Albuquerque to Santa Fe

In the bright Sunroom we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of poppyseed aebleskivers on applesauce with a side of bacon at Los Poblanos.


Aebleskivers on applesauce with crisp bacon for breakfast at Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Once again, we were delighted to be able to stay in the Simms Suite,  where we have been guests in the past.  In fact, as we checked out, we asked if we could just change our names to Simms and take up permanent residence!  It was with great regret that we left one of our favorite inns in the country.  We are pleased that the Rembe family, the owners have maintained their membership in Select Registry, which we encouraged them to join years ago.

The only compensation for having to leave Los Poblanos is that it was a sunny, warm day and we had a delightful ride to Santa Fe on the historic byway called the Turquoise Trail  and we were looking forward to  spending two nights at La Fonda on the Plaza.

On the Turquoise Trail, we stopped at the little town of Madrid.  (Pronounce it like a local: MAD-rid.)  If one enjoys shopping for crafts, especially from the source, Madrid is heaven.  We really don't see shopping at a travel objective, but we will make an exception for this little town, galleries and craft shops abound.  Everybody was most friendly and sharing--even the many mutts in the shops and on the streets.




One of the many craft shops in Madrid, NM




Part of Main Street in Madrid, New Mexico

A stop at Java Junction in Madrid for pie and coffee kept us fueled for the rest of our short trip to Santa Fe.


Strawberry rhubarb pie and a strong coffee at Java Junction in Madrid, NM
 

We arrive in  Santa Fe just a tad early for check-in at La Fonda, but were able to stow the car and the gregarious bellman David stored our luggage for us.  Our Philadelphia friends Gail Winkler and Roger Moss made us swear to check in with their friend,  La Fonda's legendary concierge Steve Wimmer, upon arrival.  When we approached his desk, he looked up and said to us: "You must be from Philadelphia".  It could be that he was just perceptive (he's been doing this since 1989, after retiring from the World Bank) but we suspect Roger & Gail warned Steve we were coming.  Anyhow, we had a delightful time chatting with him, especially about Jane Coulter and Fred Harvey.  Steve is a font of information, and for others, we would suggest following Roger's advice to us and visiting Steve first thing upon your arrival at La Fonda.



Legendary Coincierge Steve Wimmer at La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico
 



We wandered around town, visited the New Mexico History Museum at The Palace of Governors, and checked out a few galleries and shops, then returned to the hotel just about tea-time.  Now Santa Fe has not really discovered afternoon tea, but the hotel has a bar that delivers a killer margarita, a few local beers, and if you ask nicely, the friendly staff will even give you some chips and guacamole. 


Afternoon "tea", La Fonda style, with Margarita, Alien Ale (from Roswell, New Mexico), guacamole and salsa!
 

Steve made reservations for us to dine at La Fonda's La Plazuela Restaurant.  We enjoyed a meal to disprove the notion that hotel dining is boring.



Dane's entree at La Plazuela-just a meat loaf, but oh my!

Joan's entree, Chile Rellenos with Christmas (red and green) chile sauces

The room we reserved was on the Terrace level, a very nice suite with a great view of the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis from our terrace.




Joan, in our suite, checking the note left by Steve Wimmer, the concierge that was attached to the tray of fruit and champagne - we lead such a hard life!