Seasonal Travel: Spending Thanksgiving in New Mexicoby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 08 Nov 2007 09:22 PM My parents met and married in Albuquerque, New Mexico and subsequently spent a number of Thanksgivings in the land of hot air balloons and roasted chilies. They now live in the land of pineapples and big surf. Hawaii is a popular holiday destination, but you'd be surprised at how many visitors descend on New Mexico during the long Thanksgiving weekend. Many hotels and resorts in the area are offering Thanksgiving packages, which include elaborate turkey spreads, but it is New Mexico, so don't be surprised if your meal features a Southwestern accent. Common holiday dishes such as green chili and blue corn stuffing and mashed potatoes with red roasting chilies are often part of hotel buffets. The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, is currently offering a "Fall Feast Festival" package. Rates start at $199 per room, per night. Other spas around the state including El Monte Sagrado in Taos, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs in Ojo Caliente, and Santa Fe's, Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa are also offering Thanksgiving travel deals. While some come for the turkey dinner others gather in the Albuquerque area for the annual Christmas light parade. On Thanksgiving Day the Albuquerque Botanic Gardens kicks off its River of Lights, a holiday display with music and hot chocolate. The day after Thanksgiving you can get started on your Christmas shopping at the Annual Sky City Arts & Crafts Show and Auction, which is held at the Sky City Cultural Center on Acoma Pueblo. If you have room in stomach for more calories check out the green chilies roasting at the local farmers market. Then, take a scenic autumn drive along the Turquoise Trail (a.k.a. Highway 14) on the east side of the Sandia Mountains. If you are looking for a way to work off the turkey and pumpkin pie head to Taos Ski Valley, which opens Thanksgiving Day. If you are traveling with children consider taking part in some of the area's cultural activities such as a chance to make bread with members of the pueblo in a "Native American Bread Baking" class. There are also pueblo dance demonstrations and flute performances; pottery and drum-making classes; and hiking through the Cottonwood Forest with a guide from the pueblo. Or, you can opt to take a horseback ride to see 800-year-old petroglyphs. Regardless of what activity you choose, spending Turkey Day in New Mexico is bound to yield some fantastic family memories. Related Articles: Untraditional Turkey Day Destinations Unique Thanksgiving Travel Destinations New York's Most Popular Seasonal Activities Holiday Travel: Saving Money On The Way To Grandma's House-Part 3 Holiday Travel: How To Save Money On The Way To Grandma's House--Part 2 Holiday Travel: How To Save Money On The Way To Grandma's House Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Save Time At The Airport Holiday Travel: Tips To Consider Before You Hit The Highway Holiday Travel: 10 Hotel Safety Tips Holiday Travel---The Escape Plan Holiday Travel: Dollars and Sense Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags holiday travel, New Mexico, seasonal travel, Thanksgiving, Travel Discuss this article
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