Houston to New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary for Foodies

1. Day 1: Houston to Junction, TX
   4 hours (254 miles) from Houston

   Visit the Kerrville Hills Winery for wine tasting and a tour of the winery. Lunch at The Shed Market, known for its burgers and fries. Head to South Llano River State Park for hiking and swimming in the river. Spend the night at a cabin in Junction KOA Holiday.

2. Day 2: Junction to El Paso, TX
   5.25 hours (332 miles) from Junction

   Grab breakfast at The Wooden Paddle for pancakes and coffee. Stop by Balmorhea State Park for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear spring-fed pool. Lunch at Cattleman's Steakhouse for juicy steaks and homemade bread rolls. Arrive at El Paso KOA Journey and have dinner at Via Italiano for authentic Italian cuisine.

3. Day 3: El Paso to Las Cruces, NM
   1.25 hours (45 miles) from El Paso

   Visit the Plaza Theatre for a concert or show. Take a hike at the Franklin Mountains State Park. Lunch at Andele Restaurant, known for its authentic Mexican dishes. Head to Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park for birdwatching and relaxing. Check-in at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces and try some New Mexico-style green chili at La Posta de Mesilla.

4. Day 4: Las Cruces to Santa Fe
   4.75 hours (309 miles) from Las Cruces

   Stop by the White Sands National Park for some sand sledding and hiking. Have lunch at the Adobe BBQ for traditional New Mexican dishes. Take a tour of the Museum of International Folk Art for a cultural experience. Arrive at Drury Plaza Hotel and grab dinner at Tomasita's for more New Mexican cuisine.

5. Day 5: Santa Fe to Taos
   2 hours (105 miles) from Santa Fe

   Spend the morning at the Meow Wolf interactive art exhibit. Lunch at the Love Apple for farm-to-table meals. Visit the Taos Pueblo Native American reservation and learn about the history and culture. Book a room at the El Monte Sagrado Resort for a unique and luxurious stay. Have a romantic dinner at De La Tierra Restaurant for some exquisite dishes.

6. Day 6: Taos to Albuquerque
   2.25 hours (133 miles) from Taos

   Visit the Petroglyph National Monument for hiking and exploring rock carvings. Lunch at Tractor Brewing Company for craft beer and pub food. Take a tour of the San Felipe de Neri Church for some architectural beauty. Have dinner at The Range Cafe for some organic and delicious meals. Stay the night at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kerrville Hills Winery ($20, 1 hour)
• The Shed Market ($15, 1 hour)
• South Llano River State Park ($8 per person, 2 hours)
• The Wooden Paddle ($12, 1 hour)
• Balmorhea State Park ($8 per person, 2 hours)
• Cattleman's Steakhouse ($40, 1.5 hours)
• Plaza Theatre ($30, 2 hours)
• Franklin Mountains State Park (free, 3 hours)
• Andele Restaurant ($20, 1 hour)
• Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park ($5 per person, 2 hours)
• La Posta de Mesilla ($25, 1.5 hours)
• White Sands National Park ($25 per car, 2 hours)
• Adobe BBQ ($30, 1 hour)
• Museum of International Folk Art ($12 per person, 2 hours)
• Tomasita's ($20, 1 hour)
• Meow Wolf ($30, 2 hours)
• Love Apple ($35, 1.5 hours)
• Taos Pueblo Native American reservation ($20 per person, 2 hours)
• El Monte Sagrado Resort ($250 per night, 1 night)
• De La Tierra Restaurant ($80, 1.5 hours)
• Petroglyph National Monument (free, 2 hours)
• Tractor Brewing Company ($25, 1.5 hours)
• San Felipe de Neri Church (free, 1 hour)
• The Range Cafe ($30, 1.5 hours)

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park or the Bandelier National Monument. If you have less time, you can skip some of the state parks or museums. Note that some restaurants and parks may have limited opening hours on weekends, so plan accordingly.