48 HOURS IN ABQ
Authentic, vibrant, and unlike any other – Albuquerque is a dream destination for lovers of cuisine, culture and exciting activities. I’ll begin by saying The ABQ is always a glorious little escape as it’s only about an hour or so from Santa Fe!
CHECKING IN: WHERE TO STAY
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Los Poblanos is the most picturesque place. From the moment you arrive as you pull through the gate and drive down the tree shaded road- you just know something special is awaiting you. Have your camera ready because every single space is just exquisite! You can easily spend hours here even if you are not staying overnight! It’s just a beautiful place to wander in, get lost and uncover a quiet corner which truly encapsulates the rural New Mexican countryside at its finest.
Whether you stay in a cozy Meem Room steeped in history and original artwork, a Farm Room with architectural details inspired by 1930s dairy buildings or a Field Room overlooking rows of lavender and farm fields, their accommodations offer a true escape. With luxurious organic bedding, their signature lavender spa amenities and plenty of fresh air, you're bound to feel relaxed and refreshed during your stay.
The Meem Rooms & Suites are located in the historic and renovated hacienda designed by New Mexico’s most important architect, John Gaw Meem. A style attributed to him, the “Territorial Revival” rooms include 1930s revival tin light fixtures, hand-carved beams, ironwork, hardwood floors, hand plastered walls and fireplaces and period New Mexican artwork. Although no two rooms are alike, each historic room has something special and unique to offer. (Please note: fireplaces are wood-burning and are set seasonally from October 1 until April 1. If you are sensitive to the smell of smoke, please consider the Field Suites).
The Farm Rooms are inspired by their 1930s historic dairy buildings with pitched tin roofs and white stucco, interiors are clean and simple with a modern feel. Suites feature wood-burning fireplaces, hardwood floors, original artwork and incredible views of the gardens, acequias and the lotus pond. Several rooms have private patios, with seating areas that can be enjoyed in the New Mexico sun all year round.
The Field Rooms are also an excellent choice…..with stunning views of the lavender fields and Sandia Mountains, these suites allow guests to immerse themselves in the agricultural experience at Los Poblanos. Inspired by their 1930s historic dairy buildings with tin roofs and white stucco, the clean and simple interiors feature high pitched ceilings and wide plank wood floors. Guests can lounge under the shared porches in the farm courts or on their own patios that can be enjoyed in the New Mexico sun all year round. The Field Family Suites include a full kitchen, dining area, large patio and a separate bunk room just for the kids.
AMENITIES
Complimentary airport shuttle service (by reservation only between 8 am - 10 pm)
Exclusive access to the Library Bar Sunday - Wednesday 5 pm - 10 pm (lodging guests only)
Complimentary s'mores kits
Daily complimentary classes in the Wellness Yurt
Lavender amenities made with organic lavender grown right here on the farm
In-room dining from Campo for brunch, dinner and bar service, enjoyed from the serenity and comfort of your room
Fitness center and outdoor saltwater pool (open seasonally) at the Barn Commons
Operable windows with cross-draft for fresh air
Luxury linens and robes by Coyuchi Organic
Custom-crafted furnishings and Tivoli alarm clocks
Healthy rooms - our staff uses no chemicals or pesticides
Penny's Picks - our in-house developed guest guide
All rooms have a wet bar, and kitchenettes are available in select rooms
Year-round gas and seasonal wood fireplaces are available in select rooms. Wood fireplaces are set seasonally from October 1 until April 1.
Sofa sleeper (select rooms only)
Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi
Private guest room safes
Cable TV
Tesla and EV charging stations
Learn more about activites and seasonal experiences on the farm.
They have such a gorgeous story which I highly recommend reading about here!
Lavender Farm
In an effort to farm the fields at Los Poblanos while remaining true to regenerative farming practices in their high-desert climate, Armin Rembe planted the first lavender crop in 1999. Lavender is a low water use plant that thrives in their arid environment, and their fields have grown to hold thousands of plants after years of hand propagating the original lavender plants in the historic greenhouse. Organic lavender farming enables them to further their preservation mission by balancing our rich agricultural history with environmental concerns such as water conservation and soil structure.
Lavender is harvested for its essential oil, which is extracted through a steam distillation process right on the farm, ensuring absolute purity. The oil then goes into their line of artisan products and amenities at Los Poblanos Inn to offer our guests a deeply relaxing experience directly connected to the land itself. You can find their products locally where I live in Tulsa actually at Jenkins & Co.
Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn
Walk through the gates of this secluded, adobe style compound, and discover the magic of Casas de Suenos. Built in 1938, The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn features 21 spacious casitas, hot tub suites, glowing fireplaces, soft adobe walls, hidden courtyards, inviting patios and beautiful gardens that accentuate this adorably charming Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast. Rodge and I stayed here years ago on our long motorcycle trek and it was soooo comfortable and affordable! I wish I would have taken photos but did not really blog too much then so the photos would not even do this place justice! Ha!
The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn is the only Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast next to Old Town listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State of New Mexico Cultural Register. They are only three short blocks from the Albuquerque Old Town Plaza, and within walking distance of many of Albuquerque's best attractions. These include the Albuquerque Museum of Art, The Natural History Museum, the I-Explore Children's museum and The Albuquerque Bio Park that Includes the Albuquerque Aquarium, Botanic Gardens and the Albuquerque Zoo.
Their Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast Hotel allows for easy walking to the Albuquerque Old Town Plaza shopping!
So ridiculously lovely and the breakfast was just sensational!
https://www.casasdesuenos.com/
E A T A T :
Truly a gem of a restaurant at Los Poblanos- I can't recommend a visit to Campo enough. Located on an organic farm in the Rio Grande Valley, Campo is a casual fine-dining experience featuring the most purely crafted field-to-fork menu in the Southwest. Their Rio Grande Valley Cuisine is rooted in seasonal organic ingredients from their own farm harvest as well as provisions sourced from long standing relationships with local farmers and herdsmen. Informed by the daily harvest, Los Poblanos cuisine is constantly evolving with the seasons and celebrates the foods indigenous to New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley.
Campo genuinely has been one of the most delicious meals we have had here so far. It’s a perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch in the New Mexico sun overlooking their fields and the stunning Sandia Mountains!
I recommend the LOCAL PECAN & BEET HUMMUS with seeds and kitchen's accompaniments! Tasty and quite beautiful to photograph! The STONE FRUIT SALAD with farm greens, local cherries, candied pistachios, red onion, Point Reyes bleu cheese, pickles and stone fruit vinaigrette is also outstanding. Do add the seared chicken to it if you want something a little bit more filling! It’s juicy and tender and is a really nice portion.
I quite enjoyed my CHILAQUILES with corn tortillas, red chile, Tucumcari jack and cheddar, onion, crispy potatoes with herbs de Poblanos*, eggs any style and sausage. It’s a nice modern take on the classic CHILAQUILES I grew up with in El Paso. Their sausage is made in-house and has a maple flavor to it which is personally not my favorite so next time I would personally opt for the bacon!
Lin and Zoë loved the FARM BREAKFAST with two eggs any style, house-made sourdough* toast, crispy potatoes with herbs de Poblanos* and choice of meat! Cannot go wrong with a classic, right?! I personally never go with something I can easily make myself at home but that’s just me!
Their HOUSE-MADE ASSORTED BREAD BASKET with whipped butter and house-made jam is soooo delicious and the COFFEE CAKE is superb! Best coffee cake I have ever tasted actually and it’s a dream with the Lavender Latte! The LAVENDER SPRITZ with grapefruit, lavender, and soda is so refreshing too!
With Christopher Bethoney as Head Chef…no matter what you order you are in for a treat!
A native New Mexican, Chris began cooking professionally at the Hyatt Downtown in Albuquerque while in high school. Chris went on to graduate from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he spent time cooking in New Hampshire, Italy, various parts of New York and New York City. Then, after over a decade on the East Coast, he came back home to raise his family. Chris has been at Campo since it opened in 2017 and has been instrumental in shaping the dinner menu, dining experience and Chef's Tasting Table. He believes in learning from traditions of many cultures and supporting local farmers and producers. His style draws inspiration from the world of fermentation and preservation, immigrants and natives alike.
https://lospoblanos.com/dining
A FEW OTHER RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS...
Stufys - Stufys was founded by Ray Madrid and Lawrence Villanueva. During the 1950s, Ray Madrid was the Head Chef at Albuquerque Country Club. Using his skills and recipes, he opened Mexican Maid, a small restaurant in the downtown Albuquerque area. With a sopaipilla machine and delicious New Mexican recipes, Ray and Lawrence went on to create Stufys Restaurants, which were carried on by Paul Madrid and Lawrence Villanueva ll — Lawrence still operates the restaurants today. Please visit and enjoy their half-century tradition of homestyle cooking using local ingredients. You will love the authentic flavor... but be patient, they prepare the food to order.
Thanks for the recommendation Cait!
Bristol Doughnut Co.- Not sure what we love more... the donuts? The double decker bus? Or the story behind the bus?
Shop At:
Los Poblanos Farm Shop- Located on the historic Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm property in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, the Farm Shop is proud to feature artisan lavender products grown and produced from their own organic lavender farm, along with the Farm Foods collection made fresh from their kitchen. They take immense pride in offering these wonderfully hand-crafted, quality products to you and your loved ones! This place truly makes gift giving a breeze!
The jewelry is exquisite! From Navajo and Zuni jewelry makers to Spanish and Mexican silversmiths, the Land of Enchantment has a profound history and reputation for finely crafted adornments. Artisans blend cultures and traditions with natural materials to create wearable art that can really make a statement or hold a subtle reminder for the beauty that resides in New Mexico. Los Poblanos hand-selects beautiful pieces inspired by the landscapes natural beauty, culture, history, and craftsmanship.
So many beautiful books! Los Poblanos takes pride in the architectural gem that is the La Quinta Library. Entering through famed New Mexican artist Gustave Baumann’s carved deco doors, the Library is a grand yet warm space filled with a curated collection of books, vintage photographs and art. They hope this selection of books available in the Farm Shop and online brings the warmth, beauty and history of New Mexico to your personal home library.
Plus soooo much more!!!!!!!! Check it out!
https://farmshop.lospoblanos.com/
We are still here in this beautiful place and I am predicting more time in The ABQ so I will update this post as we go!!! And if you have any recommendations for me…let me know in the comments!!!
