Pet friendly travel goes to New Mexico

by: Jill Lane (with Travelin’ Jack)

With the beauty of New Mexico’s spectacular Fall Foliage—followed by powdery snow adventures in the high desert Winter Wonderland of our Rocky Mountain areas, it’s a good time for pet friendly travel to New Mexico.  And with so many fabulous and beautiful spots tucked all over the state, there is perhaps no better place than ‘The Land of Enchantment’ for a pet-friendly vacation.

Here are some of Travelin’ Jack’s favorite destinations tucked around New Mexico. BUT please note-this is just a sampling of great destinations! New Mexico is filled with treasures around every turn in the road & each compass direction.

Silver City

Set in the rugged and scenic Gila National Forest, in Southwest New Mexico, the area is rich with places to explore that can easily include Fido.  This former 1800’s silver mining town is filled with charming shops, galleries and eateries. Awe- inspiring forests, wilderness areas, parks and monuments are infused in this region, making Silver City a gateway to adventure.  Because it is a southern Rocky Mountain area, there are 4 distinct seasons, but all are relatively moderate.  Autumn will shower travelers with golden hues…and wintertime is a wonderland.

Red River

Tucked high in the North-Centralpart of New Mexico, this historic mining town-turned tourist & ski destination-is a great adventure for the whole family! Red River is known as the “Mountain Playground of the Southern Rockies” with four-season activities for all visitors. Jack’s Picks include:Red River Ski  Area…yes, you read that right. Fido can watch the ski action while sitting slope-side. The Lift Restaurant patio at the ski area is pet-friendly so you can enjoy a mid-day meal together at the ski resort. 

Santa Fe’s Bishop Lodge

Santa Fe is one of the world’s top destinations…and NOT just for 2-legged tourists! The City Different is known to be over-the-top pet friendly.  Santa Fe has numerous world-class resorts, one of which is the historic…and very pet-friendly, Bishop’s Lodge . While this is an all-inclusive resort-destination for all guests, it also offers an unsurpassed pet-inclusive experience and has earned Jack’s ‘prestigious 5-Paws Rating’ (the best in Jack’s humble bulldog ranking).  Located just outside historic Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge is nestled on 450 acres in a spectacular pine setting at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Gallup

Located on historic Route 66, this town in western New Mexico is filled with places to go and things to do together with your pet.  Retro neon signs light up the night and tiled artwork and frescoes adorn many buildings and walls. Gallup is the heart of Indian country, known for its authentic wares.  You can shop till you drop along Route 66 take in….and perhaps take home… wonderful native crafts from jewelry to Navajo rugs, painted pottery to southwestern artwork.  This town is dotted with trading posts…many of which allow you to shop with Fido.

Truth or Consequences

Once named Hot Springs, New Mexico, this eclectic town in the southern region of the state offers great hot springs water action. This is a popular (and pup-ular too!) destination in cooler weather.  With natural hot springs throughout town, there’s no better way to soak your bones than in these hot springs.  From resort spas to quaint stone natural flowing baths right out of the 50s….either way it’s a treat for you and your body!  And many of these locations allow your pet to accompany you to the bath site as well! 

For more information on these New Mexico travel destinations check out the following websites:

• Red River: redriver.org
• Gallup: gallupnm.org
• Silver City:  silvercity.org
  •  Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge: BishopsLodge.com
  • Truth or Consequences: http://www.torcnm.org/
    
  • New Mexico:  newmexico.org

Jill Lane is a Freelance Travel Writer and the 2010 New Mexico Tourism Professional of the Year.  Travelin’ Jack is New Mexico’s ONLY dog to ever win an award for his work in Pet Travel as well as New Mexico’s ONLY award winning dog-author!  He also proudly carries the title as New Mexico’s 1^st EVER Dog-Governor!  For more information on Travelin’ Jack check out his website: www.travlinjack.com.