A Chili Day in Albuquerque

A trip to West Texas in the fall of 2022 offered an opportunity to spend some time in Albuquerque, and on our agenda was a visit to the “Old Town.”

First settled for farming, then an outpost and then a recognized village in 1706, the flags of three nations have flown over this location; the Spanish, Mexican and US. The nationally designated site of Old Town Albuquerque enjoys both a rich history and hosts dozens of restaurants, boutiques and galleries. The original town site was larger than present day, but the one church built in 1793, the “San Felipe de Neri,” still oversees the old town along with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.

In the old town, visitors will still find the narrow, centuries old streets and adobe buildings with wooden beam roofs and porches supported by similar posts. Most of these date from 1870 to 1900. By the 1930’s all but a few shops remained, but then locals realized the historic and cultural value of Old Town and began efforts to revitalize it in the 1940’s. On our visit, as we strolled the streets and shops, this inviting garden space between two buildings caught our attention. The bright, yellow walls and abundant red chilies along with the red pavers, potted geraniums and wooden benches just beckoned a relaxing visit on this “Chili Day in Albuquerque.”