Change(s) in Plan
Or what to do when it rains in New Mexico
I need to stop making promises I can’t keep.
Once again, life and work got in the way of my regular posting schedule despite my proclamations that I was back on track. To my loyal followers (read: my Mom), I’m sorry. I will try to be better.
One of the things that got in the way of posting was my first personal trip of the year to sunny rainy New Mexico.
Leading up to takeoff, the weather forecast got cooler and cooler. Which, as a noted heat hater, was fine by me. 60s and sunny sounded like a dream after a very cold winter and wet spring in the Northeast.
But last minute, clouds started making their way into the forecast. And by the time we touched down in Albuquerque, rain was expected everyday of our trip.
Not the rolling thunderstorms I’d expect in the desert. But all-day clouds and rain.
I guess everyone is having a rough spring.
But with a few changes in plan, we were still able to hit most of the things on our list in Santa Fe and Albuquerque (except Ojo Hot Springs 😭) and enjoy the sun in its brief appearances. Here’s where we ended up and a few extra suggestions if you, too, find yourself in rain-soaked New Mexico.
Santa Fe
Railyards
As Above So Below
A very vibey cocktail lounge and distillery with good staff and great drinks. Mine had bee pollen and was garnished with a little flower.
Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1 pm, this is the largest market in the area. Almost all of our Uber drivers told us to go. With indoor and outdoor vendors, you should be able to dodge the raindrops.
Jean Cocteau Cinema
With sold out Star Wars showings, we didn’t actually make it here. But, it is a great rainy day backup. A historic theatre saved by George R.R. Martin. Yep, the Game of Thrones author.
Old Town
Georgia O' Keefe Museum
A nine-gallery ode to Georgia’s time in New Mexico. A mix of her history, artwork, and legacy. I hit the gift shop hard.
Secreto at St. Francis Hotel
A cute little bar in a historic hotel, brimming with New Mexican charm. Get the smoked sage margarita. The sage is smoked fresh for every glass.
DIY Church Tour
Three must-see churches in Old Town—Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Chapel, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi—are in fairly close proximity to one another. Hide out during a down pour and then quickly make your way to the next one.
Tumbleroot Pottery Pub
Ultimately, we couldn’t make the timing of this work, but I love the concept. Part bar, part pottery studio, you’ll leave happy hour with your own clay concoction.
Rufina St.
Meow Wolf
The OG interactive art/mystery installation is the perfect thing to do when it rains in Santa Fe. You can (and should) spend a few hours exploring all of the secret passages, nooks, and coded messages.
Albuquerque
Old Town
Rattlesnake Museum
This stop might have been heavily influenced by a scene in White Lotus, but I was pleasantly surprised by this little museum. There’s a ton of information, snakes, and other reptiles, but the flow was easy to follow and the collection was well curated, including mini-exhibits on things like snake oil salesmen and snakes in the movies.
Near North Valley
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Another well-curated and designed museum, the cultural center explores the history, traditions, and the legacy of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The gift shop features traditional artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more, and there’s an on-site restaurant serving traditional foods.
Northern Addition/Downtown
Gravity Bound Brewing
A great craft beer spot with a nice hazy IPA and a large patio for days without thunderstorms. We crashed the regular Monday night trivia and came in fifth as a team of two.
Marble Brewing
A few blocks over from Gravity Bound, Marble Brewing is another good local beer option. I especially appreciated the taco truck parked out front.
I guess the moral of the story is that no matter how much it rains, the sun comes out eventually. And you’ll end up with blue skies at an ancient petroglyph site. Or something like that.
There’s so much more to share from New Mexico. The food alone can fill an entire newsletter and then some. So keep an eye on your inbox for the next break in my schedule. I hope it’s soon, but no promises.