Two of New Mexico's Top Destinations: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

New MexicoI visited New Mexico last year for the first time to attend a conference in Albuquerque. When I started doing some research on what there was to see and do in the area, I quickly arranged to stay on. Albuquerque is a friendly, relaxed city with an outstanding climate, exceptional natural beauty, and a variety of interesting attractions.

You can enjoy just about whatever type of activity you like in Albuquerque, provided you aren't visiting during the height of summer when the heat may deter you somewhat. You can golf, take a balloon ride, go hiking, or learn about Native American culture. Shop for beautiful jewelry or Indian art, taste outstanding Mexican cuisine, or go on a sightseeing adventure on board the incredible Sandia Peak Tramway. Although I was traveling alone, there were tons of attractions that looked ideal for families, from Old Town to the Zoo and Aquarium.

Haunted Old Town and Terrific Mexican Cuisine

I had one full day to explore Albuquerque, and I started out at Old Town. This charming area features beautiful Territorial Style architecture, brick paths, balconies and gardens. It's a terrific place to relax and soak in the lively, but somehow peaceful atmosphere. I spent an entire afternoon browsing art galleries and shops and there were still dozens I hadn't entered.

I was so impressed with Old Town, I arranged to take the evening walking Ghost Tour of the area. Haunted tours are one of my favorite things to do when visiting cities for the first time, and Albuquerque's was one of the best I've been on. This 90 minute tour by lantern-light was packed full of information about dozens of phantoms, ghosts and apparitions that have haunted Old Town throughout history.

Old Town, AlbuquerqueThe guides at Tours of Old Town share stories of actual events that have taken place and detail evidence collected by certified Paranormal Investigators. It's almost impossible to doubt Old Town is haunted after taking this historic and fun tour.

If you'd like to try some delicious, authentic Mexican food on your visit to Old Town in a restaurant that isn't too touristy, try Monica's El Portal Restaurant at 321 Rio Grande Blvd NW. The restaurant is impeccably clean, the service is outstanding, and the prices are very reasonable for fresh, homemade, delicious food. I loved this place so much, I actually ate here both nights I spent in Albuquerque - something I've never done in any other city I've visited world-wide.

As enjoyable as Albuquerque was, I wanted to take the opportunity to visit Santa Fe while I was in New Mexico. Santa Fe was a pleasant hour's drive from Albuquerque, and I had no problem finding my hotel. I arrived way before check-in, but was delighted to find there was plenty to explore right in the area surrounding it.

I booked my room at the Hotel Santa Fe on 1501 Paseo De Peralta through HotelsCombined.com and got a great rate on fabulous accommodations. This is a luxury boutique hotel in the historic Guadalupe District of Santa Fe. It's very conveniently located just blocks from the Canyon Road Gallery District, the Capitol, the plaza, museums and restaurants. Hotel Santa Fe is brimming with southwestern artistry and Native American culture, and you'll find there are plenty of surprising and fun ways to experience native traditions during your stay.

Santa Fe's Vibrant Arts Scene

As much as I loved Albuquerque, I enjoyed Santa Fe even more - or at least it seemed that way, probably because it was the second destination I visited. Like Albuquerque, my biggest regret was that I didn't have more time to visit the incredible variety of attractions in this relaxed, beautiful city.

Santa FeIf you are an art lover, you'll be impressed with the top quality art museums in Santa Fe. I visited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum first, and if you love American Art, you will be as delighted with the exhibitions here as I was. You'll see dozens of some of O'Keefe's most stunning works, including some rare items. Works by her contemporaries are also featured at the Museum. An outstanding audio tour is available for just $5 (plus the cost of admission).

The Museum of International Folk Art presents another great opportunity to view artwork in Santa Fe. This Museum is located on Museum Hill in Santa Fe and exhibits a stunning array of folk art from around the world. African, Asian and Middle Eastern, Latin American, Spanish Colonial and European and North American folk art is exhibited here, and you can also view contemporary Hispano and Latino folk art works.

Santa Fe offers visitors much more than terrific art museums. You'll want to visit the city's Plaza, Canyon Road and relax at your choice of Spas. The nightlife in Santa Fe is vibrant, and you'll find a variety of places to eat, drink, dance and hear live music, whatever your tastes.