About.com Southwest US Travel

Exploring Albuquerque for Thanksgiving

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:49:39 +0000

I'm Albuquerque bound for Thanksgiving. I'll be checking out the Albuquerque Marriott in the trendy Uptown district. The Marriott is within walking distance of two shopping centers and so if I was so inclined, I'd have plenty of Black Friday shopping opportunities at my doorstep.

But I'm likely to enjoy time with a good friend and explore the restaurants. Weather permitting, it might be fun to check out the River of Lights Show at the BioPark. There is plenty to see and do in Albuquerque, whether you want to stay warm and cozy inside or enjoy the spectacular outdoor scenery.

Book your stay online at the Albuquerque Uptown Marriott and save.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Uptown at Night

Exploring Albuquerque for Thanksgiving originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 09:49:39.

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How to Get the Most out of San Antonio's New World Wine and Food Festival

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:07:42 +0000

It's a a long week-end of indulgence as San Antonio showcases their finest food, wine, restaurants and attractions. Select from events at wineries, fine restaurants, budget attractions and, of course, the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. To show you the variety, we describe New World Wine and Food Festival events we attended and provide you with tips for planning your trip to this annual wine and food event.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Westin La Cantera's Sommelier offers guests a special treat - Wine laced with Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)

How to Get the Most out of San Antonio's New World Wine and Food Festival originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 16:07:42.

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Enjoy the New San Antonio River Walk

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:29:47 +0000

I've always enjoyed walking along San Antonio's famed River Walk and then resting on one of the leisurely boat trips, and so I was thrilled to find out that the River Walk has been extended.

The River Walk has extended to an area called "Museum Reach." This area, accessible via the Rio Taxi boats, follows the river north of the Southwest School of Art & Crafts. This new section connects the River Walk with more shops, restaurants, and especially art. You can access the San Antonio Museum of Art from the boat landing. You can also see the lock and dam system that allows visitors to ride river barges as far as the Pearl Brewery complex.

San Antonio River Walk Article
San Antonio River Walk Photos
San Antonio River Walk at Christmas

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Enjoy the New San Antonio River Walk originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 11:29:47.

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Winemaker's Dinner at River Walk Cellar Kicks off San Antonio's New World Wine and Food Festival

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:56:38 +0000

It was our first New World Wine & Food Festival event - a winemaker's dinner hosted by Boudro's and served in an intriguing wine cellar. Each carefully selected course was paired with Brown Estate Vineyards wines.

Each of the five courses gave us enough to savor the creative cuisine and marvel at how well paired the course was with a Brown Vineyard wine. I have to say my favorite was the first course, a pan seared scallop with sweet potato gnocci, crispy sweetbread and brown butter. It was paired with a 2007 Brown Estate Chardonnay. Why my favorite? It surprised my palate and set high expectations for the evening.

There truly is something for everyone at San Antonio's New World Wine & Food Festival. Today we will travel out to the Hill Country to enjoy a winemaker lunch at Becker Vineyards.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Coral Brown of Brown Estate Vineyards

Winemaker's Dinner at River Walk Cellar Kicks off San Antonio's New World Wine and Food Festival originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 09:56:38.

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The Joy of Holiday Travel in the Southwest

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:47:08 +0000

I remember some of my favorite Christmas trips. Christkindl Markt (Christmas Market) in Germany with light snow, horse-drawn coaches and warmly lighted sales booths. Trips with my mother to see the Christmas windows and White House (department store) Christmas tree in downtown San Francisco. A Christmas morning at the edge of the Grand Canyon in the cold pink glow of the sunrise.

There is so much to see and experience as the world dons holiday finery and celebrates.

Photo Credit: Desert Botanical Garden

The Joy of Holiday Travel in the Southwest originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 12:47:08.

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Enjoy Thanksgiving in the Southwest

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:44:08 +0000

I used to work with a single woman who made a yearly pilgrimage to the Phoenix area to enjoy a communal meal with other women from across the United States, play a little golf, and enjoy the sun. I have other friends who just adore southwestern cuisine and look for a restaurant for a Thanksgiving meal that will feature cornbread, chiles, and, if the weather is right, a meal in front of an outdoor kiva fireplace.

A trip to the southwest is a great option for Thanksgiving, whether you are alone or with a large family. We found some great ideas to help you plan. Full Article on Thanksgiving in the Southwest.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Thanksgiving Decoration - Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Enjoy Thanksgiving in the Southwest originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 12:44:08.

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Visit and Experience the Real Texas

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:48:09 +0000

Any Texan will tell you that they are proud of being a Texan. They love their land and heritage. To better understand Texans make sure that you visit one of the small towns in Texas such as Brenham, not far from Houston. The beauty of small Texas towns is that the families who settled in the area are still there. Multi-generational homesteads and ranches are not unusual.

Find out how you can fly in to Houston and take a short drive to experience the land and the heritage of Washington County, Texas. Whether you stay at a B&B or a ranch, you will soon find out why Texans just love Texas! Full article on visiting Brenham, Texas

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - The Ant Street Inn - Experiencing Historic Texas

Visit and Experience the Real Texas originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 21:48:09.

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Texas Ranch Life - And So Close to Houston!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:06:16 +0000

Texas Ranch Life, near Brenham, Texas, is a place where you can enjoy a ranch experience with rolling hills and ancient oaks. But what will surprise guests are the collection of fairly large historic homes dotted throughout the property. These homes are fully furnished for guests and make up the B&B. The Lonesome Pine Ranch is a working ranch with one of the the largest registered Texas Longhorn herds.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Texas Ranch Life - And So Close to Houston! originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 09:06:16.

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Confused about Daylight Saving Time? What Time is it in Arizona?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:20:53 +0000

Judy Hedding, About Phoenix writer, points out... "Phoenix does not observe Daylight Saving Time." So be forewarned, when you travel throughout the west, the time you expect, may not be the correct time at all! Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means that in Arizona we never change our clocks like most of the rest of the country does.

Having said that, I have to add that if you are traveling on Navajo Nation lands, you WILL observe Daylight Saving Time! Confused? Here is our Southwest Time Clock.

Or, you can be laid back and say, "when the sun goes down, it's time for a Margarita."

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Confused about Daylight Saving Time? What Time is it in Arizona? originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 19:20:53.

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Visiting Sculptor Roxanne Swentzell in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:06:10 +0000

Many artists sequester themselves in their private studios or in impossible to find rural homes. If you can visit an artist in their studio, you will have a greater understanding of their art. Roxanne Swentzell is a talented, internationally known ceramist and sculptor. From her Tower Gallery at the Poeh Center just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico she creates marvelous works of art that may find homes in museums or in private collections.

I recently visited the Tower Gallery and watched Roxanne work on a huge sculpture commissioned by the new Convention Center in Santa Fe. You, too can visit the gallery and if you are lucky you will find Roxanne working away. It's a memorable experience to see the beautiful gallery, watch the video of Roxanne's life and see her art. While you are there, stop in and visit the Poeh Museum for a better understanding of the Pueblo people and their art. More on visiting Roxanne Swentzell and the Tower Gallery.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Visiting Sculptor Roxanne Swentzell in Santa Fe, New Mexico originally appeared on About.com Southwest US Travel on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 10:06:10.

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