Big Jim’s Farm U-Pick – Sunflowers

Big Jim’s farms

This is a must see before summer ends. Big Jim Farms has several varieties of U pick crops from August through October. Crops range from sunflowers and other flowers, green and red chile, pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, ect.

The staff here at the farms are absolutely amazing and some of the kindest and most welcoming people you’ll meet. There is no admission fee if you’re there to just enjoy the sight.

If you wish to take some flowers home you can rent clippers for 5 dollars. The 5 dollars also cover the decorative mason jar your pruned flowers will go in. They even prune and arrange the flowers for you!

The sunflower crop

Sunflowers are my favorite type of flower. They always have been since I was a little girl about 5 years old. I had this red dress with yellow sunflowers on it. It was my absolute favorite dress and I would have worn it everyday I could have. So naturally, when I saw this event pop up, I couldn’t stay away long.

August and September are the best months for visiting the sunflowers. The farm is open daily from 8am – 6pm. With September a few days away, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience this sea of gold. There is something about seeing a field of sunflowers that really makes your breath catch in your throat. The first time I saw this was when I was 17 and on a mission trip to Kentucky. On the drive there from Florida, we past a field of GAINT sunflowers. These flowers were much larger than my face and a whole lot taller than me too. This field went for miles. I’d never seen anything like it and to this day I have not forgotten about it.

Now the sunflowers at Big Jims are not of the giant variety, but they are spectacular in their own right. Big Jim’s recently moved from a 7acre location to a 21 acre field beginning this year allowing for much more flowers! The new location is right next door the the old. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by fields of sunflowers growing in rows that you can stroll through as you pick out the best to keep.

…if you dare.

WARNING!

This is not a place for those allergic to, or afraid of bees… the flowers are a magnet for them. You will be hard pressed to find a flower without at least one bee on it. There are thousand of them. Bees of every size, shape, and color. Bees I didn’t even know existed. Yes, know they are an important part of nature. Yes, they leave you alone if you leave them alone, but that does little to calm the fear that a bee phobia can instill. So instead I will tell you this, the flowers are just as beautiful when safely enjoyed from afar, as I did 🙂 Even while keeping a respectful distance we managed to clip ourselves a bouquet to take home!

We had such an amazing time and are already so excited to go again for the green Chile crops and we’ll definitely be getting some pumpkins as well. Watch out McCalls!

What I Wore

This is a farm so obviously dress code is casual. However, I’m not about to go to a field of sunflowers without having a little fun. Have fun with it and get all dolled up for the pictures, you won’t regret it. Keep your shoes in mind and there is a lot of uneven ground and dirt so a stiletto is not a good fit.

www.bigjimfarms.com

Date night in Albuquerque!

Adult night at Explora!

If you grew up in Albuquerque, or if you are raising children here, you have undoubtably heard of Explora. I remember when I was a little younger than my own daughter, it was a store in the mall. It was a place to take the kiddos to help break up the shopping day. I remember they had a bubble machine that you could stand inside and then pull a lever to enclose your self in a bubble.

Now, Explora has their own building. An entire 20,000 Sq Ft devoted to spreading the wonder of science to the children of Albuquerque with over 250 interactive exhibits with an another expansion on the horizon. I realized in my own adulthood that none of us really “grow up”, we just get better at bearing the weight of responsibility. We stay who we are, and if we do it right, we don’t ever lose that childlike wonder.

Explora understands this. They know that we want to play with the exhibits too, but none of us want to push aside the 8 year old boy who is drawing inappropriate shapes on the paper meant for the origami table….

This is why they started Adult Night. Periodically throughout the year they will open for an evening session exclusively for the 21 and up. They do it up right and there is always food, drink, music and more. Ryan and I never miss it! It makes for a wonderful date night idea. The even attracts people of all ages, you see couples that are 25 years old and couples that have been married for 25 years. Every one is kind and respectful and you get to actually play and learn just like a child. What is more romantic than eating butter pecan gelato on the roof while the last rays of the summer sun set shines through the twinkling lights hanging over head as the band plays.

The Science of Wine

We attended the science of wine back on February 24th. The event featured wine from various vendors, Charcuterie from Mtucci’s, and souvenir wine glasses.

The Science of Beer

The Science of Beer event was also catered by Mtucci’s and featured beers from over 6 different breweries. There were even demonstrations from local home brewers on how to brew your own beer. The roof featured incredible gelato from Frost along with live music from The Cumberlands. The whole event was so much fun and a perfect date night. This event happens through out the year so if you missed it, fear not. Just head over to Explora’s event page to see when the next one will be. Check out the other events and remember that every visit to Explora helps fund children’s education in our city.

Carlito Springs is Open Again! After 5 year closure!

Carlito Springs – Post Renovation

Carlito Springs is an Albuquerque Gem. I consider myself so fortunate to have had the privilege of experiencing this extraordinary sanctuary prior to its sudden closure, that was 5 years ago. What was supposed to be a brief closure to remodel and renovate the property dragged out almost 5 years, largely due to COVID.

Carlito Springs 2017

The last time I was here was in July 2017, when Theresa was only 3 years old!

Carlito Springs 2023

What I wore

Almost 5 years later I get to experience this magical place again with the my love as he experiences it for the first time.

Getting there

It’s a short drive from Albuquerque down Historic Old Route 66. You’ll make a left on Public School Rd (opposite A Montoya Elementary School). There is a short stretch of dirt road that can get quit steep in parts but it’s very brief.

I recommend going early in the day as large areas of trail are in direct sun. Bring both sunscreen and bug spray as this trail features plenty of water via stream and exquisite ponds.

What to Expect

There are full restrooms located in the modern building at the top of the trail head. This is a short 1.8 mile loop trail. If you go left you’ll have a shorter hike to the ponds. You’ll be mostly shaded, walking parallel to a stream over somewhat steep terrain. The trail is well maintained, much of the trail is stone staircase and relatively easy to traverse. You’ll cross a couple cute little bridges, great for a romantic hike.

If you go the right you’ll be in more direct sun and you’ll have a longer hike over terrain that can get quite rocky and gravelly in areas. Either direction will lead to the ponds and award you with spectacular views along the way. The ponds are for visual enjoyment only, no swimming for humans or for pups. This is to protect the springs from decay. Dogs are welcomed but don’t allow them to drink the water, this is to protect your dog from harmful bacteria.