After searching around for something to do for Spring Break, we finally settled on Santa Fe New Mexico. We didn't want the crowds nor the cold. But also thought it would be fun to ski a little. Santa Fe's weather this week is amazing. Beautiful blue skies and mid 60's. Can't beat it. Head up the mountain to Ski Santa Fe and the temp drops to mid 40's. Perfect shortsleeved Spring skiing. Crowds aren't heavy and the snow is hanging on for those final runs. I've skied in blizzards and though that makes from some fun and challenging skiing, there is nothing like Spring skiing. One could almost wear shorts. Who says you can't get a great tan in the mountains. Just don't forget to remove the goggles every so often so you don't look like a raccoon. I'll blog again on the specifics regarding Ski Santa Fe in a few days, so check back.
So we RV'd at the KOA just outside of Santa Fe about 11 miles. (Specifics to follow) Can't really call it camping when we stay in a large Fifth Wheel trailer with three slides, a fireplace, full kitchen and a king size bed. But for those purist, KOA was a great little campground for this trip. We paid about $33 a night for 2 adults and one kiddo, who happened to be free. (all kiddo's under 13 are free) Full hook ups, a game room, laundry room, playground. For those who need it there are also kamping kabins, tent space and restroom/shower facilities. Very quiet and spacious enough. Each site has a picnic table and a BBQ. Trees are sparse in some spaces, but the weather was so great that we didn't really need shade. We stayed in D1. Plenty of extra space for hanging outside the trailer. This campground is about 1 hr from the Ski Base. But really that's because it takes a while to get through the little windy roads around Santa Fe and the trip up the mountain.
The food in Santa Fe is great. Lots of diversity to choose from. First on the agenda was some chow. We headed to Maria's. I would rate this experience marginal. We hit them in between lunch and dinner and were only serving appetizers, which suited out needs. Now I have spent many years in the San Antonio area, so I have a high standard when it comes to Mexican food. So Maria's was marginal at best. I had read in reviews that Maria's had the best Guacamole. I should preface this by saying humbly that I do make the best Guacamole this side of the Rio Grande. So again, I have high standards. A huge plus for Maria's is that they give a man's sized portion of Guacamole. Not those meezly little tablespoon helping. For $6 you get a full heaping lunch plate of this mighty green stuff w/ chunks of tomato and onion. They even sprinkle a little grated cheese on top for fun. The taste was pretty good and I'd say that the average joe would love it. Again I'm biased. We also ordered the Combination Appetizer for $9, which came w/ Maria's specialty BBQ beef ribs, two minis tacos, cheese nachos and a oversized pork tamale. With the complimentary chips and hot sauce, we had plenty of food for the 3 of us. It really could have been enough for 4.
Can I just say, I LOVE WHOLE FOODS! I have been to several Whole Foods across the country and I go on sensory overload the minute I walk in the door. It just tickles my fancy to see all those beautiful veggies perfect prepared for me to take home and do great things to them. The fruit is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Mind you, this place ain't cheap. But it's a fun experience to do once a year. We got a medium tub of pineapple and a large tub of various berries and we paid $15. Frightening I know, but so fun on our Fabulous Vacation. Besides the fresh produce, the cheeses galore, seafood and meat market and so much more, the best area is the Health and Beauty Aides. WOW! So much to choose from. Things you can't get anywhere else. Just do yourself a fun favor and go visit a Whole Foods. It's a downright blast. $109 later, we were out the door with our new little green Whole Food bags to take home and show off when we buy our groceries at our local grocery store. Who says you can't have an experience, eat and get a souvineer in a Supermarket?
For lunch the next day we went to Yummy Cafe. I had read online that this was a local place with great Chinese Food. My online search paid off. This place was so cute. Clean and charming, the food was fantastic. Udon Noodle Soup, Moo Shu Pork, Fried Rice and Potstickers where on our table within a short amount of time. Great service, so friendly. Lots of local art on the walls. Just a great place. Highly recommend.
Well sightseeing in Santa Fe, we visited the oldest church building in the USA - San Miguel Church. We did visit the local mall for some ski gear (ours flew out of the back of our truck) and we had the entire place to ourselves. I'm telling you, nobody came to Santa Fe for Spring Break. We had the place to ourselves.
If you are anywhere close and want a few days to visit art galleries, museums, shop til you drop, ski, hike, mountain bike or just chill. Visit this adobe riddled land. It's uniqueness will leave you feeling like you experienced true New Mexico. The contrast desert mountain area has much to offer. Go visit Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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