New Mexico next week

I am by no means a military/history buff, so I was surprised that one of my favorite stops on our trip to Taos was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire. It was the first Vietnam memorial in the nation. A local couple bought 800 acres, intending to build a resort, and then their son was killed in the Vietnam War. So, instead, they built a museum/memorial to their son and the others lost in that conflict. It was very interesting, and sad.

I hate heights, but our other favorite stop was the Rio Grande Gorge bridge. We enjoyed standing high on a bridge, with birds flying BENEATH us.

We were there during Covid and lots of restaurants were closed. We had a pretty good, casual meal outdoors within walking distance of the hotel. Looking at a map, I’m pretty sure it must have been La Cueva Café.

Two popular stops -- the pueblo and the church with that "mystery painting" -- were both closed when we were there.

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Any other suggestions on 'not to miss stuff or good places to eat?

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In Santa Fe go to one of the visitor centers and get a map and information when you get there. It will help a lot.

We were there in May on a two week road trip; stayed 2 nights in Santa Fe. We stayed on the edge on the historic area and it was an easy walk, mile or so, to the other end. The historic area is not very big.

The Loretto Chapel was the highlight of the entire trip. I had heard about it for years and was happy I could see it.

The San Miguel Mission is nearby. It is supposed to be the oldest church in the USA. They are open for limited hours though. The oldest house in the USA is around the corner but it was not open when we were there.

There are lots of places to eat in the historic area but Coyote Cafe was recommended. We ate lunch there on the roof top. I would go again.

We wanted to go to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum but they were sold out so if you want to do that get tickets now.

There are lots of shops with unique items in the historic area, it's an artsy community, but there is an art gallery/shop near the Loretto Chapel that had a lot of very high end paintings and sculptures. You should walk through there; you'll know it as lot of the pieces are $10,000 +.

You can drive, or walk, to the Cross of the Martyrs which is a hill north of town and get a hilltop view of the town. There was a fort there at one time when the USA took the city. People go there to see the sunset.

There is also the Canyon Road Arts District but we just road through there and a place called Museum Hill that has five museums. We went in one, The Wheelwright I think, that had a large display of Indian silver items.

After we got home someone asked if we got a mud bath; we did not. But apparently there are a lot of places with hot springs where you can get one. Might be worth it, IDK.

We had planned to go to Taos but that's when the fires were in the area so we didn't.

We were there last year Rooftop pizza on the plaza in Santa Fe was cool with a great view of the plaza. Also - check out Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Kids thought it was really cool.

Santa Fe
La Choza for enchiladas w/ red or green sauce. The Shed is the most popular new mexican restaurant but usually a long wait. La Choza is the same owners and same menu. Tomasitas is another good one.
For good but easy hike, The Dale Ball Trails are close by.
The Folk Art Museum is great

Taos
Taos ski valley is nice for a hike. The Bavarian Restaurant is at the base of the gondola you can take up the mountain. There is also a trail that goes up to an alpine lake called Williams Lake Trail which is nice but crowded. From the lake you can take other trails up to Wheelers Peak.
For a shorter hike close to town Devisadero Loop Trail is good. It actually goes all the way to Angel Fire and mountainbikers start over there and ride to taos.
Food in Taos is not great. Alley Cantina is pretty good and Medley, about 10 minutes outside town is good.