We had the opportunity to visit New Mexico over the past weekend with Toyota, and wow, everything exceeded our expectations. From the car ride, to the places and restaurants we visited, and especially the tailgating experience in the back of the Toyota Tacoma! We first visited Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque for the New Mexico vs. Boise State game. Then as we headed back to Colorado, we stopped by Taos for 2 days. Here are some highlights of our New Mexico trip:

We traveled as a family of 3 (plus pets) in a Toyota Tacoma

I couldn’t believe it but somehow we fit us three (Dylan, Lucy and I) and our 2 large dogs inside their crate in a Tacoma that Toyota had generously lent to us for the week. And if you know me, I don’t under pack. I had four pairs of shoes, probably ten outfits, four handbags plus other accessories. Plus Lucy’s crib, her car seat and stroller, and her clothes, bottles, diapering items etc. Not to mention, Dylan also had his own luggage, and the pups did too. I thought it would not fit, but to our surprise, we had a good amount of space to have it all. The Limited edition of the Tacoma offers nice leather seats, with Bluetooth capability so I can control my podcast from the backseat. Dylan enjoyed the keyless start, automatic headlights and the All Wheel Drive. It was a 7 hour ride to Albuquerque and the Tacoma was an amazing truck for that.

When it was time to have a tailgate party for the New Mexico vs. Boise State football game, we just opened the tailgate of the truck and the party was on. We had blankets, pillows, and drinks. It was so nice and cozy to spend quality and fun time with my sweet family.

Green chile everything! Plus I might have had the best burger in my life in Taos

According to Dylan, when you visit New Mexico you HAVE to eat green chile. For every single meal we had in the state, it was either smothered in green chile sauce, or had a version of green chile in it. I couldn’t complain, everything I had was delicious. The last night we were in Taos, we stopped by a restaurant called 5 Star Burgers, and I had a burger called Taos burger. Arguably the best burger I had in my life (it was also huge for $10.50). And you bet it had fried green chile as a layer to the burger.

Affordable, but high quality family vacation time

I was surprised left and right at the friendliness and the quality of service we were getting every where we went. Both cities Albuquerque and Taos, every store we went to, the staff was super nice. The food was yummy no matter what we picked. The services at the hotels in both places were exceptional. Yet, the cost of the whole trip didn’t seem very expensive. If I compare our New Mexico trip to trip to another destination, it is truly the most bang for your buck.

^^ View from the Gorge Bridge in Taos, NM

^^ We saw these mountains sheep at the Gorge Bridge in Taos. Look at the size of their horns!

So where was your recent memorable family trip? What were some of the highlights?

*Thank you Toyota for sponsoring our family trip

Albuquerque Dylan Lucy Luu New Mexico Tailgating Taos Toyota travel winter style