The kids were up at the crack of dawn, around 6:15 am. But we didn't mind much as we all slept through the night pretty good. I usually don't sleep my first night at high altitude, so it was refreshing. I was still tired, but it was fine.
We lazed around the room for a good while before jumping in the car to explore. We decided to drive to Questa, about 10 miles west of Red River. It was a washout, a poor town with plenty of beautiful surroundings. We stopped at the river along the way and enjoyed God's creation.
We head back to town and had an overpriced lunch at the Main Street Deli
After lunch, we came back to the room to take a nap. Mary and I crashed like big dogs while the kids played video games. A major thunderstorm came into the area. Man, it was LOUD! We managed to nap a bit in spite of it.
After a few rounds of Hearts, we went shopping and had some dinner. It sure it beautiful here. Its going to be difficult go home to the plains...
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
July 22, 2003 02:44 PM
Hey Mr. Mayor...
Bet you didn't know I was an avid fan of your blog! : ) Just couldn't resist sneaking in my two cents about Red River... seeing as how its my stomping grounds and all!
So here goes... The Josh Williams' Top Ten Things To Do in Taos County, New Mexico:
10) Breakfast or Lunch at Shotgun Willies: Main Street, Red River, in front of Red Chair Lift. Great burgers and styrofoam cups. It's a greasy spoon joint that will remind you of Sonic... but with a little character.
9) Red River Fish Hatchery: About 2 miles south of Questa heading towards Taos. They raise all the stock trout in Taos County here. Kinda quinky, but the kids should enjoy feeding the fish... At least I did when I was nine.
8) Dinner at Texas Red's Steakhouse: Pricey, but you ain't done Red River unless you done Texas Red's. My mom was a waitress here, so tip well.
7) Tio Vivo: The best toy store in the world. Filled with a plethora of educational and constructive kids toys -- as well as some obscurities. Tell "Kathy" that Josh Williams sent you. She sold me most of my Beanie Babies over the years. It's a little of the square in Taos. You may have to ask around, but the locals can tell you where it is.
6) Taos Square: As long as your there, the shopping in Taos is unique and fun. Rachel recommends "The Spotted Bear" just off the square for women's fashions. It's a bit pricey... But you have to remember that Julia Roberts lives there now.
5) Hike to Middlefork Lake: Red River's Upper Valley. Find a store called "Miller's Crossing" on Main Street in Red River. It's across the street from the Sitzmark (which is German for the divet your bootie makes when you fall skiing -- no joke). At Miller's Crossing you can get a map to Middlefork. It's about 7 miles roundtrip, so maybe a bit much for the kids, but you can cut that in half with a Jeep. The mountain lake is absolutely gorgeous and worth every bit of the hike. Bring a picnic.
4) Overland Sheepskin Company: North side of Taos. Ask any local how to get there. Hard to miss on the side of the highway coming from Questa. Great sheepskin and leather goods. Awesome ranch-style furniture too.
3) Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: This will literally take your breath away. The Gorge Bridge is about seven miles west of Taos, near the Taos Airport. Park your car and walk out on the bridge. It's about 400 feet down, and will give you an experience you will never forget. Don't miss this one. The view is unbelievable.
2) The Sundance: Josh's favorite mexican food in the world. On High Street in Red River. The entries range from $8-$12 but the portions can easily feed two. Great service from one of the sweetest couples in the world. MUST EAT HERE.
1) Breakfast at Michael's Kitchen: Taos, just north a few blocks from the square. Again, ask any local. Get up early, and make the drive to Taos for breakfast. This ranks as Josh's favorite restaurant in just about all the world. Martin's Breakfast Burrito, The Omelette Extraordinaire, and the Poor Man's Eggs Benedict are my personal faves. I've been eaiting here for about 15 years now, but only recently did I learn that it was a celebrity haunt. Rumor has it you can run into Julia Roberts or Donald Rumsfeld eating here.
So there you have it -- these are all great places, but numbers 1-3 are MUST DOs if you have the time.
Hope you enjoy it there, and if you stay for a Sunday, visit Faith Mountain Fellowship Church in Red River... Their music minister, Wayne Kidd, is a dear friend -- and the church itself is totally dynamic.
Hope all is well Joel. Have fun!
Josh