I could be wrong, but I think Old Town in Albuquerque is a bit of a hidden gem for visitors driving through New Mexico. It took us a few times to travel through before we discovered it. Once we did, we stayed a couple of nights while on our way to Sedona, Arizona. We loved it so much that we stayed again on our way home!
Things to do near Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Visit Old Town! Look at all these beautiful storefronts and colors! There are over 150 galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums. Each one is individually owned. This area offers something for everyone and is historically fascinating dating back to the 1700s, predating the formation of the United States. All within a short distance are the Explora-Science and Learning Museum, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Chapel of our Lady Guadalupe.
Tiguex Park is within walking distance of the museums and just .5 miles to Old Town Plaza. It’s a great park to get fresh air, sit in the shade, and walk the dogs. There is a playground, basketball courts, and workout equipment. We really enjoyed walking around this Tricentennial Park with the dogs.
Dog Friendly Hotel Albuquerque, New Mexico
We love staying at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn; it’s easy access off I-40 and Route 66 and is close to modern and old fun. The hotel is only .7 miles from Old Town. It is convenient with an onsite restaurant and cocktail lounge and is dog-friendly. We appreciate that they have a little kennel in the back, a designated spot for the dogs to go to the bathroom.
Favorite Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Range Cafe is only .2 miles from Best Western. My favorite is the blue corn pancakes!! We always took our food to go and the service was fantastic. Hot food packed nicely and easy to eat in the car. My mouth is watering thinking of the pancakes. 😉
Our other favorite food spot was the Sawmill Market with multiple yummy food options. I really liked the salad from Meso Grill. It was fresh and huge! They offer beer tastings, yoga, live music, and other events. Check their website for updates.
We really loved the pizza from Hawt Pizza Co. and so did the dogs! They give you an option to add burrata to your pizza. Do it!
If you’re like us and get sick of eating out while traveling, we always try to find the local co-op. La Montanita Co-op didn’t disappoint. The fresh bread and deli is amazing. We also really love the Albuquerque Whole Foods hot food section.
Albuquerque is a great stop on Route 66 on your way west or back east! Allen approves! 🐾
Spend the day in Stillwater, Minnesota, and enjoy delicious food, unique shopping, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River!
Many times, we think we need a big getaway. After spending the day in Stillwater, Minnesota, I was reminded that one day away or even a half day is revitalizing. So often, we talk about self-care, and we don’t discuss travel being part of it. I see too much of the 10-step nightly face routine. 😉 Travel is expensive but so are women’s beauty products. It’s about prioritizing what works for you and getting creative. It doesn’t have to be a 10-day trip to an exotic island to have the same effects. A smaller dose of relaxation and filling your soul is worth it!
A Day Trip to Discover Stillwater
Best Small Towns in Minnesota
We started the day at Feller Restaurant for lunch. We really loved the cozy atmosphere with comfortable bar stools and big windows that look out to Stillwater’s historic Main Street. We enjoyed the Nicoise Salad and Foragers Crostini but the star of the show was the Bacon Wrapped Dates! They were so delicious. They deserve another close up picture!
After lunch, we walked and shopped Main Street. Our favorite stop was the Stillwater Olive Oil Company, where you can sample a variety of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s a unique tasting experience and so yummy! The service was fantastic too with the staff being super helpful and answering all of our questions.
Next, we walked down by the St. Croix River and took in all the views. The Stillwater historic lift bridge is such a sight to see and fun to walk across to take in the river views and downtown Stillwater.
Last, we had a delicious cup of coffee at Made Coffee before hitting the road. My favorite is a hot oat milk miel. The weather in Minnesota has been so crazy warm so it was nice to sit by the fire and then inside the cozy Lora Hotel. Don’t forget, a simple day trip with a friend can make a huge difference in your mental health.
Remember that you have the power to create your life instead of letting life happen to you. Moment by moment. It might not feel that way, but even through the hard times, you have a choice. A choice to lead with love for yourself. There are so many times that I didn’t feel this way and was giving my power away. When it feels like other things are taking up too much space, take small moments to fill your cup. Create through writing in a journal or taking 5 minutes to daydream. Imagining the life that you want is a start and it might not feel like it but it is a step forward. Imagination creates possibilities. I know for some this might come easy OR it looks like it’s coming easy but for me, it’s a battle. One that I work on every day. Two ideas to get you started…
Take small consistent steps toward your goals
When I was diagnosed with Dystonia, I thought I would never be able to exercise again. But, then I started with just 5 minutes a day. It will feel like a long road but before I knew it (it was months), I was up to 30 minutes.
Create a vision board
Even if this sounds silly, it worked for me. Some things took years but seeing my vision come alive on a board and setting intentions kept my ideas and wants top of mind. I love looking back at my boards and seeing my accomplishments that have come to fruition.
And if you’re happy with where you are, don’t fall into the hype of the new year. Just LIVE and enjoy. Society is always pushing us towards something but it’s all about finding what makes you happy, what stirs your soul, and what makes you feel content.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver.
Miracle at Big Rock is an epic light show including 17 million lights in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. See the year-end finale!
What a blast!!! Holiday lights, food trucks, artisans (located in a beautiful barn), s’mores, cocktails, and so much more.
⛺️ Private Rental Spaces
🏠 Onsite lodging
🎇 Fireworks
🌝 Visit the Moon (This was a favorite but there a so many unique installations, watch for Bigfoot!)
We knew this would be a fun night but it was even better, we left feeling like little kids full of joy.
Here is a list of the remaining hours and events from their website :
Wednesday, December 27: 4pm-9pm, Youth Night! Kids 4-12 $8 admission using code “Kids” Thursday, December 28: 4pm-9pm Friday, December 29: 4pm-10pm FIREWORKS at 830pm Saturday, December 30: 4pm-10pm Sunday, December 31: 4pm-10pm
A Big Rock’n NYE Barn Dance and Fireworks!
Definitely add @miracleatbigrock to your holiday to do list. Cheers!
Every little bit makes a difference. There are many ways to help, including sharing information, buying unique gifts from the Best Friends Animal Society store, donating, volunteering, fostering, or adopting.
Help Homeless Pets on Giving Tuesday and Beyond.
Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving and an opportunity to support the organizations that you love. Together we can end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters. During Giving Tuesday, every donation to Best Friends Animal Society will be triple matched up to $1 Million! Your donation ensures warm beds, healthy meals, and lifesaving medical care to the animals at Best Friends and to pets in shelters across the country.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the Nation. Their mission is to Save Them All and live in a world with no homeless pets. The sanctuary is home to over 1600 homeless pets including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, birds, and more. The Best Friends’ team works hard towards their goal through creative programs such as the spay and neuter program. Including, reaching far beyond the sanctuary teaming up with shelters all over the country.
Above is our girl, Utah. She was part of our first experience at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. We drove through Utah on our way home after visiting Las Vegas and stopped for a sanctuary tour. Of course, we couldn’t resist that face and adopted her that day. Since 2016, we’ve visited the sanctuary over ten times to volunteer. It is a life-changing and beautiful place to volunteer plus learn more about their initiative. It is a must-add to your bucket list if you love animals.
We have adopted three dogs from Best Friends Animal Society over the past eight years. Utah, Allen, and Carol have changed our lives for the better. Sadly, Utah crossed the rainbow bridge in 2020. She was a gentle force that is greatly missed. Allen and Carol continue to bring light to our lives through unconditional love, laughter, play, adventure, routine, and steady companionship.
You can read more about Utah and Allen‘s adoptions by clicking their names.
We like to say that we save them, but I believe that they save us. 🧡
Join me in giving homeless cats and dogs a second chance this holiday season! Triple your impact for animals and make a gift today at https://bfas.io/igt23.
Holiday Events in Lindstrom, Minnesota, and surrounding communities
The holiday events start the first weekend of November!
You will find an abundance of holiday spirit in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota. There is so much holiday magic, I believe Santa has a special place in his heart for these Minnesota communities. In fact, you will see Santa at most of the Chisago Lakes holiday events arriving in epic fashion! Chisago Lakes is a 40 minute drive from the Twin Cities and encompasses Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Shafer, Taylors Falls & Almelund.
Where to See Santa This Holiday Season
The Chisago Lakes area is known for celebrations year-round, but over the holidays, it is extra magical.
The holiday season events are what you imagine or remember when you think of wholesome fun, connection, and community. You will feel wonderment and joy watching Santa ride in on his sleigh, singing Christmas carols, taking horse-drawn sleigh rides, counting down and anticipating a town tree-lighting, shopping for the perfect homemade gifts, experiencing Swedish traditions, drinking hot chocolate, and seeing historic houses lit up in spectacular lights.
Calendar of Holiday Events in Chisago Lakes
Check out these festive annual events in November and December!
Kick off the holiday season at the huge Chisago Lakes PTO Annual Craft Fair at the Wildcat Community Center! 150+ booths with vendors and local crafters, plus food trucks and fresh baked goods. Free admission, easy parking, and building access. This event has been taking place for over 30 years!
Experience unique wines paired with amazing chocolates and rare cheeses the winery has specially selected for this special weekend. Winehaven Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery located in Chisago City, Minnesota, and has been in operation since 1995. Its vineyard consists of 15 acres of various winter-hardy grapes.
Another can’t miss event at Winehaven. Enjoy a fantastic dinner and dueling piano show! The winery will be filled with the sounds of music from the 1970s through current favorites. Grab your family, friends, and favorite song requests for a fun night of food and music.
The quaint town of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, becomes a Christmas Card Village! This event has been held on the Friday after Thanksgiving since 1985. The Lighting Festival includes a parade, medallion hunt, craft fairs, Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House Museum, an ecumenical Choral Vesper Service, family Bingo, Mrs. Claus at the library, a giant bonfire, and snowman making. Watch for the limited edition Lighting Festival ornament and make sure to wear your lumberjack flannel!
Santa arrives in a fire truck! Small Town Christmas is hosted by the Center City Fire Department Auxiliary at the Center City Fire Hall. The annual small-town Christmas evening includes cookie decorating, cocoa, popcorn, raffles, and a Christmas story read aloud. Put your Christmas jammies on and celebrate! This is a FREE family event. All proceeds from the raffles go to local residents in need this holiday season.
The annual Christmas Bazaar has been a tradition for over 20 years. Including more than 30 vendors and their always popular “Bethlehem Bakery,” stocked full of fresh baked goodies, including lefse! They serve hot cinnamon rolls and coffee in the mornings and then a sloppy joe lunch in the afternoon. There are also antiques and a raffle with great prizes!
The Holiday Craft Boutique is hosted by the Center City Fire Department Auxiliary at the Center City Fire Hall. Their annual Holiday Boutique has many vendors, crafters, and baked goods! There will be unique gifts for teachers, family, co-workers, friends, and so much more. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win prize baskets. Lunch will also be available for sale. Do some holiday shopping while supporting a great cause! All proceeds go towards local residents in need.
Have a fun day shopping! The Holiday Craft Fair has several vendors with a wide variety of items, including holiday gifts, Scentsy, jewelry, handcrafted items, and gifts. You can make a day of it and attend two other craft shows on the same day in Center City (within 4 miles of each other). Visit the above link to the Facebook event page with a Google Map and information. Local Cub Scout Pack #144 will be selling food and beverages, plus wreaths and garland.
Don’t miss Lindström’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival at Lindström’s Memorial Park! FREE Admission.
Visit a winter wonderland and see live reindeer, take pictures with Santa, stay warm with hot cocoa, coffee and a bonfire, enjoy a freshly grilled hot dog or brat, make a s’more with Boy Scout Troop 159, meet the KOD/Chisago Lakes Ambassadors, plus listen to live music: High School Brass Ensemble & Santa Lucia Carolers.
Chisago City’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival at Moberg Park.
Come to Moberg Park for Chisago City’s Annual Lighting Festival! FREE Admission.
Events include horse-drawn sleigh rides, music, caroling, refreshments, and of course, Santa! Bring your letters to Santa with a returned addressed envelope, and Santa will reply.
Picket Fence Gals is a one-of-a-kind sale! They have become one of the premier occasional sales in Minnesota. Through the years, Picket Fence Gals has grown to 2 buildings and added Picket Fence Guys. Each vendor has their own design aesthetic that gives Picket Fence Gals a wide array of styles that shoppers will love, from Farmhouse to Modern to BOHO to Mid-century. Every day during the sale is different because the vendors restock each night. Have fun and find wonderful treasures.
Join the Chisago Lakes Chamber team for their Annual Meeting and Holiday Gala. Get to know the community and the team during a social hour then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and desserts!
For more events in Chisago Lakes, visit the Chisago Lakes Chamber calendar!
Another fun and unique spot to shop is Pleasant Valley Orchard. Plus, you can pick up fresh apples for your Thanksgiving pie.
Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️
Wishing you a merry holiday season!
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