![]() ![]() Both the oldest home and oldest church in the USA stand in this very historic district of Santa Fe. Time to wander downtown Santa Fe invited us to explore America's oldest capital city. While sipping the elixirs, you will slow down awhile simply to savor. If you are looking for a spot to wind down and love chocolate, this really is it. During my adventure, I had to have two treats - a Mayan elixir and a prickly pear truffle. The chocolatier truly serves its mission of reintroducing us to chocolate. ![]() As a chocolatier, Kakawa does share other offerings including truffles, baked items, homemade ice cream, and more. Hospitality was a star at Kakawa as we were immediately invited to sample elixirs even though we arrived on a busy Friday. So, sipping one of the elixirs offers a window back in time through taste.Ī decadent chocolate elixir in a lovely, petite blue design mug at Kakawa in Santa Fe. Recipes are in fact based from these traditional recipes dating from 1000 BC to the mid-1900's. Kakawa focuses on creating elixirs representative of traditional Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican, Mayan, and Aztec chocolate elixirs. Kakawa Chocolate House is a must-visit in Santa Fe. So, don't miss trying out this spot and shopping the small businesses of Madrid on your trip along the Turquoise Trail.Īrid yet picturesque mountainous New Mexico landscape between Cerrillos and Santa Fe. We found the food to be dynamite as well. The restaurant is decorated with beautiful murals. The Mine Shaft Tavern is a fun spot and is lively with music on weekends. There is a gritty feel despite the town's resurrection as an artist enclave. In fact, Madrid was a ghost town after mines closed in the 1950s. The tavern was originally built in 1897 and had to be reconstructed in 1947 after a fire.Įnjoying the tavern and walking through town, you can feel the ghosts of the town's past. We stopped to eat the The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina which served up some absolutely delicious food! The tavern is actually home to New Mexico's longest bar. Madrid is a former mining town that is now a creative community full of interesting shops. Small parking fees do apply, so please watch out for the pay boxes.īreathtaking mountain view from Sandia Crest. We returned the next day of our trip to enjoy additional hiking on the mountain exploring more of the treasures of Cibola National Forest. We did pause at a variety of points while winding up and down the mountain to revel in additional views. A short hike nearby introduces you to native vegetation. Spectacular views of Albuquerque, surrounding mountains, jagged rock formations, and valleys dazzled as we explored the crest. Just as the name reveals, this point is along a crest rather than a summit. Sandia Crest is the highpoint in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains at 10,678 feet in elevation. However, the self guided tour was very informative and provides insight into the history of the Pueblo. There is a museum which does have limited hours with a season of Memorial Day through the Balloon Fiesta. Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site is remarkably peaceful and you can almost feel the essence of the ancient civilization around you. Pinyon pines and other native plants create a beautiful landscape at Tijeras Pueblo. Abandonment of the civilization may have been due to drought and lack of water. Water and its presence or lack of it is so vital to this region and its history. Windblown sand would cover their remains. Over the years, adobe walls of the structures succumbed to the forces of nature. You are standing on the adobe walls of the pueblo. When standing on the hill at Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site, The Pueblo have asked that the structures remain buried, so they are underground throughout the site. One trail winded us up above the structure of one building which was underground below us. Following the trail, signs revealed history reflecting archaeological discoveries at each point. The main structure built at the site was 200 rooms constructed in a U shape. The Tijeras Pueblo was inhabited from about 1313 to 1425. We arrived early - about 9AM in the morning - and the peace of morning was perfect for exploring this sacred site. Our first stop along the Turquoise Trail welcomed us to the history and fabric of New Mexico. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. Since we went at a slow pace, we didn't see as much as we would have liked to. We traveled the trail and enjoyed slowly wandering from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. However, there is a slower route that will introduce you to more of New Mexico when visiting the two cities called the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. So visiting both on a getaway is very doable. Driving New Mexico's Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway Soaking in Striking Scenery, Charming Small Businesses and Unique HistoryĪlbuquerque and Santa Fe are only about an hour apart by highway.
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