So, as I said in my previous post, I sadly left Miraval and was on my way into New Mexico.
On the drive, I saw a bunch of little billboards for a place called ‘The Thing.’ I had also read about The Thing in Roadside America. And, I needed gas and I needed to pee (I know – TMI) so I figured I’d stop in and see what’s what.
I never found out how to get to ‘The Thing’ – it was just a great big gift shop. So, time to keep moving.
First stop was in Hatch NM where there some nice friends along the road.
When I looked at Roadside America, just the pink pig was on their website. I sent them an update showing them the new ‘friends’ – we’ll see if they publish the info or not!
Then, time to get on to Truth or Consequences. You are probably wondering about the town name.
Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to “Truth or Consequences”, the title of a popular NBC Radio program. In March 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the show; Hot Springs won the honor, officially changing its name on March 31, 1950 (the program broadcast from there the following evening, April 1). Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next 50 years. This event was called “Fiesta” and included a beauty contest, a parade, and a stage show. The city still celebrates Fiesta each year during the first weekend of May. The parade generally features area celebrities such as the Hatch Chile Queen. Fiesta also features a dance in Ralph Edwards Park.
Anyway, I stayed at the Sierra Grande Hotel. It’s owned by Ted Turner. Apparently he has quite a large presence here in NM and owns a lot of acres. He had come to this hotel a lot as a kid and when it came up for sale he bought it. Everyone here was really nice.
And here is my room. Yes, that’s a big bathtub. But, my stay also included 30 minutes in a hot springs downstairs, so I did that. (Breakfast was included too). I sat in there for about 20 minutes and I didn’t get all pruney. There are about 50 different minerals in the water – it was really nice.
So, at the hotel I found out they only have beer and wine. And due to NM Laws you can’t remove any alcoholic drinks from the restaurant. But the nice girl that checked me in said, “You can walk 3 blocks to Bullock’s Market and get whatever you want there!” So, that’s what I did. Bullock’s was very old school. Low ceilings, old school stuff. I felt like I was in a movie!
I got a vodka I hadn’t tried before, made in Texas – Dripping Springs. It’s pretty good!
This is where I enjoyed breakfast before heading out.
I headed out towards the VLA (Very Large Array). On the way, I had to take a detour and drive through the tiny town of Magdalena because they were having a parade that day.
Our tour guide has a man bun!
I didn’t see any snakes …
Storms a brewin’!
And then, after a few more hours, I made it to Brian and Stacey’s home in Santa Fe. I haven’t taken any photos yet, but I will. This place is magical!