New Mexico Road Trip: Taos Edition 🌵📸

1️⃣ Bandelier National Monument Started the day here before heading to Taos — and wow, it was crowded! Waited almost 40 minutes just to climb the iconic ladder (pic 1 😅). The full loop + visitor center took about 2 hours. ⚠️ Don’t forget: You’ll need a National Parks Pass to enter (available at the visitor center). 2️⃣ La Cueva Cafe in Taos Grabbed lunch here — ordered one seafood and one beef roll (wish I remembered the names!). Both were delicious, but the beef one was my favorite 🤤💯. Budget-friendly and tasty! Highly recommend. 💡 Tip: Pay in cash to avoid a 4% card fee. 3️⃣ Strolling Through Taos The shops here are less interesting than those in ABQ or Santa Fe — mostly clothing and pricey art, few souvenirs. Still, it’s photogenic! Loved the pops of blue throughout town. 📸💙 4️⃣ Rio Grande Gorge State Park A quick but majestic stop — dramatic canyon views, a scenic bridge, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Worth a detour if you have time! 🌉🏔️ 5️⃣ Dinner Back in Santa Fe: Zeng Chinese Ended the day with cumin beef and hand-torn cabbage — flavorful and affordable (especially compared to Seattle!). And yes, rice is free! 🍚🥢 #NewMexico #Taos #SantaFe #Bandelier #RoadTrip #TravelUSA #FoodieAdventure