It was early morning in mid-December after I awoke to the sounds of regular rumbling whereas mendacity within the prime bunk in my 9-by-5-foot household room in Amtrak’s Southwest Chief practice. I climbed down a ladder to seek out my husband and 5-year-old daughter nonetheless snoozing within the decrease bunk. Grabbing a seat on the grey banquette by the window, I pulled apart a blue curtain and was astounded by the view of peachy-pink clouds as we rolled throughout the rugged desert. We have been passing by way of Holbrook, Ariz., and the dawn was lovely sufficient to be in a watercolor portray. At that second, I felt like I used to be in a Wes Anderson film.
There’s a child-like wonderment that comes from taking a practice by way of the expansive Southwest to New Mexico within the winter that you just simply received’t get from aircraft journey. We opted for a 16-hour in a single day journey as an alternative of a two-hour flight to Albuquerque as a result of we longed for a distinct method of touring, one we hoped would sluggish time in our busy lives. Though we have been asleep for half the experience, we spent the remaining hours taking within the lovely surroundings, which seems to be particularly magnificent by way of the floor-to-ceiling home windows of the Sightseer Lounge, and having fun with a three-course steak dinner earlier than arriving in Albuquerque round 11 a.m.
If you happen to’ve by no means deliberate an almost 800-mile practice journey earlier than, you’ll discover some concerns totally different from touring by aircraft or automobile. Relying on which lodging you guide, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which goes all the best way to Chicago, can be dearer than flying. However whether or not you’re touring with youngsters, by your self or with a buddy or associate, there are many methods to make it work inside your funds.
Learn on for recommendations on the Amtrak expertise, together with what to do and eat, and the place to remain in New Mexico. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may even get to take pleasure in a dreamy snowfall within the Land of Enchantment.
Reserving your practice tickets
The early chicken will get the very best lodging. Reserve your tickets — Union Station to Albuquerque — as quickly as attainable because the most fascinating rooms (particularly household rooms, which can match as much as two adults and two kids) are the primary to get snatched up. Whereas coach seats are economical, getting to truly lie down for shut-eye within the non-public rooms could make a world of distinction. The roomette and bed room choices can every match as much as two adults (though the previous is usually a tight squeeze), and the bed room suite combines two adjoining rooms. Some include private bogs and showers, whereas others are shared, so guide accordingly. A perk of getting a room is that it’s thought-about firstclass, so a devoted attendant might be out there to assist with turndown service and baggage, and eating automobile meals are complimentary.
Arriving at Union Station
If you happen to’re trying to keep away from a busy LAX expertise through the holidays, consider Union Station as its laid-back sibling. In a single day parking is sort of all the time out there within the Union Station East storage for $8 per day. (If you happen to plan on parking there for three or extra nights, obtain and fill out a parking request type from the Union Station web site and drop it off within the parking workplace positioned at Union Station East.)
Plan to reach no less than an hour earlier than your practice’s departure if it’s a must to test baggage, are touring with household or should you’ve made a particular request for help on the station. In any other case, half-hour ought to suffice. If in case you have a first-class ticket, head over to the Amtrak Station Lounge to take pleasure in complimentary drinks and snacks when you await your departure.
What to convey
If you’re checking baggage, be certain to convey a small in a single day backpack that may slot in your room or within the overhead compartment close to your coach seat. (Smaller rooms could not match carry-on baggage and it’s possible you’ll have to retailer it outdoors of your room, so that you’ll need the in a single day bag for straightforward entry.) If that you must cost a number of gadgets, convey a small multi-plug splitter as there’s often only one electrical outlet. Earplugs can dampen the chugging practice sounds at evening. And carry money to tip the first-class attendants and waiters.
Transportation in Albuquerque and attending to Santa Fe
The Amtrak practice will arrive on the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station. From there, you’ll be able to guide a Turo rental by which a car will get dropped off at your location, or go to Enterprise a few mile away (and name the rental workplace upfront to schedule a free pick-up service). Or take Uber or a free metropolis bus to the rental automobile middle at Albuquerque Worldwide Sunport airport, the place extra choices can be found.
To get to Santa Fe, you’ll be able to drive there in an hour or lengthen your practice journey with a ticketed 1.5-hour experience on the New Mexico Rail Runner Categorical to the Santa Fe Depot Rail Runner station, which is half a mile from downtown Santa Fe.
What to do in Albuquerque
Keep: The historic Resort Andaluz is a five-minute stroll from the Albuquerque station, making it an ideal house base for adventuring. There are many cozy areas to cover away at this Moorish-style resort, with beautiful casbah-inspired alcoves within the foyer, a library with a fire, and Spanish tapas and extra on the wine bar Más.
Eat: Seize a New Mexico-style breakfast on the Central Grill and Espresso Home, the place crimson or inexperienced chile (Can’t resolve? Have it “Christmas type,” a mixture of each) reigns supreme on such consolation dishes as burritos and chilaquiles. For extra fashionable fare (and extra numerous choices), hit up the full of life Sawmill Market or 505 Central Meals Corridor for every thing from Detroit-style pizza to ramen and tacos.
Do: Outdated City Albuquerque is a year-round attraction with Pueblo-Spanish-style structure, galleries, retailers and eating places, but it surely’s further particular through the holidays, when its plaza twinkles at evening with farolitos, or luminarias, as they’re additionally identified (a Southwest Christmas custom of brown paper bag lanterns). On Christmas Eve, you may get tickets for a 45-minute Luminaria Tour bus experience that traverses embellished streets. The ABQ BioPark Botanic Backyard will host its annual River of Lights vacation attraction from Nov. 30-Dec. 30 with greater than 700 illuminated shows on a 1.5-mile strolling path. For winter sports activities, try Sandia Peak Ski Space, 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque. And for the children, hold them entertained on the sprawling Explora interactive museum.
What to do in Santa Fe
Keep: In the course of the holidays, the foyer of the downtown Inn of the Governors is remodeled into a comfortable den full with Christmas decorations, a roaring fire and a each day welcome hour with sherry and biscochitos (the cinnamon and anise-laced New Mexico state cookie). Full service breakfast is included for friends at its Del Charro restaurant and bar, which is open late till midnight on most days.
Eat: Cafe Pasqual’s is packed all day for good causes: It has strong New Mexico dishes made with native and natural elements, it’s in a vibrant area embellished with colourful papeles picados, and it even has a communal desk for lone vacationers to make new mates. (Be certain that to go to its adjoining artwork gallery when you’re there.) The 71-year-old Shed, additionally a Santa Fe establishment, is a sizzling spot for margaritas, posole and crimson chile enchiladas.
Do: The Canyon Street Farolito Stroll on Christmas Eve is a longtime Santa Fe custom, the place 1000’s stroll the artsy thoroughfare to take a look at the lights. There’s additionally La Luz de las Noches on the Santa Fe Botanical Backyard, evenings from Dec. 19 to 31 (closed on Dec. 24 and 25), that includes farolitos, musical performances, meals and drinks. For snow actions, journey 35 miles northeast from downtown to Ski Santa Fe, which might be debuting a brand new excessive pace elevate this winter. Additionally, to not be missed is the large immersive artwork expertise of Meow Wolf, and movie screenings at “Sport of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin’s Jean Cocteau Cinema.