Pina Coladas and a Bar Called O'Malley's

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 11/28/09

Ok, we made it through another Thanksgiving. But have we fallen into the same old dull routine? We enjoyed delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, our visiting relatives and lots of TV.

Next came all the hype about Black Friday, and then came Black Friday. Sounds just like a worn-out recording of a favorite song. It’s already too much stress and the shopping season and holidays have barely begun. Clip the coupons. Shop online. Shop local. Make the cookies. Put up the lights. Go back to the store and buy more lights. We are feeling just like most of the country right about now who are looking for a brief getaway to save their insanity and want to plan an escape.

If you like Pina Coladas but can’t find a bar called O’Malley’s… then escape to your favorite place and order up one of these sweet tropical treats. Made with rum, coconut cream and crushed pineapples, a Pina Colada will take your mind off of your busy life if only for a half hour or so.

If you like getting caught in the rain…may I suggest the touristy tram ride on the world’s longest aerial tramway? The Sandia Peak Tramway takes you on a 2.7 miles ride above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain to the observation deck atop the10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest. How better to escape that getting lost in the 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. I’ve been there in the rain and it is so peaceful. If you have visitors or haven’t been up to the top in awhile, its time to go.

If you’re not much into health food, but you’re into champagne…then have I got the place for you? Rio Rancho’s newest wine bar, the Black Olive Wine Bar and Grill serves seven varieties of champagne from New Mexico, California and France and a menu I wouldn’t necessarily call “health food” but rather mouth watering. Prime rib, filet mignon, lobster tail and king crab legs are just three items of this vast menu of enticing entrees. They also serve old-fashioned deviled eggs, hearty minestrone and chicken Caesar salad. Not a bad escape.

If you're not into yoga, and if you have half-a-brain…then escape to the Museum of Natural History and Science and see Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs. This movie will take you through the royal tombs of Egypt. According to the museum’s website, the movie follows explorers and scientists as they piece together the archaeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies, and provides audiences with a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. If you have school age children, this would be a great treat for them as well.

If you like making love at midnight…but have Uncle Billy and Aunt Agnes in the guest bedroom next to yours all week, chances are you could use an escape with your own lovely lady (or man). There’s everyone’s favorite Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa just up the road. But if you are looking for a little entertainment too, Johnny Rivers will be at the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder on December 11. Do-do-do-wa-shooby-dooby. Willie Nelson is on the road again at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino on December 13. And for you hippies out there, Steppenwolf will be there on January 22, 2010.

Remember, although it may be the season to go shopping, its not that hard to plan your escape.

Quote of the Week: ""If you like Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain. If you're not into yoga, if you have half-a-brain. If you like making love at midnight, in the dunes of the cape. I'm the lady you've looked for, write to me, and escape." -Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)