Started the day with breakfast at the motel. Scrambled eggs, one turkey sausage and orange juice kept my diet on course. Next up was a Starbucks mocha and we were ready to start the day.
Today was our day to head to Hatch, New Mexico. Hatch, a town we have visited several times, is the Chile capitol of the country. Hatch green chiles have found their way into everything cheeseburgers to wine to vodka and really good salsa.
Rather than take Interstate 25 North, I decided to take one of those backroads that we find interesting and well worth the extra time. Today it was North on State Route 185, which parallels the Rio Grande River on its way South.
Along the way there were hundreds of acres of nut trees, which we later learned were pecans. Closer to Hatch there were hundreds of acres of green chile plants. There were also some pretty nice-looking homes, whose inhabitants most likely owned all those acres. At a wide spot in to road; there was a bar with a big sign saying "Hide From Wife Here."
Once in Hatch we parked and went immediately to Hatch Chile Sales. Barb bought 4 mild green chiles and a chile powder. Next, we walked down to the Village Market, where you will not find a better or more extensive selection of salsas. We have bought here before and today we left with three bottles, one of which we will share with friends. As it wasn't lunch time yet, we passed on the Valley Cafe, which has the very best Green Chile Cheeseburger. Bummer. Then it was back to Hatch Chile Sales for a couple of hot green chiles and some local grown onions. When I tried to pay for this purchase the lady just smiled and said "no worries." What a genuinely nice person.
Heading back to Las Cruces we took the same backroad and saw all the scenery in reverse, while heading to Dillard's for a must have item for Barb. Once that was done it was time for lunch. After wandering around lost for about an hour we gave up on lunch and decided it would be a good time to get gas, since the get gas now light was on. At that point our luck turned. When pulling out of the Shell station there was a Subway. We split a 6" And headed back to the motel for a before dinner rest.
After a short rest we headed to Mesilla, New Mexico. Mesilla is a true old Southwest town. A central plaza, surrounded by adobe buildings speaks to its Spanish past. One corner of the plaza houses the courthouse where Bill the Kid was sentenced to death. Pancho Villa and Pat Garrett were among the famous that roamed its streets.
After some window shopping, we met or son and his wife for diner at La Posta De Mesilla. Great margaritas and very good food, we recommend it in the area.
Tomorrow, we head back home after a fun little drive.
No comments:
Post a Comment