An Inspired Cook

An Inspired Cook
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  • Tag: Taos

    • Living the Dream One Day Trip at a Time

      Posted at 7:11 am by NativeNM, on July 1, 2026

      My journey in blogging began 15 years ago today, back when we were living in Olathe, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. In the early years my focus was all about food and recipes. This anniversary I want to reminisce on the travel adventures that Joe and I have shared over the last 8 years. I had always dreamed of going home to New Mexico but there would be a lot of bingo balls to juggle in order for that to happen. I dreamed of traveling the state and taking pictures of the places I remembered growing up and the new places I had yet to explore. In 2018 an opportunity came about for Joe to work remotely within his company. It would allow us to move without Joe having to start all over. Cameron decided to remain in Kansas City and Josh was on a year long visa in Australia traveling and working at an observatory giving stargazing tours. Our boys were clearly starting their own lives so we jumped at the chance to start a new adventure of our own. It was scary leaving behind 25 years worth of memories in KC, but there hasn’t been a single regret and honestly Joe and I are happier than ever. We made an agreement that we wouldn’t waste a minute and we would never become complacent to stay at home. We created a bucket list and have pretty much checked off that list one by one. We have traveled all over the state with a hiking folder of over 75 destinations checked off and counting. I’ve only posted a fraction of the places we’ve traveled to, but today I would like to share a few of our favorite destinations that are historic, interesting and beautiful. If I had to pick one place that calls to me it would be Ghost Ranch. The picture above is from the Kitchen Mesa Trail, it’s the hardest trail I’ve ever hiked and the most rewarding. The views from up high on the mesa are about as majestic and beautiful as it gets. Don’t stop now, there’s a lot more to see!

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, Aztec Ruins, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, Coyote Call Trail, Crow Canyon Archaeological District, El Santuario de Chimayo, Ghost Ranch, Kitchen Mesa, KItchen Mesa Ghost Ranch, Los Cerillos, Los Cerillos State Park, Manzano Mountains, Nambé Falls, Nambé Lake, Nambe Falls, New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Hiking Trails, Ojito Wilderness, Pecos National Historic Park, Pecos Ruins, Plaza Blanca, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Shiprock, Shiprock New Mexico, Taos, The Turquoise Trail, Trinity Site, Tunnel Trail, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Valley of Fires, Very Large Array, VLA, Waldo Coke Ovens
    • Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

      Posted at 9:42 am by NativeNM, on October 30, 2020

      Week No. 3 . . . The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83-mile loop through the mountains, valleys, mesa’s and national forestland of Northern New Mexico.  The loop goes from Taos to Questa to Red River to Eagle Nest to Angel Fire and back around to Taos. This picture was taken along the Rio Grande River between Espanola and Taos.  Taos had by far the best fall colors with the Cottonwood trees ablaze with golden leaves.  Most of these pictures were taken as we were driving but we did stop occasionally to capture some panoramic photos.  Along the way the scenery changes from the Taos colors to the valleys of Angel Fire.  The lake at Eagle Nest is so picturesque with the sparkling blue water with the hilltop landscape in the background.  Red River is a tourist haven nestled in the mountains with pine trees, rivers and ponds.  It’s always cooler up in the northern part of the state and a great getaway to cool off in the summer month’s or enjoy skiing in the winter.  Taos is one of my favorite places on earth.  It’s the most charming little town with unique local artists displaying their works in and around town. Whenever you visit New Mexico this might be the perfect place to start.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments | Tagged Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Fall Foliage in New Mexico, New Mexico Enchanted Circle, New Mexico Fall Colors, NM, Red River, Taos
    • A Week in New Mexico

      Posted at 8:52 am by NativeNM, on September 18, 2012

      I’ve been away for a week to visit my native New Mexico so I haven’t exactly been in the kitchen lately.  I did however experience some of the best cuisine starting with Carl’s Ranch Chicken.  Then there was the Indian Taco smothered in green chile at Serefino’s where Kat and my nieces ate.  So many good meals, so many memories.  There is so much to love about New Mexico.  Too much in fact but I’ll try to share some of the beauty, culture and serenity you will find when you visit.  September in New Mexico is special, the green chile is roasting on the streets, the chile ristras are hanging, the skies are the most beautiful blue and the adobe architecture and decor makes you feel at home.  We made our way across the state to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos but first a trip to the farm.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments | Tagged New Mexico, Route 66, Santa Fe, Taos, Tucumcari
    • July 2026
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