Bacon’s the best. Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause. ~ Jim Gaffigan
Whether you like pecans or consider bacon one of the world’s leading cuisines, this latest Southwest Travel Round-Up has something for you.
There’s also some sporting and sightseeing activities inside. But it all begins with pecan pie . . .
Southwest Travel Links You’ll Like
Pecan Pie Vending Machine (Atlas Obscura)
Every once in a while an attraction comes along that seems worth mentioning even though it’s beyond the borders of what we call the Southwest.
A vending machine dispensing pecan pies in the East Texas city of Cedar Creek is one of these. Imagine ~ a place where you can buy FRESH pecan pies and other pecan-rich goodies 24/7.
Now I know why they call it “the great state of Texas.”
A Perfect 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (A Dangerous Business)
You already know the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination.
But did you know the rest of northern Arizona and southern Utah, too, have other natural attractions to make your next Southwest road trip a standout experience?
This tried and true itinerary, packed with gorgeous pics and helpful tips ~ including where to stay and eat ~ shows you how.
How Telluride Taught Me to Love Skiing (Afar)
For the rare time you want to go skiing anywhere else but New Mexico, this look into one gal’s first ski trip in Telluride, Colorado gives ideas on where to start.
Especially as this is her first ski trip EVER, it’s proof you don’t have to be an expert on skis to enjoy the ride.
Five Landmarks of Atomic Nevada (Atlas Obscura)
Interested in America’s Atomic past?
If so, the Nevada Test Site in Nye County, Nevada is a logical destination.
That’s where, in the 50’s, scientists set off bombs to study what an atomic blast might do to things ~ and people! This fact makes taking the Tour of Survival City, perhaps, the most eye-opening activity you can do there.
And, in case you don’t have enough time to make the detour north your next time through Las Vegas, check out the National Atomic Testing Museum right there in the city.
Also Atomic Age-Related: Trinity Site Open House, Best Desert Meet Up Ever
The Point Grill (Larry’s Albuquerque Food Musings)
Do you like Italian? Learn about Baked Ziti that rocks.
Or if Louisiana-style eats are more your thing, how about Cajun Shrimp and Grits topped with “maple bacon, smoked provolone, a sunny-up egg, and scallions?”
The writer makes clear that this Rio Rancho eatery excels in combining flavors and cuisines from all around the world in imaginative ways.
Ever eat a burger with avocado, bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, AND Havarti cheese?
Me, neither.
Yet.
M’Tucci’s Moderno – Rio Rancho, New Mexico (NM Gastronome)
Well-made Italian food is a beautiful thing.
Whole truth be told, this review of yet another Rio Rancho restaurant had me from the start when the manager says the food “as good as anything we did in New York City.”
But then, the writer goes on to prove it with one mouthwatering description after another: thin crust pizza with buffalo mozzarella, a shrimp dish with pasta, grape tomatoes, pork chorizo, and ooooh ~ lobster cream sauce!
Oh, and M’Tucci’s serves bread pudding as well, topped with a scoop of chocolate-flaked gelato known as stracciatella . . . I can’t go on.
You’ll have to click on the link and sigh see for yourself.
Oh, yes, how I luv me some good Italian food! 
Which reminds me of my big travel news: L and I are off on a long-hoped-for trip to Italy. We put it off a year ago for health reasons, but soon we’ll be off to the birthplace of Carbonara and cannoli.
So far away from the Land of Enchantment.
But not to worry, look out for a photo with a few words most every weekday we are away.
In the meantime, don’t forget:
New Mexico Restaurant Week activities are still going on. That means you can feast on crazy good food for relatively low cost at participating restaurants in Taos (through March 5th) and in Albuquerque (March 5th – 12th).
Ciao for now!
