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16 Sustainable Stays, Eats, Shops, and Experiences in New Mexico
Written by Stephanie Stevens | March 17, 2021
With its striking red cliffs, quiet desert plains, and vibrant arts scene, it’s easy to see why New Mexico is known as the land of enchantment. A part of the 4 corners region of the U.S. along with Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, this beautiful Southwestern state is popular among backpackers and road trippers for its limitless outdoor opportunities, rich history, and distinct regional cuisine. Once a Spanish colony and then later part of Mexico, the state has a unique cultural makeup and is home to over twenty Indigenous communities, including the Navajo Nation. With this diverse population, the state is also home to many different languages, cultures, and ways of life. This, along with the state’s varied landscape, vast areas of protected land, and many historical landmarks make New Mexico the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.
From the artsy capital of Santa Fe to mountainous Taos and the southern desert plains, there is so much to explore in this Southwestern state. This guide will introduce you to many unique stays and experiences that are noted for their efforts in sustainability, cultural preservation, and support of local communities. Be sure to show them your support the next time you visit the enchanting state of New Mexico!
Eco-Accommodations
The Blake Hotel
Source: Ski Taos
Price Range – $$$
Sustainability and hospitality are top considerations at The Blake Hotel, which makes it the premier destination when visiting Taos Ski Valley. This ski in/ski out alpine lodge offers first-rate access to all of the year-round outdoor activities at Taos Ski Mountain, such as skiing and hiking. As a part of Taos Ski Valley, sustainability is not just afterthought for The Blake Hotel – it’s a guiding principle. Taos was named the world’s first ski resort to become a B Corporation, which is a testament to its commitment to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. When it comes to sustainability efforts at The Blake, the hotel utilizes a geothermal heating and cooling system and was awarded a prestigious LEED Silver certification for its commitment to limiting its environmental impact. The Blake also strives to incorporate the rich history and culture of Taos in the art, architecture, and design of the hotel and has an impressive art gallery for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Taos Goji Eco Lodge
Source: Ski Taos
Price Range – $$
A stay at the beautiful Taos Goji Eco Lodge will have you feeling rested and reconnected to your creative spirit. Situated on 40 stunning acres at the foot of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, this lodge is a true oasis for anyone seeking to rest and recharge from the stressors of everyday life. With an organic goji berry farm, vegetable garden, and fields of wildflowers, the ecolodge is a place to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Over the years, the property has been visited by many artists and creatives, including Aldous Huxley who lived and wrote on the property for many years. You can even stay in the cabin where Huxley once worked or in one of the many other cabins inspired by other artists that have visited the farm, such as D.H. Lawrence and Ram Dass. No matter which cabin you choose, you will surely feel your soul rested and your creative spirit reawakened.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Source: WeddingWire
Price Range – $$$
Situated on a working organic farm in Albuquerque, Los Poblanos provides travelers to New Mexico with an experience like no other. Designed in 1932 by noted architect John Gaw Meem, known as the “Father of Santa Fe Style”, the property is a natural oasis with its Spanish courtyard and fountains, lush greenery, and fields of vegetables and lavender. The working farm at Los Poblanos is family run and operates on a model of restorative agriculture, which has a host of environmental benefits, including healthier soil and improved biodiversity. The farm’s lucious lavender fields are used to make artisan lavender products (which you can purchase at the farm shop try in the spa)! All of the food served is organic and farm fresh, sourced from either the property’s own farm or other farms in the Rio Grande River Valley.
Earthship
Source: Earthship
Price Range – $$$$
Looking to reduce your footprint while traveling? There’s no better place than an Earthship! Uniquely built and designed to eliminate environmental impact, Earthship’s harness energy entirely from the earth and operate completely off the grid. Using upcycled materials, the core of these structures is created using old truck tires, sand, gravel, and clay. Energy is harnessed by wind and solar power and the unique construction provides a steady comfortable temperature. Indoor and outdoor gardens provide fresh and healthy food, and harvested rainwater is utilized for hygiene needs, household chores, watering the plants, and of course drinking! This efficient system results in a zero net energy building that is easy to live in and easy on your conscience. Not to mention, by staying in one of these green structures, you’ll also get to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding desert.
Rancho Gallina Santa Fe Inn & Eco-Retreat
Source: Rancho Gallina
Price Range – $$$
Located just 20 minutes south of Santa Fe on the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, Rancho Gallina is an eco retreat promising rest and recharge. Spanish for “chicken ranch”, Rancho Gallina takes pride in their gorgeous property, organic gardens, and of course their chickens! During your stay, you will be able to enjoy farm-fresh, organic food sourced from local farms, co-ops, and the ranch’s own garden. Over the years, the ranch has undergone major renovations and upgrades in order to limit its environmental footprint, including the installation of solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems. If you’re looking to explore New Mexico’s exceptional outdoor activities, there are many opportunities for outdoor and cultural adventures in the area.
Two Ponyz Ranch
Source: Two Ponyz Ranch
Price Range – $$
Set on a 40 acre property in Mountainair, Two Ponyz Ranch offers the opportunity for rest and recharge in the pristine wilderness of New Mexico. Ranch guests are given full access to the Guest Casita which has two outdoor patios and boasts serene views of the Manzano Mountains and Chupadera Mesas. The ranch owner, Karen Smith, built the guest house as a way to live in harmony with the Earth and to give visitors the opportunity to do the same. The casita is mindful of the environment and utilizes green energy, mindful water usage, and recycling. Karen is also an active member of the community and works closely with the local youth as an Elementary school art teacher and founder of the Youth Outreach Art, Music & Culture Project. If you wish to get active during your stay, there are many activities including hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing offered in the adjacent Mountainair District of the Cibola National Forest.
Socially Responsible Eateries
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Source: Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Price Range – $$
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is an El Paso mainstay known for its exceptional food and rich history. The restaurant was originally opened by colorful character Frank Ardovino in 1949 as Ardovino’s Roadside Inn and quickly became known as the place to enjoy to eat, drink, and gamble. After Frank’s death in 1973, the place sat vacant for nearly twenty years until Frank’s grandnephew and grandniece, Marina and Robert Ardovino, decided to open the place back up in 1997. Today, Ardovino’s is known for its outstanding food and service. As a proud supporter of the sustainable movement in El Paso, the restaurant sources ingredients from locally owned farms and ranches and strives to source food that is grown without the use of pesticides. Some of the ingredients are even sourced right from the property, where Ardovino’s manages their own garden and raises their own hens. The restaurant also hosts a weekly farmer’s market that is held every Saturday and is a great place to connect with members of the community and shop for organic produce and meats, fresh-baked breads, salsas coffee, and more!
Fire & Hops
Source: Fire & Hops
Price Range – $$
Fire & Hops is a locally owned spot known for its amazing upscale pub food and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Located in downtown Santa Fe, the gastropub was started in 2014 by two friends, Joel Coleman and Josh Johns, who shared a desire to create a place in Santa Fe where quality food and drinks could be served in a casual environment. In creating Fire & Hops, Joel and Josh came up with four guiding principles to support their vision: local, sustainable, quality, and friendly. With this commitment to sustainable sourcing, the menu features a variety of snacks, small plates, entrees, and desserts made with ingredients from local farmers, and ranchers. The menu also has a stellar selection of local drinks including craft beers, wines, and artisanal ciders.
El Merendero (Posa’s)
Source: El Merendero (Posa’s)
Price Range – $
A local favorite in Santa Fe, Posa’s El Merendero is a family run restaurant that has been making their signature tamales using an old family recipe since 1955. At Posa’s, tamales are made the traditional way by using cooked and ground whole corn (posole) to make a masa dough which is then filled with a variety of mixtures and steamed in a corn husk. While many come for the tamales, the restaurant also has an extensive menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options – even a vegan green chile tamale! The restaurant also doubles as a tamale factory, providing their delicious products to local restaurants and markets in Santa Fe.
Mata G
Source: Mata G Vegetarian Kitchen
Price Range – $$
Located in Albuquerque’s historic Nob Hill, Mata G is an award-winning vegetarian restaurant serving up delicious international cuisine. The restaurant’s diverse menu includes breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily hot entree specials that keep things exciting! Mata G is committed to using the freshest meat-free ingredients to make meals that are comforting and satisfying. The restaurant is an Albuquerque favorite and has been celebrated with many awards including the ‘2019 – Best of the City Awards’ by ‘Albuquerque: The Magazine’ and ‘2019 – Best of the Burque Restaurants’ by ‘Weekly Alibi’.
Social Enterprise Shopping
Kelly Horrigan Handmade
Source: Kelly Horrigan Handmade
Price Range – $$
Kelly Horrigan Handmade is a female-owned leather and jewelry store based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Created as an alternative to mass produced fashion, KHH strives to empower women’s self expression through beautiful and unique jewelry and wall hangings. The pieces are created by designer Kelly Horrigan, who combines old world techniques with experimental finishes to make modern pieces that beautifully combine art and high fashion. All of the pieces are one of a kind with materials sustainably sourced from repurposed leather, semi precious stones, antique beads, and ethically sourced feathers. The shop also supports an amazing mission and contributes 10% sales to Honor Native Land Tax, which is an initiative that provides ongoing opportunities to financially support Indigenous people.
Moxie
Source: Moxie
Price Range – $$
Moxie is a female-owned shop in Taos selling unique fair trade and handmade gifts, clothing, home decor, and more. Working with global partners, this small business strives to end poverty and hunger in developing countries with each sale. The shop also carries locally made products and artwork. In fact, some of the treasures you find at Moxie are even made by the shop owner! Moxie believes in supporting fair trade because of the tremendous opportunities it creates for economically and socially marginalized communities. When in Taos, be sure to make a stop at Moxie to find something special and support this amazing cause!
Ethical Experiences
Ted Turner Reserves
Source: Ted Turner Reserves
Price Range – $$$
Ted Turner Reserves aims to provide warm hospitality on their custom tours while connecting visitors to over one million acres of New Mexico’s majestic Southwestern landscapes. Through transformative experiences and conservation projects, their passion is to showcase and protect the spectacular and biodiverse lands of the state. Through their efforts, Ted Turner Reserves is committed to restoring, sharing, and safeguarding the unique wilderness in the United States, not only for today but so that future generations can enjoy the planet’s natural treasures too.
Earthship Global Visitor Center
Source: Roadtrippers
Price Range – $$$
The Earthship Global Visitor Center provides a cool way to tour (and stay in!) an Earthship! A unique self-sufficient home, Earthships are made out of natural and recycled materials and function completely off-the-grid. Using power from the sun and wind, these self-sufficient structures grow their own food, harvest water from the sky, and treat their own sewage. The mission of the Earthship Biotecture is to empower individuals to live in harmony with nature without the forces of politics and bureaucracy. With a visit to the Earthship Global Visitor Center, you can take a self guided or one hour guided tour around the property and grounds which includes a greenhouse, water organizing module, power organizing module, and rain catchment system. The amazing Earthships are also available for nightly and long term rentals!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Source: Travel + Leisure
Price Range – $$
Beauty’s more than skin deep, and this National Park in New Mexico wants you to view its beauty deep below the Chihuahuan Desert. When you’re not hiking on the trails surrounding said desert and the Guadalupe Mountains, explore the largest cave chamber in North America, which was formed by limestone rock. If you visit between late May through October, you may even get the opportunity to view bats flying in and out of the caves. Do not fear, for as long as you respect the bats, they will never harm you. One of the greatest ways to respect the bats (and its habitat) is to make sure to wear closed-toe shoes to avoid getting your feet wet. Also, make sure to clean your shoes using the park’s bio-cleaning mats to avoid transferring fungus or other products that could induce white-nose syndrome or other diseases for the bats. Enjoy elevation and expeditions when you enter the Carlsbad Caverns.
White Sands National Park
Price Range – $$
In the midst of the Sacramento and San Andres Mountain ranges in New Mexico lies a park where white sand dwells delicately. Interestingly enough, this national park is actually named after said white sand! As you drive or hike through the scenic, sandy dunes, take time to go sledding down the soft slopes of white sand. Make sure you stroll on the Interdune Boardwalk to snag scientific information about the park via the outdoor exhibits; also, make sure to get a satisfying sight of the Sacramento Mountains! Make the delectable desert and dunefields your next destination by traveling to White Sands National Park!
meet the author
Stephanie Stevens
Stephanie is a writer and photographer passionate about sustainable living, mindfulness, and exploring the outdoors. She loves microadventures but her favorite part about traveling abroad is immersing herself in other cultures. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking coffee, playing soccer, or backpacking.
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