The Best of New Mexico Part 2

Editor’s Note: This post is a part of our series on Delilah’s annual trip to the 127 yard sale. We’ll be back next week with DIY projects, recipes, inspiration and business tips. -Nicole S.

I decided to split my New Mexico picks into two parts and today’s selections will list places outside of Albuquerque. If you missed part 1 of the best of New Mexico you can read it here. Again, this list is not complete and if you have suggestions or recommendations (I still need to visit Taos and other wonderful areas), please list them in the comments below!

1. Blake’s Lotaburger (New Mexico): This fast food chain is located all over New Mexico and nowhere else. I think of Blake’s as the New Mexican In-N-Out, a simple, well executed burger menu with lots of green chile. Some locations have breakfast. This is a great stop if you want a quick bite of New Mexico style food while driving through. Locations throughout the state.

2. The town of Chimayo: Located slightly north of Santa Fe the Potrero plaza of Chimayó is a Catholic chapel that literally brought me to tears the first time I was inside. The area is known as a healing and pilgrimage center and no matter what your beliefs are, this is just a beautiful and peaceful area to visit. The area is also famous for its chile and many feel that it is superior to the Hatch (although I think they are both equally incredible). The plaza is one of the few places to buy different varieties, colors and heat levels of this pepper and if you are a chile-head, this stop is a MUST. We have a number of people requesting dried chile powder from this region each time we visit.

3. The town of Hatch: This town not far from the border of Mexico is where the famous hatch green chile originates. The town is small, with a handful of major roads but this is seriously the best place to pick up massive quantities of dried peppers, fresh peppers (when in season), chile powders, Mexican ceramics, local herbs and even chile roasters (yes we have one). You’ll probably spend a few hours there if you include lunch from one of a few of the small places that line the main drag. Although we always pass through Hatch a few weeks before the festival, this is when the entire town busts at the seams with massive roastings, tastings and other celebrations. There are tens of thousands of people that go to Hatch for the festival and very few places to stay, so either visit from Albuquerque or plan way ahead.

3. Santa Fe School of Cooking (Santa Fe): This culinary institution has been on my bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint. Filled with New Mexican cooking staples, cookbooks and cooking equipment, the school also has an amazing classroom area where their incredible friendly and experienced staff will lead you through demos and tastings that will be a highlight to your visit. 125 N Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

4. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (Santa Fe): You have to visit this beautiful museum with over 3,000 works of art. It is the only museum in the United States dedicated to an internationally-known female artist. Works are changed throughout the year as well as special exhibits. 217 Johnson St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

5. Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown (Santa Fe): My husband was a judge in this awesome contest a year ago and I was able to sample of few goods. Held at the Railyard where the farmers market takes place. 332 Read St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

6. Santa Fe Farmers’ Market (Santa Fe): Last year, I attended the FUZE conference in Santa Fe where I was one of a few people to be led on a tour of the farmers’ market. This is a must do when visiting as you will discover the flavors, diversity and growers of the region there. Beautiful dried corn, a number of chile and garlic varieties, flowers, native teas and so much more. 332 Read St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

7. Drury Hotel/Eloisa Restaurant (Santa Fe): This relatively new hotel, near the city’s center was still working it’s bugs out when we stayed there but more importantly the Drury Hotel is the new home of John Sedlar’s latest restaurant Eloisa. John has a long history in New Mexico (he grew up in Santa Fe) as well as Los Angeles and his return home has been the talk to of the town. I haven’t been to Eloisa but knowing John’s food, I am looking forward to visiting. 228 E Palace Ave. Santa Fe, New Mexico

8. Collected Works (Santa Fe): Another favorite of my husband, they too have a number of events and signings throughout the year. It’s a sizable store with a small café inside so it’s a great place to spend time discovering new works. An excellent collection of books on the New Mexico region and art in addition to Santa Fe. 202 Galisteo St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

9. El Matador (Santa Fe): This underground dive bar is a popular spot for late night hanging out. Great cocktails and lively crowd. 116 W San Francisco St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

10. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon: This bar is a great little speakeasy that is small and intimate but that that doesn’t keep the crowds from coming in. Wonderful cocktails! 142 W Palace St. Santa Fe, New Mexico

11. Jackalope Mercado: Specializing in a number of New Mexican crafts, both traditional and modern, this large store is a great place to pick up gifts or home décor items to bring the Land of Enchantment home. 2820 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, New Mexico

12. Modern General: This relatively new store has been getting a lot of local press. Part workshop space, part garden/home goods retail, Modern General also has a small café. It’s a light and bright place to do a number of things. 637 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, New Mexico

That’s it for the 127 yard sale this year! Can’t wait to share my experiences from next year with you!

XO, Delilah