Los Poblanos offers peace in an urban setting

History has been well-preserved at Los Poblanos. Photo by Deborah Stone

It’s hard to imagine tranquility in the middle of an urban environment; yet, at Los Poblanos, that’s exactly what you’ll find. The historic inn and organic farm is a little piece of paradise located in of all places, Albuquerque, New Mexico. As you enter the property, you’ll drive down a cottonwood-lined road where the branches of these stately trees arch majestically overhead, forming a leafy canopy. It’s your first hint that the place you’re heading to is in a special realm of its own. You’ll pass bucolic farm fields before reaching an unassuming adobe building where an old fashioned porch swing sits offering an unobstructed vista of the Sandia Mountains. If not for the inn’s sign, you might wonder if you’ve made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.

Several peacocks make their home on the grounds. Photo by Deborah Stone

There’s a sense of calm that pervades Los Poblanos. You won’t find any pomp or circumstance at the front door or even a bellman waiting to take your bags and formally usher you inside. Instead, you might be greeted by one of the resident peacocks – Albert, Chester, Kevin or Patrick. Each has his own territory. Albert, for example, likes to hang out on the bocce ball court. He’s hard to miss being pure white in color, as compared to his showy mates who display the customary iridescent feathers.

Pass through a lovely courtyard to get to the reception desk. The building you’ve entered is a classic New Mexico style house and serves as the central hub of the inn, where the restaurant and lounge are located. The structure, which was designed by the influential architect John Gaw Meem, the “Father of Santa Fe Style,” dates back to 1934. Its original owners were New Mexico Senator Albert Simms and his wife Congresswoman Ruth Hanna McCormick of Illinois, who also had Meem design the adjacent La Quinta Cultural Center. The latter was used for civil, social and cultural purposes for many years, and was viewed as a community gathering place. Its Grand Portal, which frames what was once Albuquerque’s very first swimming pool, is a masterpiece with frescos showing scenes of Los Poblanos farm life. Inside is the original library, where guests and visitors could check out books about art, history and agriculture. Note the art deco style mantle, also by Meem. An art gallery, the first of its kind that was open to the public, holds a permanent collection of photos by Laura Gilpin, a prominent photographer of the region. And then there’s the Grand Ballroom, considered to be one of Meem’s masterpieces. A stunning venue, it features parquet walnut floors, hand-carved ceilings and decorative Spanish tile. The handsome wood beam above the fireplace was carved by famed Taos artist Gustave Bauman, who also carved many of the inn’s doors and beams. French doors lead to the surrounding, lush gardens.

La Quinta Cultural Center is a stunning venue for private events. Photo by Deborah Stone

Today, La Quinta is used for private events, such as weddings, receptions, meetings, cocktail parties and other special occasions. A catering kitchen that boasts the property’s original stove (still in working order) is able to prepare food for as many as 200 people. And the indoor-outdoor capabilities of the site make it suitable for all types of weather.

The inn’s twenty guest rooms and suites exhibit New Mexican style décor with wood-burning fireplaces, original artwork, carved ceiling beams, hardwood floors, wrought iron fixtures and antique southwest furnishings. Each features the inn’s signature lavender spa amenities, which are also available for purchase in the Farm Store along with other lavender infused products made from lavender grown on site. As for the bedding, it’s ultra-luxurious and oh, so heavenly that you might be reluctant to arise in the morning…but, then there’s that amazing gourmet breakfast waiting for you.

Meals are a highlight at the inn. Photo by Deborah Stone

Food takes center stage at Los Poblanos. The inn’s locally sourced, almost completely organic Rio Grande Valley Cuisine is rooted in what comes from the farm, including bacon and pork from the pigs, honey from the bees and a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Other products come from purveyors in the surrounding region. Executive Chef Jonathan Perno is inspired by the seasons and his artfully crafted field-to-fork menu features an array of innovative dishes to show off the best of the area’s bounty.

Breakfast (included for all guests who stay at the inn) is a splendid feast with such offerings as Pound Cake French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Danish style pancakes, Blue Corn Polenta or Los Poblanos’ spin on Shakshuka, a spicy stew of tomatoes and eggs atop potatoes. Entrees are accompanied by house made granola, pastries and other assorted goodies. Most guests make breakfast a leisurely affair, as both the food and the setting are sublime.

Food is mostly organic and locally sourced. Photo by Deborah Stone

Dinner, which is available Wednesday-Sunday by reservation, is a casual-fine dining experience, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds with a host of unique flavors and sensations. Start with House Cold Smoked Salmon or the Field Plate, a tasty mélange of radishes, sunflower sprouts, wild arugula and a sunny side up quail egg. Then try and decide whether you want Lavender, Lemon and Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast, Green Chile Pork Meatballs, Calabacitas Pasta, Achiote Charred Ribeye or the special of the evening, perhaps Pan Seared Halibut. Indulge yourself with any of the homemade desserts like a Lavender Lemon Meringue Tart or Mexican Chocolate Panna Cotta. You won’t be disappointed!

You'll find lots of goodies in the Farm Shop, and sometimes even one of the resident cats! Photo by Deborah Stone

Though a stay at Los Poblanos is the ultimate in relaxation, there’s also plenty of activity options available. Guests enjoy use of the inn’s seasonal outdoor salt water swimming pool and fitness center, as well as cruiser bikes to ride along the Rio Grande River Trail. You can also take a self-guided tour to learn more about the property’s history, art, architecture and farm. With twenty-five acres of land, six acres of formal gardens and walkways, fields of lavender and organic veggies and historic farm buildings, there’s much to see without even leaving the property. And make sure you stop in at the Farm Shop, where you’ll find a selection of eclectic products for the kitchen, garden, bath and more. Don’t leave without sampling the sweet and spicy pecans. They’re addicting!

The inn puts out a weekly bulletin of events and workshops that are open to inn guests as well as the public. Some are free; others are fee based and require advance registration. You can learn about aromatherapy, watch a lavender distillation demonstration, take a hands-on cooking class or participate in a Farm Volunteer Day where you’ll join farmers in the fields and gardens as they harvest produce.

For more information: www.lospoblanos.com

Deborah Stone is a travel and lifestyle writer, who explores the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers. She’s an avid adventurer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for travel and cross-cultural connections. Her stories appear in a number of publications as well as on various travel websites. Additionally, she can be frequently be heard dishing travel with the hosts of the NPR-affiliated and AARP produced talk radio show, “2 Boomer Babes.” Deborah is a longtime Seattle area resident, who currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.