The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Out in the middle of the desert that seems flat for as far as your eye can see, stands this huge rock peak that appears to spring out of nowhere named Shipwreck Rock. It is mysterious and hauntingly beautiful and the iconic symbol of the New Mexican desert. We pulled over onto the side of the rode and snapped some pictures. And then my nine-year-old daughter informed us she had to pee. There was nothing … [Read more...]
Wow, I am not sure there are even words to describe Tinkertown, except VISUAL OVERLOAD. While this place has nothing to do with Tinker Toys, the website describes it as a folk art environment…I think that’s a pretty accurate description. It took Ross Ward over 40 years to collect, carve and construct all that you see—miniature scenes, whimsical displays, and eccentric collections of Americana that pack every … [Read more...]
If you are traveling with kids and they need to blow off some steam in an air-conditioned environment then you won't find a better place than the Children's Museum of Santa Fe. On a hot summer day this place was a godsend. The kids got to run around in a self contained environment with tons of stuff to keep them busy and the moms got to catch a break, have some adult conversation, answer emails and just … [Read more...]
Around the corner from the oldest house is The Loretto Chapel, another quick thing to check out. As legend has it, the Loretto church needed a new staircase when it just so happened a traveling carpenter came to town. He built the staircase, which goes against all the rules of engineering and stands miraculously without any support from a center post. No one knows how it was done or the identity of the mysterious … [Read more...]
Apparently there is some discrepancy as to whether or not this really is the oldest house in the USA, but that’s what the sign said. Here’s what we found out: The house was originally constructed as a part of the Pueblo de Analco—a Pueblo Indian community that existed in what is now Santa Fe, New Mexico. While the exact date of construction is unknown, it was probably constructed some time in the Thirteenth … [Read more...]
The Rodeo De Santa Fe is a seasonal show that takes place during the summer, so make sure you check ahead if you’re hoping to catch this authentic rodeo experience! We had actually planned our trip to coincide with it and I am so glad because it's something none of us will ever forget. It was so memorable as none of us had ever been to a real rodeo—and this is as real as it gets. First out the gate were the … [Read more...]
The New Mexico State Capitol Building in Santa Fe was not what we expected. It's pretty modern and unlike most statehouses that we've seen. Unfortunately as we got there when it was closed so we missed checking out the inside. Here are a few interesting facts though. The New Mexico statehouse is the only round state capitol building in the U.S. and it was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol with four … [Read more...]
A little off the beaten path is the Taos Drum Factory, was both a fun and interesting stop. After learning about the Taos Indians at the pueblo, we understood a little about the role the drum plays in their culture. At the factory we learned how the drums are made and saw a huge variety of them, some tiny and some massively huge all with interesting an unusual shapes. Walking into the warehouse we immediately smelled … [Read more...]
Exploring the Taos Pueblo is to step back in time and to understand the lifestyle of the Taos Indians who occupy the structure today. The pueblo stands as the largest surviving multistoried Pueblo structure in the United States and is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been … [Read more...]
I remember being in the car with Shari and the kids and seeing the enormous mountains in the distance as we left Montrose heading to Silverton. They were ominous and awe inspiring and in that moment we channeled our inner pioneers and headed on the road toward the mountaintops. Colorado is such a peaceful and beautiful place and yet the power of nature is everywhere from the white water in the rivers to the steep … [Read more...]
