respite for a Native American sculpture doing a hoop dance. Then it was off to the San Miguel Mission, the oldest Spanish Mission in the U.S. Red toured on for a brief stop at the oldest house in the U.S., dating back to the late 1500’s, (it made the Red Chair feel like a young sapling again) before making its way to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Red also paid homage to the Spanish founders of Santa Fe at a bronze statue depicting early settlers and the domesticated animals the Spanish introduced to North America.
After a quick look at the Federal Courthouse, it was a fascinating trip to the world famous Santa Fe plaza to visit with the Native American vendors in front of the over 400 year old Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the U.S. No tour of the plaza would be complete without checking out a few shops housed in the nearby adobe buildings. At the end of an exhausting day of touring Santa Fe, Red headed back to the Four Kachinas Inn Bed & Breakfast for a much needed rest.
After an active morning full of hiking, details in the blog section, created a desire to return to Santa Fe and immerse itself in the world-class art available all around the city. A trip to the New Mexico Fine Arts museum, visits to multiple sculptures scattered around the city, and taking in a friend’s art collection made a wonderful end to a perfect day. Although Red may be missing home, 2,235 miles away, but Red is sure loving all of the amazing adventures each day holds and wouldn't trade it for the world!
After a quick look at the Federal Courthouse, it was a fascinating trip to the world famous Santa Fe plaza to visit with the Native American vendors in front of the over 400 year old Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the U.S. No tour of the plaza would be complete without checking out a few shops housed in the nearby adobe buildings. At the end of an exhausting day of touring Santa Fe, Red headed back to the Four Kachinas Inn Bed & Breakfast for a much needed rest.
After an active morning full of hiking, details in the blog section, created a desire to return to Santa Fe and immerse itself in the world-class art available all around the city. A trip to the New Mexico Fine Arts museum, visits to multiple sculptures scattered around the city, and taking in a friend’s art collection made a wonderful end to a perfect day. Although Red may be missing home, 2,235 miles away, but Red is sure loving all of the amazing adventures each day holds and wouldn't trade it for the world!
