IN ALBUQUERQUE, A FAMILY PRESERVES A PIECE OF HISTORYAT A STORYBOOK INN AND WORKING FARM

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cottonwood groves and gardens in thevillage of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque,New Mexico, Los Poblanos has beendrawing visitors since the 1930s, whencongressman Albert Simms and his wife,Ruth Hannah McCormick Simms, pur-chased the then-800-acre ranch andcommissioned the region’s foremost architect, John Gaw Meem, to create acultural center to host their political andcommunity events.

The Simms’ vision for a lively gather-ing place lives on today at Los Poblanos,thanks to the ongoing efforts of threegenerations of the Rembe family, whonot only purchased and reunited parcelsof the original ranch, saving them fromredevelopment, but worked to restoreand preserve the property’s original ar-chitecture, artwork, agricultural fieldsand formal gardens.

These days, guests can quite literallyenjoy the fruits of the Rembes’ labors,harvested daily at Los Poblanos’ organicfarm, which provides produce to the inn’skitchen as well as a local CSA, and alsocultivates lavender and honeybees. Theoriginal Simms residence now serves as asmall inn, and the La Quinta CulturalCenter still hosts celebrations, meetingsand educational and cultural events. >>

SURROUNDED BY 25 ACRESOF LAVENDER FIELDS,

STORY BY CHRISTINE DEORIO

los poblanos historic inn and organic farmIF YOU GO Los Poblanos offers some of themost unique guest experiences in theWest, from a class on raising barnyard an-imals to a knitting club and trips to the on-site lavender fields, where you can pickyour own fragrant bundle. Check the on-line events calendar for the latest lineup. PRICE POINT From $150 per night for astandard Ranch House room in the historicinn, and $178 per night for a Farm Suite.CONTACT 505-344-9297, lospoblanos.com

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Visit mountainliving.com/lospoblanos for a few of guests’ favorite farm-to-table recipes.more

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Designed in 1932 by architect JohnGaw Meem, known as the “Fatherof Santa Fe Style,” the inn and LaQuinta Cultural Center are adornedwith artwork by some of the finestartists of the time, including afresco by Peter Hurd, handcarveddoors and mantels by Gustave Bau-mann, tin light fixtures by RobertWoodman and ironwork by WalterGilbert. Famed landscape architectRose Greely designed the property’sformal Spanish-style gardens, tilefountains and cottonwood allée.

Twenty simple yet stylish guestrooms show off New Mexico’s clas-sic style with inviting wood-burningfireplaces, carved ceiling beamsand antique New Mexican furnish-ings, and open to courtyards andthe property’s historic gardens.Cozy up to a kiva fireplace in theoriginal John Gaw Meem-designedranch house, or opt for a bright, airysuite in a 1930s dairy-style build-ing with pitched tin roof.

What’s the best part about a stay atLos Poblanos? Breakfast, accordingto many guests. Each morning, organic fruits, vegetables, eggs andhoney are harvested from the on-site farm, turned into stews andhashes, blintzes and compotes,then served up in the inn’s charm-ing dining room. Light eveningmeals are served Wednesdaysthrough Saturdays, and “Field toFork” cooking classes and seven-course chef’s tasting dinners takeplace throughout the year.

Swim in the saltwater pool, explorethe Rio Grande River trail on acruiser bike, learn to make artisanalcocktails or pickled vegetables at acooking class, sign up for an aroma-therapy workshop or indulge in anin-room massage. Or, satisfy yourinner farmer by volunteering at theorganic farm, where you can har-vest produce, milk goats, gathereggs, and pick up a few gardeningtips from Farmer Sean.

Get inspiredSleep tight

Eat (really) wellBlow off steam

7 AM Take an early-morning walk around the farm. It’s the best time for bird-watching and hot-air-balloon spotting.

8 AM Head to the dining room for a gourmet farm-to-table breakfast featuring organic ingredients fresh from the fields.

9 AM Play a quick game of bocce before taking a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool.

10 AM Grab a gelato from the Farm Shop, head over to the barnyard and see if Farmer Christine needs help milking the cow.

12 PM Borrow a cruiser bike and pedal down to the neighborhood cafe. After lunch, head back to Los Poblanos for a nap in the shade of an old cottonwood tree.

7 PM End the day with a farm-fresh La Merienda dinner in the inn’s dining room. Be sure to arrive early for a glass of wine in the flower-filled courtyard! !

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How to spend a day at Los Poblanos