New Mexico- Land of Enchantment

The inclement weather drove us south but it turned out to be well worth it.  Santa Fe turned out out to be one of the greatest cities we have visited in America this far!

We don't have these signs in Jersey!

Open road and the Southern Rockies.

Pikes Peak peaking through

Look closely....I-25 Dodging Tumbleweeds

Not your typical Garden State Parkway Rest Area

Yes, we approved. It's historical.

Where does this guy get his groceries? :)

Adobe buildings everywhere

St. Francis Cathedral

Cool museum talk happening

Atomic Grill

We randomly picked this beer out of hundreds.  Upon closer look it says, "Wiping your rear with pine cones is about as rough as camping should get.  That's why we invented this portable IPA in a can.  A hoppy, refreshing beverage that goes great with campfires, bears, granola, and mosquito repellent. Happy camping!" 

 Oh, and my sister has a New Mexican sun tattooed on her wrist too. Perfect.

REI Santa Fe- Despite the power outage from high winds we were still able to purchase the last can of bear spray in the store.

Amazing Store...wish we had more of these!

Good wines for four dollars? We'll take them!

The first motel we stayed in was the Sage Inn

The second motel we stayed in was the Santa Fe Motel & Inn. It was very quaint and comfy.

No chocolates on the pillow, just chili peppers on the towels.

We ended our stay in Santa Fe with the most amazing meals we have ever had at James Beard Award winning, Restaurant Martin.

Organic Beet Salad
Young Carrots, Icicle Radishes, Pistachio, Watercress, Goat Cheese Amontillado Sherry 

Prime Beef Boneless Short Rib

Slow Braised Beef Cheek Raviolo, Sunchoke Puree, Caramelized Onion Sauce, Baby Frisse 

The main entree looked so good that we dove right in and forgot to take a picture, but here is the description and Mike's face says it all!

Roasted Organic Chicken

Stew of French Lentils, Plum Tomato Concasse, Wild Mushrooms, Broccolini, Black Truffles 

We never EVER get dessert....but everything was so good we had to try it.

Bittersweet Chocolate Truffle Cake
Sweet and Salty Caramel, Toasted Cinnamon Ice Cream and Mango Puree

Oh, and a glass of dessert wine to accompany it.

We are "leaving" New Mexico it was a great journey.  Next stop, Grand Canyon.