# So tell me about visiting New Mexico in the fall

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Tags:** vacation-travel\
**Created:** [June 10, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802 "2026-06-10T17:35:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/61 "2026-06-14T04:41:26Z")

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Green chili. Hmmm, never had it. Any recommendations for it for when I visit? I’ll be driving across the state in August, through Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Santa Fe, ABQ, and Gallup. Thanks in advance!

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**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/62 "2026-06-14T05:12:30Z")

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> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> Pork, green chiles, and seasoned broth cooked until it’s falling apart

That’s exactly what’s inside the chile verde omelette I order at a local Mexican restaurant here in California.

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**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/63 "2026-06-14T16:03:10Z")

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[Steel Bender Brewing](https://steelbenderbrewyard.com/) in ABQ makes a fantastic [green chile stew](https://www.google.com/search?q=green+chile+stew&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1151US1151&oq=green+ch&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgCEAAYgAQyBggAEEUYOTIKCAEQLhixAxiABDIHCAIQABiABDIKCAMQABixAxiABDIKCAQQABixAxiABDIKCAUQABixAxiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIKCAgQABixAxiABDIHCAkQABiPAtIBCDQ3NDdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). It should include potatoes in addition to the pork and green chiles. Diced tomatoes are a fine addition as well. Lots of places serve a perfectly fine green chile stew but Steel Bender makes a very good version.

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**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/64 "2026-06-14T16:30:32Z")

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> [@Bullitt](#):
>
> Green chili. Hmmm, never had it. Any recommendations for it for when I visit? I’ll be driving across the state in August, through Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Santa Fe, ABQ, and Gallup. Thanks in advance!

Obviously not the same has having it in New Mexico, but I really like 505 brand fire roasted green chile for making salsa or to add a touch of flavor to whatever I’m cooking. It’s available in stores like Safeway and Lucky.

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**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/65 "2026-06-14T17:07:11Z")

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> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> No trip to NM is complete wo sampling some pork green chile.
> 
> Which is definitely not chili.

Chili verde with Hatch peppers. Love that stuff and make it myself, along with carne adovada.

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**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/66 "2026-06-14T21:52:45Z")

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Costco has a 40oz jar of 505 brand green chilles for $8. At least they used to, my membership lapsed a few years ago. It’s the thing I miss the most about Costco.

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**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/67 "2026-06-14T22:43:19Z")

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They still do if I recall, but it’s like everything else, more expensive. 505 brand is based in New Mexico, and if you didn’t know, the name is a local joke. Up until 20, 30 years ago, 505 was the area code for the entire state. So if you were in 505, you were in New Mexico. These days there is a separate area code for the rest of the state, 575, and 505 is mostly in Albuquerque/NW New Mexico thing.

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**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/68 "2026-06-14T23:32:47Z")

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I live here (north of Santa Fe), and can make a few suggestions that haven’t been mentioned yet:

> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#):
>
> If you do go to Taos, seriously consider a visit to the hot springs in Pagosa Springs, CO two hours away

[Ojo Caliente](https://ojosparesorts.com/ojo-caliente/') is a little closer (between Santa Fe & Taos) than Pagosa Springs, but a little more ‘resort-y’ with some accompanying prices.

The [National Museum of Nuclear History](https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/) is worth a few hours in ABQ, too.

At the other end of the state, out towards Datil is the [Very Large Array](https://public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array/) which is open for tours something like six or seven days a week–which is a fact I _should_ know having been there this spring. Just past the VLA is [Pie Town, NM](https://pietownrisingstars.org/PieFestival.html) which’ll have it’s annual festival in September. You read this correctly: _ **pie** _!!

I will also second/third/fourth the recommend on [Los Alamos](https://bathtubrowbrewing.coop/): “A drinking town with a science problem.”

Tripler  
PM me if you’re headed up north.

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/69 "2026-06-16T17:38:00Z")

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We enjoyed an evening performance at the open-air Santa Fe Opera (a Mozart production). There’s a roof but it’s open at the sides with mountain views. Sweaters or jackets might be needed late in the season.

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**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/70 "2026-06-16T20:09:19Z")

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I saw Béla Fleck and Chick Corea at the Santa Fe Opera several years ago. Great show, fantastic venue, the open air design provided awesome acoustics and and a spectacular view. Just a wonderful place to see a show. Highly recommended.

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**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/71 "2026-06-16T20:32:03Z")

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I recently read this book about Kit Carson, but it’s much more than that. It gives a great history of the American West and various Native American tribes:

> **[Amazon.com: Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of...](https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109)**
>
> Amazon.com: Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West: 9781400031108: Sides, Hampton: Books

Much of it takes place in New Mexico including Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque. It was vary enlightening about the area, with lots about Taos. That’s where Carson’s home was. There were some events that happened there which gave me a new perspective on the pueblo. I highly recommend the book. You don’t have to be a history buff. It was an engaging read and would be enjoyable for anyone.

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**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/72 "2026-06-16T23:19:49Z")

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Already on it :). Tickets to the [Robert Plant concert](https://lensic360.org/event/463474/robert-plant-) secured! Unfortunately their opera season isn’t very long.

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**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/73 "2026-06-16T23:40:23Z")

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[Chaco Canyon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaco_Culture_National_Historical_Park) is about 3 hours from Albuquerque so it may be a bit farther than you want to travel, but I really can’t recommend it highly enough. It was the highlight of my trip to the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. [Pueblo Bonito](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pueblo_Bonito) is one of the most remarkable structures of pre-Columbian North America, and the mystery of what it was used for makes it even more interesting.

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**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2026, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/74 "2026-06-16T23:45:34Z")

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Thanks for the rec! Sent it to mr. romans, who would probably love it.

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**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/75 "2026-06-17T00:33:01Z")

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You will love it. He might not hit the high notes he used to hit but he usually has a female singer who can hit those notes. They rearrange the songs to fit his vocal style and he can still sing the shit out of a blues song.Good time guaranteed.

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**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/76 "2026-06-17T00:48:01Z")

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I loved his collab with Alison Krause, and this concert promises to be similar, so I’m all in.

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**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2026, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/77 "2026-09-06T01:37:51Z")

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@filmore:

mr. romans did love that book about Kit Carson - as he put it “I had no idea he was such a fuckin’ badass!”

We’re due to leave in a couple of weeks and have definite plans to do the Sandia Tramway and eat dinner at the restaurant at the top, ride the Sky Railway and do the Turquoise Trail on our way from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Will probably go to the ski basin and take the chairlift up to the beer garden too. And we have a chocolate walking tour booked in Santa Fe.

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**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/78 "2026-09-06T02:58:08Z")

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My advice re: New Mexico: Look out for coyotes and roadrunners, and carefully avoid anything you see on the highway labeled “ACME”!  
😁

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**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\
**Post date:** [September 7, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/79 "2026-09-07T00:46:51Z")

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I would be very happy to see a roadrunner in the wild - so far cartoons and zoos have been my only sightings!

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**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\
**Post date:** [September 7, 2026, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802/80 "2026-09-07T01:14:07Z")

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Keep your eyes open and you’ll probably see one. They like having more open space as they are definitely unhappy flyers and ground predators. But you’ll see them all over the place. Parking lots, vacant lots, places like that are pretty common.

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