Lamy New Mexico Travel Diary
Always love weekends at the Lamy train station, where Georgia O'Keeffe first discovered northern NM and decided to stay……
Welcoming you to a small corner of New Mexico with a mighty history today!
This quaint railway town was born in 1879 when the Santa Fe railroad laid it’s tracks through New Mexico. All though just 18 miles south of Santa Fe, Lamy is surrounded by wilderness, big clear, star filled-skies, and plenty of Western charm.
Rodge and I have been living here since end June and finally depart August 11th to continue the second part of our summer journey in New Mexico which you can follow along at over on Instagram! I made this special hashtag just for you.
Needless to say we have really gotten a feel for Lamy and our surrounding areas in ElDorado, Pecos, and Galisteo New Mexico and I am truly so excited to be publishing this city guide for you as I know many of you have become quite intrigued with this area after seeing my Insta stories.
WHERE TO STAY
Check out the multiple AirBnb’s in Lamy! The AirBNB we stayed at was honestly not a good experience for us. I chose to keep some photos up mainly so you could see our summer trip but I was so truly disappointed with our accommodations and the property was way too expensive for what we got. The whole stay did not match our hopes in many many aspects and we sadly would never return to this property!
The whole situation has left us saddened and frustrated and I just do not feel right recommending this home to you as I know you look to me for travel recommendations.
Feel free to message me on Instagram and I can offer some suggestions for you of where I would stay if we did this trip again. I definitely have some great ideas for you.
We greatly wanted an “off-the-beaten-path” experience for the first trip and we definitely got that out here in the Wild, Wild, West! I mean I have been living in no makeup, air dried hair, minimal manicures, and oh my goodness the amounts of rest I have gotten! I truly feel so refreshed. Rodge too! He has been reading lots!!
A few things to note in Lamy!
It is super quiet but you will hear the whistle blow and know the train is coming to town! 2X a day the Amtrak makes a stop at the Lamy train depot and continues on down the tracks. On the weekend you will hear the Santa Fe Railway train!
They do Lamy tours on Sunday’s!
You will also get some traffic from curious travelers photographing “Our Lady Of Light” right next door to the house. Themajestoc church was built in 1926 and served as the only Catholic church in Lamy. The architecture is unusual for the area and I think that’s why many folks stop. The supernatural TV series Preacher shot its pilot episode within the church. Today Our Lady of Light is not only a shining landmark but serves as the community center for the town. They have only had one meeting since we have been here!
WHAT TO DO
Check Out The Lamy Depot - Once a bustling meccaf for Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, now things are quieter and you can get some great photos! As I mentioned above you will see the Amtrak train passing through twice a day and they also provide a shuttle from the Depot to ABQ! Do check out the Sky Railway adventure train and book one of their fun train excursions!
Hike The Galisteo Basin -With more than 41 miles of publicly-accessible trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, the Galisteo Basin Preserve is beloved and actively enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors. It is a place of community and quiet reflection: a place of renewal and inspiration. The GBP trails gracefully traverse the savannah grasslands, sandstone ridge lines and arroyos of an iconic landscape in northern New Mexico.
The trails are dog friendly too for well behaved dogs! When you explore the trails, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks—and be careful out there. Cell phone service is intermittent at the Galisteo Basin Preserve. Melvin and Henry absolutely loved the hikes and looked forward to going to the Basin daily! We did have to drive to Galisteo Basin from The Railhouse but it’s only about a 10 minute trek! It’s truly such a magical place. Just look at how happy the boys are!!
Visit The Pecos National Park -
Gateway to the Plains!
Pecos is a cultural crossroads through which hunters and gatherers, traders, conquerors and explorers, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers and tourists passed.
Walk the trails and imagine Pecos through the centuries. Explore sites where cultural demonstrations and traditional practices continue today - a living legacy of the people who passed this way. Welcome to Pecos, where past is present. Also a dog friendly experience!! We loved learning so much here and Pecos is only about twenty five minutes if that from Lamy!!! Bring water though. I did not and really wish I had! Rodge wished he brought his binoculars too!
Drive through Pecos Wilderness- You will see beautiful deep and narrow canyons, broad ridges, forested slopes and rugged peaks that characterize the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Pecos Wilderness at the southern end of the Rocky Mountain chain. On the west front, steep canyons drain toward the Rio Grande. In contrast, the eastern side of the Sangres is characterized by the broad mesas and grassy meadows of the upper Pecos River Valley, including the 20.5 miles of the Pecos River that received National Wild and Scenic River designation in 1990.
High-country elevations range from 8,400 feet to 13,103 feet at the top of Truchas Peak, the state’s second highest summit (behind Wheeler Peak at 13,159 feet). The landscape features everything from 100-foot waterfalls and crumbled talus slopes to dramatic rock cliffs, towering peaks and wildflower meadows. Engelmann spruce, corkbark fir, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir, limber pine, bristlecone pine and aspen are the predominant tree species.
Wildlife is equally diverse, including elk, deer, bear, turkey and one of America’s healthiest herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Fifteen lakes and 150-plus miles of sparkling streams offer first-rate fishing, including rainbow trout, brown trout and the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, New Mexico’s state fish.
On your way back in from Pecos to Lamy-stop in Glorieta! You will see the cutest Post Office too! It is the closest post office to Lamy. So mail your pals and family some postcards!!!
We were not able to go all the way up the mountain though due to a fire danger warning that had sadly closed down a lot of The National Parks up here. They had a horribly dry spring and summer and have lost so many acres due to fires. Thankfully August is their high season for monsoons but those can be equally dangerous for exploring so justy check forest closures ahead of time!
Open every Friday May 27th- October 7th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm!
They have a wonderful selection on fresh seasonal fruits, veggies, jams, bread, pastries, flowers, plants, and so much more!!!!! Plus this market is dog-friendly too! Enjoy live music as well while you shop and maybe go grab a pint at the local brewery.
Put your comfy shoes on and get exploring - in Lamy you can stumble across a pretty sight at any time, so make the most of being able to cover off a lot of town by just walking beyond where the pavement ends and the west begins and stopping along the way with camera in hand.
Motorcycle Adventuring-
The continental divide runs from north to south down the center of The Land of Enchantment. The best motorcycle rides in northern New Mexico (NM) will usually involve exploring the southern stretches of the Rocky Mountains with it's alpine mountain scenery. Additionally, great motorcycle roads are found along the state's western border with Arizona where they will find stretches of green mountain ranges. However most of the rest of the state is made up of arid, rocky, canyon rich and sun baked scenery. Some of the most popular stops for motorcycle riders are the Carlsbad Caverns, Ruidoso, and the town of Santa Fe, NM. Lin has been taking various day trips and one weekend trip and hopefully I can have him write it all out so I can share it with y’all!!!
Drive around Galisteo:
Adore this little picturesque community!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Lamy
Legal Tender Saloon & Eating House- Situated in the heart of northern New Mexico, the extremely small town of Lamy is no exception to New Mexico’s otherworldly charm as is Legal Tender! Legal Tender Saloon is the oldest operating bar in the state. When the Legal Tender was opened in 1881, it operated as Pfluegger’s Mercantile, serving as a general store for the tiny community in Lamy.
The historic building has been lovingly restored and now draws crowds the way the old saloon once did. The long oak bar gleams beneath glowing chandeliers, and a side dining room once used for poker games beckons. Such a great romantic spot to sip cocktails and slurp oysters! This place will truly whisk you away to bygone days of the Wild West. Or take a seat beneath soaring ceilings in the spacious front dining room, and tuck into Grilled Swordfish,Coal Roasted Cabbage, Puerco Con Mole, Prime Rib and Roasted Chicken. Or enjoy tasty New Mexican favorites like Ribeye Enchiladas, Cheese Enchiladas, Seafood Relleno, or a Bison Frito Pie plus other delicious items!!!!
We really loved the Ribeye and Cheese Enchiladas, the Chicken and Green Chile Casserole, and the “High-Boy Burger” is literally the best green chile burger I have ever had here in New Mexico. Also loved the Calabacitas Burrito. We dream about the Gougeres which are gruyere cheese puffs with green chile oaxaca. Heaven!! Heaven on a plate!
All the cocktails are delicious and the Sangria is a must! It’s my second favorite that I have tasted. La Tertulia still holds the trophy for the greatest Sangria of all time.
Nuckolls Brewing- We cannot say enough great things about this neighborhood taproom just steps away from the Lamy Rail House we rented. For starters…they threw a fantastic dog-friendly 4th of July party with BBQ, beer, frozen prickly pear margaritas and live music.
I think the photos really speak for themselves.
But don’t just stop there. Check out this video I made from the evening!
Nuckolls Brewing Lamy Railyard has six taps, offering La Cumbre Elevated IPA, Beer Creek Amber, Ex Novo Perle Haggard German Pilsner, Sandia Watermelon Cider, Santa Fe Brewing Social Hour and Rio Bravo Piñon Coffee Porter. Gruet wine is also available . The Lamy food menu, for now, includes pretzels, chips and queso, Frito pies, hot dogs, house salads, chili dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and house-made potato chips.
They have indoor seating and an outdoor beer garden on the railroad side of the building, with overall capacity of more than 100. Nuckolls fills half the depot and the Amtrak waiting room the other half. Nuckolls Brewing Lamy Railyard is open 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
So glad they are here at the Lamy Depot. You just can’t go wrong with some Honky Tonk, Sandia Watermelon Cider, and Frito Pie on a beautiful breezy Saturday evening!
See for yourself here.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
ElDorado
Upper Crust Pizza- If you’re looking for a pizza restaurant in Santa Fe, you won’t have any trouble finding one. Back in 1979, however, when Upper Crust Pizza opened up in an old jewelry store, it may not have been so easy finding a pizza place that makes your mouth water. And that’s why Bill and Dean got in the business of making pies. They began with a simple menu with items that are made to perfection and continued to add new items that the Santa Fe residents craved. Today, you will find a lunch and dinner menu filled with everything from quiche to salads and sandwiches to pizzas and calzones.
Upper Crust Pizza has been serving up award-winning pizza for years. Consistently winning Best Local Pizza by the Santa Fe Reporter, you can expect to find unique pizza toppings such as pine nuts and green chile, as well as traditional pepperoni, sausage, and Margherita pizzas. If you want a tasty beverage to go along with your pie, order a cold brew, an elegant glass of wine, or stick to the basic fountain drinks. Many of the beer and wines are local, adding to the charm and hometown feel of the restaurant.
I absolutely love their calzones! The pies are good but the calzones are where it’s at for me! And love that they have a carryout window on the side of the building! Covid cases are sky high here right now so we opted to carry out and eat at our AirBNB most meals!
Le Pommier Bistro- Chef Alain Jorand & Suzanne Welcome You to a French Bistro Experience! “We want people to come here and feel like we’re going to spend two hours in the French countryside,” Eichler said. “It’s not about turning tables. If you want to sit on the patio with your dog, do it.” Jorand is from Reims in the Champagne province northeast of Paris. He has owned French restaurants in Quebec; Florida; Buffalo, N.Y.; and the non-French Flying Fish Café in Aspen, Colo.
Renowned Chef Alain Jorand creates authentic and classic French cuisine in a beautiful setting sure to transport you to France. Sweet and savory crepes, French onion soup, salad Nicoise, Steak tartare, Pate en croute, Croque Monsieur, Paris burger & house made frites, to name a few dishes sure to please your palette. Chef Alain prepares fresh decadent desserts daily, apple tart tatin, chocolate eclair, poached pear in red wine reduction with house made pistachio glacé, decadent chocolate cake Nelusko. The lovely gift shop and grocery is filled with items from France and include Suzanne’s favorite kitchen items. Custom gift baskets are available to order and arranged by Suzanne. The gift shop “La Cage”, also offers fresh baked baguettes and an assortment of bakery items, pain au raisins, palmiers, pain au chocolat and croissants daily.
I know my Francophile readers are going to be very excited about this!!!! And don’t you worry- will be writing a Francophile guide informing you of all the beautiful French things you can find here in the high desert!
(more pics coming soon)
https://lepommierbistro.com/
Arable- So very sad Arable was closed our whole visit. We had heard amazing things from friends. So we really hope it opens before we head home end September because we would completely drive in to dine here!!!! I will keep y’all posted!
If you describe land as arable, it means that something can grow there. If you're looking to raise crops, you better find yourself a patch of arable land. Inspired by the bounty of New Mexico, and the small community of Eldorado, Arable was born.
They source local, they support local economy, and they partner with other local businesses to achieve an end goal of community.
The whole menu looks just fantastic!!!
Brunch Box Blue- This adorable food truck is bringing you passionately crafted southwestern brunch fare with a hint of southern comfort. Highly recommend the braised beef tacos and the breakfast sandwiches!! The sweet potato tots and homemade peach ketchup are an absolute must!!!! Soooooooooooo delicious!!!! I will dream of that peach ketchup!
Carmelitas’s -The Greek food is fresh and the Green Chile Burger is really really good!!!! The food always comes out quickly and is always complete. They offer delicious desserts too, Lin really loved their Pecan Pie!
ElDorado Supermarket In The The Agora- A lovely neighborhood grocery market with a nice produce selection and a great French wine selection! I was quite impressed with it! Lovely specialty items too and a ready-to-go vegetarian section too with meals and smoothies! Lovely cards as well from local artists! and the BEST vegan cupcakes.
Cafe Fina- We have eaten here so many times in the 5 weeks we have been living here! It’s a fairly easy drive from Lamy! Located on the Old Las Vegas Hwy……It’s so delicious. This bright and bustling eatery is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Ricotta Pancakes and Breakfast Burrito will give you a good start on the day. The Migas are an excellent choice too! Fina's Green Chile Cheeseburgers are stellar and the salads are generous servings of goodness. The dinner entrees rotate, and every dish is delicious. I loved the Chicken Enchiladas with Christmas chile and The bakery churns out quiche, pies, scones and many other treats! The Mexican Wedding Cookies are my absolute favorite!!!! Fina is a favorite with locals, out-of-towners and any other diners who happily stumble upon this sweet spot. Love their outdoor patio and carryout window!
Harry’s Roadhouse- Another favorite of ours that we have enjoyed several times!!!! They offer comfort food with a unique Southwestern twist! It’s always busy but the wait goes by quickly!
The breakfast is absolutely incredible! Highly recommend the omelettes, and the Buckwheat Pancakes. Also enjoyed the Beer Battered Onion Rings, Southwestern Veggie Chop Salad, and the smothered burrito with grilled chicken. The Roadhouse Tostada is also an excellent choice! My daughter really loved the Baked Penne and Rodge likes their pizzas and he loved The Green Chile Burger with Christmas Chile Fries!!! See-we ate here sooooooo many times!!!
Ohhhh don’t miss out on the Chocolate Pie and the Watermelon Margarita!!!
As you can see the space is beautiful!! Their garden is a place that really soothes me and inspires me with all the gorgeous Hollyhocks. Worth the drive from Lamy as it’s considered very much a part of Santa Fe but I beg to differ as I have lived here in Lamy for 6 weeks!!! It’s truly both but don’t let the distance change your mind from Lamy! The food is fantastic and they have an easy carryout system!
https://harrysroadhousesantafe.com/#about
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
PECOS
Pancho’s Gourmet To Go- Okay…do not let the fact this this place is inside of The Shell Fueling Station hinder you away! Pancho’s in Pecos was our absolute favorite place of this whole Wild West experience!!
Pancho’s was opened in 1999 by Frank “Pancho” Adelo, who developed the menu himself, aiming for what he calls “the basic good cooking you would find in regular homestyle restaurants.” He puts care into the ingredients. The beef, for example, is purchased from a Texas-based operation called HeartBrand, which raises grass-fed Akaushi cattle, one of the four breeds grouped under the name Wagyu. The beans come from Moriarty, home of the Pinto Bean Fiesta. The green and red chile are sourced in New Mexico, of course. Both the red and green sauces that Pancho’s serves are vegetarian (no chicken or beef broth) and gluten free.
The menu is broken down into several categories: Northern New Mexican Fare, Pancho’s Burrito Emporium, Burgers and More (the “more” includes chicken tenders, a loaded hot dog, and a “PecosPhilly” cheesesteak), Deli Sandwiches, Breakfast All Day, Salads, and sides like guacamole, homemade potato chips, and grilled onions.
They also offer seasonal favorites: tamales and biscochitos. Starting the week before Thanksgiving and extending through the holiday season, they make both pork and calabacitas tamales. They also bake two kinds of biscochito: with lard and without.
Rodge loved the Calabacitas Burrito and the Big Big Breakfast Burrito with Beans and Bacon smothered in Christmas Chile. I loved the Beautiful Bean Burrito With Green Chile, The Taco Salad, and the Chips + Guac!
I am a little embarrassed to admit how many times we ate here!! Not many pics though because everything is served to-go in styrofoam containers and well ya know….!
Be sure to check out the Shell Fueling Station too while you wait!! I found lots of fun snacks like Green Chile Pistachios and Piñon Cola!! And they have a great Jarritos selection! Plus they have delicious organic fresh veggies in the coolers!!!! The lettuce was delicious and the avocados were soooo good!
Frankie’s At The Cassanova- Located in the village of Pecos, NM, Frankie's at the Casanova is the heart & soul of Northern New Mexican cuisine.
From mouth-watering local favorites to a world-class green chile cheeseburger,
this warming and comfortable restaurant has expanded into a cultural icon within its welcoming western atmosphere. From utilizing the finest ingredients, Frankie's prides itself on freshness that can be seen throughout the numerous cuisines made from scratch each day. This perhaps could be one of the reasons Frankie's have maintained its long standing reputation as an ideal gathering place for both locals and tourists alike. Highly recommend the Green Chili Stew!
Next time you travel to The City Different-please do add Lamy to your itinerary! As you can see there is lots to do out here in the country!!!!
And if you have any questions please let me know!!!
Happy to help you with planning!
Of course none of this was sponsored ……and I greatly appreciate you reading and sharing it.
Happy Travels!!!!
P.S. Love driving around the areas by Harry’s Roadhouse up in the mountains!!!!!! We found a beautiful piece of land we love!!!!
