Road Trip
by Elizabeth King
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Art with Altitude.
A summer road trip. Everyone piles in the car, eats snacks and plays variations of I spy. Occasionally, a roadside attraction helps pass the time. As I grew, the road trip lost its magic and once I was an adult I fully opted out. But last summer my mom, my sisters and I decided to resurrect the classic summer family road trip. The four of us are different in so many ways, but also alike. We’re also best friends. Getting back to our family roots, we started planning our adventure.
For this adult road trip, we decided to take six days to explore the artistic history of the Southwestern United States. We started with two days in Albuquerque, drove north to Santa Fe for two days, then spent one day in Taos before heading back to Colorado with a stop in Pueblo. It felt like each location matched up with one of us, creating a road trip that reflected each of us and all of us together.
Albuquerque | me, the middle daughter
Albuquerque is known for hot air balloons. It isn’t typically top-of-mind when it comes to art, but like a middle child, it has a quirky side, an artistic spirit that doesn’t disappoint. I know I’m a little quirky, it’s one of the many reasons my family loves me.
In Albuquerque, you’ll find many things I love—good coffee shops with art-lined walls, little stores that seem part museum and part gift shop and restaurants with creative craft cocktail menus.
One of my favorite spots in Albuquerque is Hotel Zazz, a Route 66 motel with art at every turn. Each room, shared space and art installation is decked out in work created by local artists. Tap the golden banana in the lobby to visit Speakeasy where you can enjoy a drink in an intimate setting.
Other good stops in Albuquerque: Tia B’s La Waffleria and Little Bear Coffee Shop in Nob Hill. And, shopping in Old Town Albuquerque where you can find lots of wares both old and new.
Santa Fe |my mom
My mom’s identity is entwined in art, just like the essence of Santa Fe. The place is a desert oasis for creativity, nurturing the artists who live there.
You won’t want to miss the famous Santa Fe Farmers Market where you can explore farm fresh foods to add to your table and fresh artwork to add to your collection. Dozens of local artists bring their handiwork every Saturday—everything from ceramics to jewelry to textiles.
Santa Fe is also home to Meow Wolf, an immersive arts experience that is part museum, part mystery and part grown-up playground. There really aren’t words to do the Meow Wolf experience justice. Reserve tickets in advance as it’s a fan-favorite for Santa Fe visitors.
Other not-to-miss activities: sip a cup of drinking chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House, visit the galleries on Canyon Road, see the historic downtown including shops,
restaurants and the New Mexico Museum of Art.
Santa Fe Farmers Market and Kakawa Chocolate House.
Taos | the oldest
Toas is slightly off the beaten path, but a great spot to stop on our way back to Colorado. We took the scenic route from Santa Fe to Taos (I really don’t think there were any other options), stopping along the way to admire the arid mountain scenery and to enjoy a short petroglyph hike and glass of cider at Black Mesa Winery and Cidery.
Like my older sister, the art in Taos is approachable. We came across a lot of everyday art like the traditional Western architecture in the buildings downtown and the ancient Taos Pueblo. We ended our time in Taos with the art of a good cup of coffee at The Coffee Apothecary, where we each got a latte to enjoy on the front patio.
What else can you do in Taos? We recommend exploring the museums, galleries and shops in the downtown area.
Pueblo | the youngest
Pueblo is another locale that doesn’t immediately bring art to mind, but it does have a cool, underground artsy side. Like my little sister, the art in Pueblo has a job to do. The Pueblo Levee Mural is both functional and artistic. Since 1978, artists have been adding colorful touches to the concrete panels. An uncomfortable job, but one that makes a big splash for those who stop by to see it.
We made a stop at Neon Alley, an outdoor exhibition with hundreds of retired (but still working!) neon signs. This is a great stop to make at dusk as you watch the neon glow brighten the alley. You can then grab dinner at one of several nearby restaurants.
Growing up, we always drove to our destinations, even when they were really far away. This summer, resurrecting the family road trip made me feel close to the people I love. This journey took me back to my roots. Thank you, mom.
Elevate the Arts: Plan your own arts road trip with family or friends to create a grown up adventure that speaks to your roots. EK
