9 Must-See Adobe Structures in New Mexico

Adobe is one of the US’s most recognizable structures—and a defining characteristic of the Southwest.

Adobe comes from humble, earthen mudbricks, which are one of the earliest building materials used by humans. Despite their ancient status, they’re still used to create structures in the US.

Not only is adobe ideal for regulating extreme temperatures, but it’s also resistant to fire. As an added bonus, adobe is affordable and picturesque.

Though you can find the remnants of ancient adobe structures across the Southwest, you’ll also find modern projects. For now, let’s focus on New Mexico, the US’s most adobe-laden state.

There, you’ll find stately, gorgeous adobe structures that span centuries, from active monasteries to mom-and-pop restaurants to abandoned forts.

While you might be familiar with Sante Fe’s well-known Palace of the Governors and San Miguel Chapel, they’re far from the only adobe buildings worth visiting.

Ready to take another look at the coolest adobe structures in New Mexico?

These are the nine oldest, youngest, coolest, and most unexpected finds.

9 must-see adobe structures in New Mexico

Taos Pueblo, Taos

Pueblo de Taos, New Mexico, USA. Photo by M.Torres (Getty)

When talking about adobe structures, it’s hard to pass up Taos Pueblo. It’s one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the United States, which I could immediately feel when I visited back in 2019.

That’s because Taos Pueblos isn’t a single adobe structure—it’s a living village. It’s also the largest multi-story Pueblo structure in existence and one that’s fit with modern amenities like plumbing and electricity.

San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, Taos

Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, USA – October 2, 2020: San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, an historic eighteenth-century church with rustic adobe architecture (Getty)

This active church dates back to the early 1800s, making it one of the earliest buildings in Taos that’s still standing. The exterior is striking, but the interior was my favorite part of my visit. It looked like something out of a picture book from the past. Just keep in mind that this is an active church, so be mindful about visiting.

El Santuario de Chimayo, Chimayo

Historic El Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo, New Mexico (Getty)

This pilgrimage site stands out from other famous adobe structures in New Mexico thanks to the surrounding greenery. For Catholics, it’s a shrine where upwards of 300,000 believers spend a day or two during Holy Week, sometimes to access the shrine’s holy dirt. However, the sanctuary is also open to visitors.

Mission of San Esteban del Rey, Acoma

A National Trust Historic Site, San Esteban Del Rey Mission was built in the 17th century from adobe, straw, mud and ponderosa pine using slave labor. (Getty)

This active church is located on the Acoma Pueblo Reservation and is overseen by the Diocese of Gallup. Unlike other churches and shrines, it has a commanding and angular structure. In fact, the Mission of San Esteban del Rey also served as the site of multiple revolts against Spanish missionaries since it was first constructed in 1629.

Christ in the Desert Monastery, Abiquiu

ABIQUIU, NM JANUARY 8: Exterior of Monastery of Christ in the Desert on January 8, 2022 in Abiquiu, New Mexico. (Photo by Ramsay de Give/for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Though it might look like another centuries-old adobe structure, the Christ in the Desert Monastery, part of the Benedictine order, was actually built in the 1960s—with solar power, too. Today, around 30 monks call this structure home. You might even remember it from a short-lived TLC documentary show called The Monastery, which aired in 2006. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the monastery.

Fort Union National Monument, Las Vegas NM

Fort Union National Monument, NM. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

You won’t find any grand adobe structures here—just the remnants of a once-vast system of three forts that were built in the 1850s. Along with exploring the adobe walls that are still standing, you can follow the ruts left in the desert from the old Santa Fe Trail.

Gutierrez-Hubbell House, Albuquerque

Originally built in the 1820s before being expanded in the 1850s, this grand home has flown multiple flags throughout its history—including Spanish, Mexican, and American flags. Today, it’s managed by the National Park Service, which makes it easy to visit. You can explore the single-story home’s bedrooms, kitchen, business rooms, and even the attached post office.

Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House, Pinos Altos

Can’t be bothered with a foray into the past? At the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House, you can dabble at your leisure. The structure dates back to the 1860s, which you’ll immediately notice thanks to its preserved adobe and old-fashioned décor. But don’t worry—instead of history lessons, you can expect live music, a fully stacked bar, and great eats.

The Compound, Santa Fe

If the Buckhorn Saloon is a little too casual, then head to The Compound. This high-end dining spot has a AAA Four Diamond rating thanks to its imaginative modern dishes—and its regular chef guest appearances. The Compound is also housed inside a modern adobe structure that incorporates a clean and organic design, and was once used by famous Santa Fean designer Alexander Girard.

3 Ways You Can Use Reddit to Plan Travel

Back in 2009, Apple coined the phrase ‘there’s an app for that’ when introducing the world to its app store.

Fifteen years later, I like to use the phrase ‘there’s a Reddit thread for that’.

Home to thousands upon thousands of subreddits and spin-off forums, Reddit is a haven for users to share their personal and professional opinions.

From tips on how to rewire electrical units to understanding how to crossbreed orchids to asking for advice about your first semester of college, just about every topic known to man is Reddit fodder.

Travel, too.

For many millennials like me, Reddit is one of the first places we go to see what people think about a destination, landmark, restaurant, museum, and more. As a no-holds-barred forum, Redditors don’t pull their punches, meaning you get to read unfiltered takes on travel topics of all stripes.

You’ll find conflicting opinions, passionate recommendations, nightmare experiences, and plenty more.

The big question is this—how can you use Reddit to put together a great trip?

If AI programs are a little out of your comfort zone and the usual tricks just aren’t cutting it, turn to Reddit to help you plan your next vacation. Here’s how.

New to Reddit? Here’s your intro

Reddit is a community forum that is divided into topics and subtopics, which are called subreddits. To participate, you must sign up and register your account. (Or if you just want to read, that’s allowed, as well.)

Subreddits come in all shapes and sizes, as I outlined above. Each subreddit has its own unique community guidelines and rules, along with moderators. In other words, though it’s a free-to-join public forum, it’s regulated. None of the riff-raff.

Subreddits have a ‘r/’ before them; in this article, I’m going to talk about content on the r/travel subreddit—which is just the Reddit forum that focuses on travel.

Currently, it has 13 million members from around the world. Community guidelines for the r/travel subreddit have banned AI tools, meaning you won’t get any general advice from Chat GPT and other programs.

Remember: the r/travel subreddit is only the start. You’ll find forums that cover just about every travel-related topic, from shoestring-budget travel to deep dives on layovers to finding great shoes for walking-heavy trips.

Now onto the good stuff.

3 ways to use Reddit to plan travel

**Get specific on subreddits—very specific**

If you’ve been reading closely, you might have already identified what makes Reddit such a great travel tool: users get hyper-specific about their experiences, insights, and recommendations.

Because of this, you also need to be hyper-specific about how you seek out advice.

Here’s a great example of what you might find: an in-depth breakdown of a man’s experience driving through Oman with his wife and child on a 12-day trip. You can see photos of the places he visited, along with a long discussion about his experience and detailed itinerary in the forum.

To find specific travel-related topics, head to r/travel and then search in the search bar at the top of the page. You’ll see the ‘r/travel’ tag there, which lets you search within that subreddit specifically.

Save money with tips, insights, and suggestions

The r/shoestring subreddit should be your best friend if you’re a hyper-budget traveler.

It’s great in a few ways. First, you can search for specific destinations in the top bar—and you’ll learn a few handy tricks about how to save on long-term vacations, trips to more luxurious destinations, and even flights.

You can even join other travelers. Because Reddit is a free forum, it’s used by members around the world. Sometimes, members post their trips with the hopes of learning about recommendations—and even picking up fellow travelers.

Learn about new types of travel before going whole-hog

Maybe you’ve been hearing about solo travel trips, women-only travel, or group travel. Regardless of what stripe of travel you’re looking to learn about, Reddit is where you’ll find honest opinions.

Even as a travel writer, I gravitate toward personal stories about solo travel on Reddit, as they help me gauge what the experience will be like in specific cities, regions, and within certain cultural contexts.

This is incredibly helpful for any Americans who might be feeling nervous about leaving their familiar routine at home.

Before you pay for that solo trip to sign up for that group tour, look for a subreddit that touches on previous experience. As always, stick to reviews that are similar to yours in terms of age, demographic, gender, and interests. They’ll be the most relevant.

How to Hike Manhattan from Tip to Tip—’Broad City’ Style

You’ve probably heard of the HBO show Girls, a series about four twenty-something women trying to establish themselves as professionals in New York City.

It wasn’t anything like my experience in the Big Apple. I was more of a Broad City type, which is a Comedy Central series about two twenty-something women trying to survive life in the city.

Though not quite as famous as HBO’s Girls, Broad City showcased a more honest (and messy) version of life in New York City.

One of its most famous legacies is ‘the tippity top to the tippity bottom’ hike, a route that the characters in Broad City took from Manhattan’s uptown all the way to the end of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.

Years later, it’s become a popular route for travelers heading to the city, as well as locals who want to explore a new side of their hometown.

If you’ve never seen the series, don’t worry—there’s no need to start now. So long as you’re in good shape and have a few extra dollars to spare on snacks and drinks, you’ll enjoy this urban hike across Manhattan.

[If you want to explore famous spots from Broad City along the route, check out this map. Or if you’re curious about what the hike is like in general, check out this awesome reel from @shaylaquinn.]

The route: how to hike across Manhattan

This is an informal hike from a comedy TV show—you can do it however you like.

Traditionally, the route starts at Fort Tryon Park in Inwood and ends at Battery Park (aka The Battery) with views of the Statue of Liberty.

Though the hike’s difficulty might not seem like much because you’re traversing the US’s most densely populated slice of land, it’s not for the faint of heart. An urban hike across Manhattan runs for just over 13 miles and will take you around five hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Plus you need to beware of sidewalk cellar doors, manholes spewing ‘fragrant’ smoke, and puddles of iridescent liquids.

As many savvy travelers have pointed out, you might want to mark down a few sites and landmarks along your route rather than go by the seat of your pants. Once again, take whichever route tickles your fancy.

But—for the love of god—wear comfortable shoes. And bring some wipes.

What should you bring to hike across Manhattan?

As just stated, comfortable and worn-in shoes are a must—but that’s not all you’ll need.

Along with light snacks, bandaids, and reusable water bottles, don’t forget about those electronics. Bring your portable charger with you just in case, along with a comfortable backpack. Your items might weigh more than you’d originally thought, so taking a shoulder-slicing tote isn’t a good idea.

A little historical angle for you

Before I get to suggestions on where to stop along your hike, I’m going to nerd out and throw some Manhattan history at you.

I got my start as a professional writer working for a Native American Arts Council in Brooklyn. At the non-profit, I learned that Manhattan got its name from the Weckquaesgeek tribe that once occupied the island—the modern term ‘Manhattan’ is likely a miscommunication about the name of the place where they hunted.

And speaking of hunting, the island of Manhattan was once crisscrossed with hunting trails in the 1500s and 1600s.

Here’s the crazy part: according to a recent book published on historic maps, the street of Broadway is built on the former hunting trail used by the Weckquaesgeek. Three centuries later, you can walk the same path they did… in a wholly new world.

You won’t find any placards or landmarks that callback to this era, but I still thought I’d point this out.

Where to stop along your Manhattan hike

Once again, you are the master of your tippity-top to tippity-bottom Manhattan hike. If you’re interested in walking down Broadway, you’ll hit the city’s most infamous spots, from Times Square to Union Square.

Below, you can find a few of my favorite sites to consider adding to the list, along with recommendations from locals and fellow Broad City-inspired hikers.

Between Fort Tryon Park and Battery Park, consider adding these stops to your route (in order of uptown to downtown):

The Cloisters (a hidden gem that I recommend checking out)
Morris Jamal Mansion
Sylvan Terrace
Central Park
Lexington Candy Shop
Flatiron Building
Union Square Park (I recommend you hop on Broadway here and take it downtown)
The Oculus & Freedom Tower

Sleep Experts Shares 6 Tips on How to Fall Asleep on Any Flight

I’ve never slept longer than an hour on any flight.

Not the 15-hour flight from Sydney to Los Angeles. Not the 11-hour flight from Dubai to Phnom Penh. Not the 12-hour flight from Barcelona to Atlanta.

Personally, I’ve given up on sleeping on flights.

Instead, I avoid red-eyes and try to book my long flights as early as possible so I can work on the plane. (I’m not a workaholic, I just like writing, okay?) When I land, I resist the urge to nap and, usually, by the time night falls, I’m ready to start snoring like a little goddess at my destination.

But not all travelers are as hopeless as me. If you’re able to power down on flights, consider it a superpower—one that you can develop and hone with a few savvy tips.

After all, even if you’re someone who can sleep at 35,000 feet, you might want a few pointers on how to streamline and shorten the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to take my word for it. I’ve got tips from sleep expert Martin Seeley. Though he usually spends his time selling mattresses, he knows a thing or two about catching Zs in a plane seat.

6 tips on how to fall asleep on any flight

Tip #1: Go on a 30-minute walk

According to Seeley, “Studies show that just half an hour of moderate exercise can help you sleep better, and further studies have proven that women who take more steps throughout the day experience deeper sleep. So that simple 30-minute stroll will help your body prepare for rest.”

Personally, I’d recommend cruising through the duty-free section—especially if you’re at an airport that offers great deals. If the airport includes a green space, that’s also a great choice.

Tip #2: Book seats above the engine

Usually, if you want to sleep on planes you’ll avoid seats near the bathroom and service area. They’re usually brighter and noisier than other sections, with added foot traffic.

Seeley recommends booking seats that are directly above the engine. Not only does the sound help dampen noise from the cabin, but these areas are usually prone to less turbulence.

Tip #3: Update your time zone ASAP

As soon as you step onto the plane, set your clocks to the local time at your destination. According to Seeley, “This simple act can help your body’s circadian rhythm – your internal sleep-wake cycle – start adjusting to the new time zone.”

Though this won’t give your body too much of a head start, a little psychological sorcery never hurt anyone.

Tip #4: Don’t use wireless earphones

Wireless headphones might wake you up after you’ve fallen asleep, either by running out of battery (and cutting off those noise-canceling features) or by falling out of place. Seeley recommends bringing noise-canceling headphones that use wires. Or you could always opt for a product that offers both.

One of my favorite travel products is my Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones. I can charge them for up to four hours of use (via Bluetooth) or simply use the cord that comes with them. Those noise-canceling features work either way.

Tip #5: Come with a sleep-kit

Seeley insists, “A well-prepared sleep kit can make all the difference.” But what should you include, especially now that the list of sleep aids for planes is long?

Seeley recommends wearing loose-fitting clothes and compression socks, and then bringing an eye mask to block out light and a comfortable pillow that offers proper head and neck support.

Tip #6: Avoid booze at all costs

Drinking alcohol on planes is a bad idea for many reasons. I’m most concerned with factors like dehydration, hangovers, and setting you up for a bad round of jet lag. But Seeley brings up a great point—alcohol wreaks havoc on quality sleep.

If you’re hoping to get some shut-eye, alcohol might lull you into sleep, and then wake you up throughout the flight. Avoid it if you want to catch some restorative Zs.

5 (Nearby) Alternatives for Popular Attractions in the US

When I think of overtourism, I think about Europe and Mexico.

Dozens of cities around the world are grappling with a fine-edged balance between supporting a local economy that’s travel-centric (good) and losing its identity, affordable housing, and clean air (bad) to unregulated tourist ventures (bad).

Unfortunately, the United States isn’t a stranger to this challenge. In fact, in cities like Las Vegas and Orlando, that rely heavily on tourism dollars, there’s no straightforward solution.

In reality, the responsibility to manage issues like overtourism falls back to local governance and social organizations more than tourists.

Still, there are ways that visitors can minimize their impact—while also making sure they enjoy their trip.

One of the best ways to skate around hordes of tourists and long lines is to look for alternatives to major attractions. The closer to the main action, the better.

For example, I’d recommend anyone heading into Barcelona to avoid Sagrada Familia to explore Santa Maria del Mar or the Sacred Heart Church on Tibidabo. They’re more beautiful, in my opinion, and aren’t full of gawking visitors.

But what about alternatives in the United States?

To help you get even more out of your adventures, I’m relying on advice from Emily Hart on the best alternatives to popular attractions in the US. Hart is a published travel writer and content creator who specializes in solo travel to the US’s coolest parks and attractions.

She’s got five suggestions for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds (or just an underrated attraction) in search of more impactful adventures.

5 alternatives to popular attractions in the US

Instead of going to Four Corners, head to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument valley in the warm glow of the setting sun with snow during wintertime (Getty)

Once upon a time, I worked in the Four Corners area of Colorado—and drove past this unique destination a few times while living in Cortez. Like Hart, I found the site to be a unique and kitschy attraction that lets you stand right where the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet.

That’s it.

Hart recommends heading to the nearby Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The area is dotted with grand sandstone structures that pop up on the horizon like chimneys. If you want to hike, you can get out and stretch your legs. If not, take the 17-mile loop drive around the park’s coolest landmarks.

Instead of going to Bourbon Street, head to Frenchmen Street

Dat Dog bar restaurant selling hot dogs with horse carriage guided tour buggy on Frenchmen street with people on road (Getty)

Bourbon Street is a rite of passage for anyone heading to New Orleans—but Hart recommends focusing on Frenchmen Street instead. The hustle and bustle isn’t quite as intense, and you’ll see some locals having fun instead of legions of tourists only.

It’s also home to high-profile local establishments, from the Spotted Cat to The Royal Frenchmen.

Instead of going to Mount Rushmore, head to Badlands National Park

Early morning light on the Badlands (Getty)

South Dakota’s most famous landmark is Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region. Though Hart would revisit the landmark if she was in the region, she recommends heading to Badlands National Park and Custer State Park for the hiking trails.

I’d personally go for Badlands National Park, which has a scale that feels on par with the Grand Canyon. Not only is it one of the best alternatives to popular attractions like Rushmore, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the country, in my opinion.

(I’d also avoid Mount Rushmore altogether. The Black Hills are a sacred region for the Lakota (Sioux) Nation, that was stolen after official treaties from the mid-1800s were disregarded. In 1980, only forty years after Mount Rushmore was completed, the Supreme Court ruled that the tribe should be compensated for the stolen land. The government awarded the tribe $102 million, but the Lakota Nation has refused to accept the offer and continues to fight for the return of the Black Hills.)

Instead of the Las Vegas Strip, head to Fremont Street

Hart prefers to avoid the Las Vegas Strip because of its artificiality. But even if you enjoy the bright, neon displays of the Strip, you might find the sheer number of crowds to be overwhelming. If that’s the case, head to Fremont Street, which Hart enjoys.

Fremont Street is located in Vegas’s oldest central hub. It’s recently been renovated and designed as an outdoor mall/plaza. You’ll notice fewer crowds, but the exciting energy is still palpable.

Instead of Times Square, head to The High Line

If the Las Vegas Strip is a tough sell for you, then Times Square will also be trying. Though Hart recommends everyone visit both destinations at least once, she prefers to head to Little Island (in the Hudson River Park) or The High Line.

I recommend heading to The High Line. It’s a state-of-the-art park that weaves through West Village and is raised above street level.

You won’t see another project like it in the US. Plus, the restaurants, bars, and shops in West Village aren’t tourist traps… even if they’re still priced out the wazoo.

Hot Brown: Inside Louisville’s Weirdly Named Dish & Where to Eat It

Who doesn’t love a cheeky name for food?

From pigs in a blanket to toads in the hole to rocky mountain oysters, we’ve nailed euphemisms for dozens of delicious treats around the world.

My least favorite is hot brown, a name for an open-faced, hot sandwich that’s beloved in Kentucky. (Though delicious, it’s not the most appetizing name I’ve heard.)

Hot brown sandwiches contain turkey breast and bacon that are placed on open-faced bread and covered in a creamy mornay sauce, then broiled to perfection.

Since the first hot brown was served up at Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky in 1926, it’s spread its (cheesy) wings and expanded throughout the state, then the country.

Some variations include mushrooms, canned peaches, tomatoes, pimento peppers, and ham. Others, called a cold brown, use hard-boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, and chicken or turkey that’s topped with Thousand Island dressing. Some cities have also left their own spin on the dish, including St. Louis’s Prosperity Sandwich (why?) and Pittsburgh’s Turkey Devonshire.

But let’s not reinvent the wheel—or the hot brown, should I say.

If you’re heading to the Louisville area in the near future, including Churchill Downs, don’t miss out on your chance to taste this beloved dish in its hometown. (If you’re lucky, your visit might even coincide with Louisville’s Hot Brown Week.)

Best hot brown sandwiches in Louisville

Brown Hotel (J. Graham’s Café)

Whether you’re heading to Louisville with hot browns on your mind or want to tackle the recipe from home, your first stop should be the Brown Hotel—the birthplace of the sandwich. You can order the hot brown however you like at the hotel, including at its restaurant, bar, and via in-room orders.

Biscuit Belly (Chain)

Biscuit Belly takes its biscuit business seriously—and it’s got a delectable twist on the hot brown that Louisville locals love: the Hot Brown Biscuit. As the name suggests, this version swaps the bread for a (homemade) biscuit. It’s topped with shredded turkey, gouda, bacon, and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Goose Creek Diner

Unlike Biscuit Belly, Goose Creek Diner isn’t looking to switch up the hot brown game. Instead, they’ve perfected their take on the famous sandwich. The mornay sauce resembles the original served at Brown Hotel, while the bread is never soggy and the bacon is always crispy. No frills—just a really good hot brown.

World Famous Gorilla Bob’s

Known for its friendly service, welcome atmosphere, and experimental menu World Famous Gorilla Bob’s should be on your list of restaurants to visit in Louisville. Their hot brown is served up on Texas toast, making for a more savory and spiced flavor. They also melt cheddar cheese over the top of their mornay sauce as an ode to cheese lovers everywhere.

The Cottage Inn

Located just outside the city limits, this Louisville favorite is a shabby, casual eatery that has a gold-star menu that serves up delicious southern staples. The Cottage Inn‘s hot brown is absolutely worth the drive out of town—but the rest of the menu is pretty impressive.

From pork chops to country-fried steak to breaded chicken livers, it’s a who’s-who of comfort food.

Wagner’s Pharmacy

Similar to The Cottage Inn, Wagner’s Pharmacy doesn’t look like much from the outside—but it’s a bona fide institution that you should know about for two reasons.

One, they serve up a delicious hot brown on their weekend brunch menu. Second, they’ve been closely tied to Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby takes place since they opened their doors in 1922. It’s a bit of an institution.

The Eagle Louisville

Want an unparalleled taste of fried chicken? Head to The Eagle Louisville—but leave room for their hot brown sandwich. While this stylish, modern restaurant might not seem like your first pick given it’s a chain, this food and beer hall is a must-see for anyone looking for an award-winning menu.

Big Bad Breakfast (Chain)

Like many items on its menu, Big Bad Breakfast isn’t serving up an ordinary hot brown. Instead, this sandwich comes on a buttermilk biscuit topped with roasted turkey, roasted tomatoes, and a cheesy, Dijon-centric mornay sauce. To top it off, the sandwich is served with an egg (it’s a breakfast spot, after all) and bacon treated with Tabasco.