Albuquerque - Old Town and Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe

OLD TOWN

Visiting Old Town is unique. Of course, it is a shoppers delight. I loved the historic ambience of Old Town. 

Venders with their wares of turquoise and silver jewelry. 

Restaurants.  Notice the hot peppers. 

TURQUOISE TRAIL

The Turquoise Trail is a National Scenic Byway. The byway stretches from Tijeras to Santa Fe. It is a beautiful drive. 

Along the way, we visited the small community of Cerrillos. The Cerrillos mining district is one of the oldest and most marked of the Old Spanish Mineral Developments in the Southwest. 

The town is sadly run down now.  There are a few houses. I thought it interesting what they use for fencing. 

  This type of fencing can be found around most adobe houses. 

Here is an entrance door; just standing on the property's edge to an old adobe house. 

SANTA FE

Santa Fe is a beautiful city and the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest city in New Mexico. They build all of their homes and businesses to blend in with the landscape.  In fact it is an ordinance, which was passed in 1957, that any new and rebuilt buildings must exhibit a Spanish Territorial or Pueblo style. 

Since we were just driving the Turquoise Trail and had the dogs wth us, we didn't take time to go to the plaza but I hope to return soon.