Family-Friendly Fun Year Around
Lynn Sanders and family share their recent travels to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. From hiking trails and hot springs to skiing and river rafting, there’s something for everyone.
Scott, Spencer, and Lynn Sanders
Where did you travel?
Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico
Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico
What inspired you to go there?
We spend a lot of time in New Mexico because our son lives in Santa Fe, and my artwork is represented by Owen Contemporary on Canyon Road. This gives us a perfect reason to visit often.
We spend a lot of time in New Mexico because our son lives in Santa Fe, and my artwork is represented by Owen Contemporary on Canyon Road. This gives us a perfect reason to visit often.
What did you do there?
On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed the Farolito Walk along Canyon Road, where the galleries stay open, and farolitos light up the entire road. It's a truly beautiful experience. We also spent time at Ski Santa Fe and drove up to Taos Ski Valley. Both are wonderful, family-friendly places for skiing and sledding. While in the Taos Ski Valley, we visited The Bavarian, a fantastic spot to enjoy a beer and have some après-ski relaxation.
On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed the Farolito Walk along Canyon Road, where the galleries stay open, and farolitos light up the entire road. It's a truly beautiful experience. We also spent time at Ski Santa Fe and drove up to Taos Ski Valley. Both are wonderful, family-friendly places for skiing and sledding. While in the Taos Ski Valley, we visited The Bavarian, a fantastic spot to enjoy a beer and have some après-ski relaxation.
What did you enjoy most and why?
We love the amazing restaurants and outdoor activities in New Mexico. There are countless great places to eat, visit art galleries, and explore hiking trails. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the natural beauty inspires me to carve out time to paint, especially in the summer.
We love the amazing restaurants and outdoor activities in New Mexico. There are countless great places to eat, visit art galleries, and explore hiking trails. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the natural beauty inspires me to carve out time to paint, especially in the summer.
Recommendations for your neighbors if they travel there?
In winter, New Mexico is a fantastic destination for skiing. The slopes are family-friendly and not overly crowded. Ski Santa Fe, Sipapu, Angel Fire, and Taos are all excellent options with easy slopes for kids to learn. Santa Fe offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including numerous art galleries along Canyon Road and the must-visit Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
In winter, New Mexico is a fantastic destination for skiing. The slopes are family-friendly and not overly crowded. Ski Santa Fe, Sipapu, Angel Fire, and Taos are all excellent options with easy slopes for kids to learn. Santa Fe offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including numerous art galleries along Canyon Road and the must-visit Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
For a relaxing experience, consider visiting Ojo Santa Fe, a hot springs resort where you can soak during the day or swim in the summer. They also offer massages and other amenities in a beautiful setting. Alternatively, Ojo Caliente, located about an hour and a half north of Santa Fe, is another wonderful hot springs destination with a delicious on-site restaurant.
In the summer, hiking in New Mexico is fantastic, and you can also go rafting on the Rio Grande with New Mexico River Adventures, which offers a variety of excursions. Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the local wineries around Santa Fe.
For transportation, the Rail Runner train is a fun option, connecting Santa Fe to Albuquerque and offering special nighttime rides to stargaze or attend events. If you're visiting in the summer, the Santa Fe Opera is a must-see, with several productions hosted in a stunning outdoor venue.
A trip to Albuquerque is also worth it. We enjoy visiting Los Poblanos, an organic farm and inn with beautiful lavender fields and farm-to-table dining at their restaurant, Campo.
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Although it's a long drive, the journey is beautiful and manageable. We usually stop overnight in Amarillo on the west side of the city and then drive into Santa Fe the next day. If you're flying, there’s a 5 a.m. flight out of Lafayette that arrives in Albuquerque by 10 a.m. on Fridays. From there, you can take a shuttle to Santa Fe, ride the Rail Runner train, or rent a car directly from the airport.