Few places on earth offer the rich history and cultural diversity found in our home state of New Mexico. Known as The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico became the country’s 47th state on Jan. 6, 1912. But for thousands of years —
from those in ancient cultures to those living today in modern cities — residents and visitors have fallen in love with the open skies, unending vistas, and welcoming nature.
And while recent reports show that New Mexico is faring better than other states in terms of coronavirus spread, there is no doubt that our favorite businesses in our communities have been hit hard by this economic and public health crisis, including
hotels, restaurants, retailers, and more.
As of Aug. 31, 2020, New Mexico’s economy is slowly and safely reopening, which gives state residents the opportunity to support their favorite businesses — including hotels, restaurants, retailers, and some museums and attractions.
As your locally owned and operated credit union, we partner with many fellow local businesses through a variety of programs, including our Business Banking members; our Select Employer Groups; and our award-winning Co-op Capital relationship-based, micro-lending program, which widens access to financial assistance for low-income entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color who are just starting or expanding their businesses. We invite you to visit and support these businesses
within COVID-19 public safety guidelines — or online!
Albuquerque
Consistently ranked as a top arts destination, Albuquerque celebrates artistry of all forms and is home to a variety of cultural centers, museums, galleries and theaters. While you’re adventuring, here are some great places to eat, shop, and relax.
Betty’s Bath & Day Spa — Founded in 2000 in Albuquerque’s North Valley, Betty’s provides a relaxation and wellness retreat. They’re known for their outdoor,
salt-water hot tubs, massages, facials, and natural body care products.
Lilly Barrack Jewelry & Gifts — Worn by New Mexicans far and wide, jewelry collectors clamor for Lilly’s individually handmade statement pieces, made from .925 reclaimed American
Sterling Silver, some with solid 14K gold accents.
Monroe’s Restaurants — Started as a small drive-in near Old Town in 1962, this dining staple is known for authentic high-quality New Mexican dining, award-winning salsa, chile
sauces, and red chile honey.
Street Food Institute — A nonprofit organization of food service and business professionals dedicated to shaping a healthy, sustainable, and creative food culture across New
Mexico. Three full-time food trucks and two locations mean great, local food is always nearby.
Rise + Roast — New Mexico brewed, committed to quality. This local coffee and donut shop in the Southeast Heights promises handcrafted deliciousness and quick service.
The Cheesecake Factory* — With more than 250 menu items and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, there is truly “something
for everyone” at this locally owned franchise located in Coronado Center in Northeast Albuquerque.
Street Food Sensations — A food truck serving up the best flavors of the Southwest, including the Cubano sandwich with beer-braised
pork, parmesan cilantro truffle fries, and green chile and bacon mac bites.
Fiesta Mexican Food — A locally owned food truck that brings the party to you — from food to drinks like aguas fresca, cotton candy to paletas, plus all
the tables and chairs, this is a one-stop shop on wheels.
Vegos — Perhaps you’ve followed a dedicated vegan diet for decades, or you’ve just started your journey. Vegos is the choice for anyone looking for good comfort New Mexican
cuisine. Fully plant-based, this food truck/pop-up serves vegan burritos, tamales, enchiladas, sandwiches, and more.
Itality — Tina Archuleta, a member of Jemez Pueblo, creates health-conscious food, nutrition and wellness consultations, and doula services, while bringing vitality to Indian Country
and empowering Natives to revive their own health.
Buen Provecho — a purveyor of Costa Rican dining along with a variety of Latin American dishes and desserts. Housed in the historic, recently renovated El Vado Motel on Route
66 (Central Avenue) near Downtown.
The Ferm Brinery and Bakehouse — Jacob Topper grew up loving sourdough bread and his grandma’s kosher dill pickles. Now, by using his heritage culinary knowledge and modern technology,
he creates delicious, healthful, fermented foods that appeal to the modern palate.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe (known as The City Different) offers great retail, fabulous museums, inviting galleries, and year-round outdoor festivals. The hotels are varied, and cater to your unique styles.
Santa Fe Brewing — Founded in 1988, this Santa Fe staple brews New Mexico’s favorite local beers. The Bridge and
The Brakeroom in Santa Fe, along with locations at Albuquerque’s trendy Green Jeans Farmery and Tin Can Alley are perfect places to meet up with friends and family.
Courtyard by Marriott* — Reflecting the state’s Native American heritage, this hotel delivers a comfortable place to land after a busy day
exploring Santa Fe.
Sage Inn — Unleash your inner artist at The Sage, a dreamy bohemian hotel steps from Santa Fe’s top art galleries, eateries, and local boutiques. Their pet-friendly hotel
makes sure no one is left out of your inspiring New Mexico adventures!
Coyote South Hotel — From the familiar pueblo architecture to the vivid colors splashed against its adobes, Santa Fe is unique and its people are unique, quirky, creative, unexpected.
Here, we channel the city’s eclectic vibe to create a magnificently diverse mosaic of culture.
Inn of the Turquoise Bear — This top-ranked bed and breakfast is the 9-room estate of Witter Bynner, American poet, writer, and scholar whose home was regarded as the center of
the creative and fun-loving elite of Santa Fe, and visitors from New York and around the world.
Inn on the Paseo — This bed and breakfast is comprised of two, early 20th century homes with easy access to the Santa Fe Plaza and downtown. Each of its 18 rooms features
its own unique vibe.
Vanessie Santa Fe — Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, Vanessie is ideally situated two short scenic walking blocks to the famous Historic Plaza and the revitalized
Railyard Arts District. Its critically acclaimed Fenix at Vanessie Restaurant has been providing 30-plus years of dining and world-famous live music and entertainment.
Farmington
This city is the largest in the Four Corners region. It is known as the location where outdoor lovers and active families thrive. Farmington is the perfect place for outdoor adventures amidst cultural treasures and unique landscapes.
Fairfield Inn & Suites* — Nestled in the San Juan River Valley, this hotel is near epic off-roading, world-class fly fishing,
mountain biking, kayaking and paddle boarding; and is a perfect landing pad to rest after outdoor adventures.
Serious Texas BBQ* — This place knows how to heat up a kitchen with a variety of smoked meats and sausage; it’s known for the must-have smoked turkey, which pairs nicely
with the homemade cranberry habanero salsa, or their award-winning pulled pork sandwich with fruity, fiery cherry-chipotle salsa, or the tender beef brisket you can't help but sink your teeth into — all smoked to perfection!
Taos
One of America’s foremost art colonies, the town of Taos, located 135 miles north of Albuquerque, is also home to the legendary Taos Ski Valley, World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo, the iconic St. Francisco de Asis church, and a majestic landscape encompassing
the Rocky Mountains, Rio Grande Gorge and breathtaking bridge (the second highest in the U.S.).
Hampton Inn* — Within a 10-minute drive of Taos Plaza and the San Francisco de Asis mission church, this is a great launch pad to experience all Taos has
to offer. Tour and Taos Ski Valley shuttles are available.
Hotel Don Fernando de Taos — Spanning six buildings over six acres, this hotel provides a contemporary getaway with authentic New Mexico charm.
Easy access to the Enchanted Circle, Wheeler Peak, and two miles from Taos’ historic plaza.
Gallup
The town of Gallup is located along historic Route 66. It offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate Native American culture, steeped in tradition. The town is surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation destinations and trails in the Southwest.
Sleep Inn* — Located near Red Rock State Park, the Gallup Cultural Center, and the Navajo Code Talkers Museum, this affordable hotel is known
for friendly service.
Comfort Inn* — Create unforgettable memories along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway. The Painted Desert is 90 miles away;
the El Morro Theatre, built in 1928 is nearby. The hotel is only 1 mile from downtown Gallup, located on historic Route 66.
Fairfield Inn & Suites* — At the gateway to the Navajo Nation, this newer hotel is near the spectacular landscapes of Pyramid
Rock, Church Rock, and Red Rock Park. Guests rave about the staff and pet-friendly policies.
Roswell
Visitors to Roswell have the option of exploring the outdoors or visiting museums and modern art galleries. Don’t forget to plan some time to visit the International UFO Museum, featuring UFO phenomenon exhibits.
Candlewood Suites* — Home of the New Mexico Military Institute, the International UFO Museum and Research
Center, and the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium, Roswell is home to one of the largest airplane storage facilities in the nation. This extended-stay hotel has kitchenettes, a fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Statewide
More than one-third of the land in New Mexico is protected by the federal government. There are five designated national forests, 15 national parks/monuments, and 35 state parks that include
numerous reservoirs and lakes. Wherever you visit, you have access to delicious food at some of the state’s most popular restaurants.
Blake’s Lotaburger — Serving legendary green chile cheeseburgers and breakfast burritos for 65 years, Blake’s is the spot most New Mexico expatriates visit the moment
they step off the plane. And now with almost 100 locations across New Mexico, El Paso and Tucson, you can get your fix in a within a three-state radius.
Dion’s — Founded in 1978, this Albuquerque institution was supposed to be a Greek restaurant. While waiting for equipment, owners Jon Patten and Bill Scott starting making pizza
to make ends meet. The rest (including their legendary ranch dressing) is history. You can now find Dion’s in New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas.
Online
There are some amazing artists offering their goods online, if you’re interested in supporting local, but prefer to stay in the comfort of your home.
Dineh Jewelry — Born into a family with a long tradition of Navajo silversmithing, Samantha Platero continues their practice of using traditional materials to create jewelry based
on both history and contemporary exploration. This artist collaborative is housed on the Navajo Nation and in Santa Fe.
Di’orr Greenwood Designs — One of the few Indigenous skate shops, offering quality, handmade skateboards, skateboard designs, and skateboard lessons.
Earth and Sky Floral Design — Shayai Lucero (Acoma, Laguna) owns this 100% Native American, woman-owned, home-based floral studio on the Pueblo of Laguna. They provide
floral arrangements and promote locally based artists from the area.
Shiny Moon Creations — Owner/designer Jennifer Powless strives to fill in the gap in keeping Native culture alive by implementing Native American designs into contemporary
fashion and traditional wear. Native American clothing that both men and women can wear with confidence and be proud of for the past 25 years.
* Locally owned franchise.