Tour of South West USA in 2004

[xok85xo]

it's pretty sad that i lived in new mexico (albuquerque and santa fe) for 7 years and really couldn't make any non-touristy suggestions..it really depends on when you go tho..depending on the time of year there is spanish market, indian market and fiestas/the burning of zozobra in santa fe and the balloon fiesta in albuquerque which is the most photographed event in the world

definately walk around the plaza, there are a lot of galleries and the loretto chapel

theres the taos pueblo, and el santuario de chimayo

madrid is a little artsy community outside of santa fe heading towards albuquerque

the drive from albuquerque to santa fe along the turquoise trail is supposed to be beautiful

as already mentioned, if you are into gambling there are a lot of indian casinos..the newest one i think is sandia casino right outside of albuquerque, its new so its really nice..

i found this site with a lot of good stuff in it.. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/nm.html

i feel really stupid right now not being able to think of any really good suggestions (i guess i've just blocked that state from memory or something)


if you want restaurant suggestions tho, let me know..i'll see what i can come up with

[DeltAlum]

I should mention that if you're in SW Colorado, you shouldn't miss the Cliff House and other Native American dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

[AKA_Monet]

GO TO Sedona, Arizona

They have the most awsome rock formations--then Vortexes too!!!

The go up thru Gallup, N.M. and get the full on Native American experience, along with the crater...

If you do San Diego--Locals only spots are kickin'... Like the "Hut" in La Jolla near Windansea... And if you are not into Tourist Traps, goto the Birch Aquarium--better yet, go to the one in Monterey, California!!!

Then do the Sonoma/Napa Valley Wine Tours...

If you hit Oregon--dude the Coasts are exquisite...

If you goto Texas, try to see the Texas Motor Speedway, Reliant Stadium and go to all of Houston... I thought it was awesome in Sugarland--but wait till the weather cools a bit... And YES, THERE ARE ALLIGATORS IN TEXAS!!!!

The Louisiana trip--Do the N'Awlins thang... Eat lots of gumbo, jambalaya and shrimp etouffee... And find the Cajuns there--master groovy group!!!

Colorado--Leadville Mexican Restaurant... Awesome... And where's your Aspen??? Most 'specially in the summer...

Nevada--Vegas baby... Make sure you have enough money to lose... And make sure you get the Ghostbar hook up to get in... Reno's not too bad either...

Utah--Hey, the great Salt Lake is a wonder unto itself... And you can find your geneology at the Mormon Library...

Sign up for AAA they've got the spots in there outlined... Get the Tour Books... Those helped alot...

[polarpi]

AAA is a great suggestion...I can't believe I forgot that (being a member myself)!

In New Mexico, around Albequrque (I can't spell it!) there's a place to go called Sandia Peak....gorgeous views overlooking the city, you ride up the side of the mountain in the air trolleys, lots of fun. If you go near Alamogordo, you have to go to White Sands...it's a lot of fun to "sled" down the dunes (my step-sister and her family used to live there).