WHY GREEN CHILE ?
The Green Chile Golf Trail
There is a controversy over which bordering state grows the best green chiles. Even so much that the states have competing license plates. The battle is over chiles grown in Pueblo, Colorado versus those of Hatch, New Mexico. So as you drive along the trail, stop at these known restaurants and sample some.
New Mexico's Green Chile Cheeseburger
The New Mexico favorite is the "Green Chile Cheeseburger" which has two beef patties, green chile strips and a side of pinto beans. New Mexico chile comes from Las Cruces in Southern New Mexico, where it is taught in agricultural science classes at New Mexico State University.
Pueblo Chile+The Slopper
Colorado green chile is grown around Pueblo. It is often eaten as a stew or spread over an open-faced hamburger known as "The Slopper." Pueblo is so driven it hosts a three-day Chile and Frijole Festival September 18-20 attracting thousands.
OFF I-25, NORTH OF PUEBLO
Pueblo--Cactus Flower
The popular restaurant has a huge and colorful menu with plates to match. It is hidden just off I-25 at the Elizabeth exit surrounded by motels. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
719-545-8218 www.cactusflowerrestaurant.com
Walsenburg--George's
George's Drive Inn is at the Highway 160 west exit off I-25. The long time landmark is famous for the open face cheeseburger or Italian sausage topped with green chile and a side of fresh cut fries. Open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. Closed Mondays. 719-738-3030. Get in line with locals.
Taos--La Cueva
Instead of all the trendy restaurants in Taos, locals know to pick up traditional favorites from the tiny La Cueva Cafe just off the historic Taos Plaza. The building dates from 1850. Outside patio seating only. Phone in a to-go dinner and take it to your hotel. Closed Sundays. 575-758-7001 www.laquevacafe.com
Espanola--El Parasol
Adjacent to the former family restaurant El Paragua, the drive-up now provides take-out orders for locals from a large menu. Named "Best Tacos in New Mexico" at their locations. 505-753-8852 www.elparasol.com/espanola
Sopiapilla Factory
Family restaurant in Pojoquae near Buffalo Thunder Resort. Famous for their sopiapilla stuffed with shredded beef or chicken, red and green chile with sweet corn cake. Many other items. Always get a dozen sopiapillas to go. Closed Sundays. 505-455-2855. www.sopaipillafactoryrestaurant.com
Santa Fe-Cowgirl BBQ
The popular all-women owned restaurant is known for barbeque, Mexican dishes, the best Green Chile Cheeseburger and live entertainment nightly. Mon-Sat. 11-9. Closed Sundays. 505-982-2565. www.cowgirlsantafe.com.
MORE TRAVEL TIPS
JOIN AARP FOR $11. FOR THE TRAVEL BENERITS
Most hotels have discounts for seniors and AARP members. Select hotels with established discounts for members. Be ready to show your card at check-in for the discount. AARP membership costs only $11 per year for five years.
SAVE AT AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN MOTELS--SEE REVIEWS
CHOICE HOTELS--JOIN FREE
Join Choice Hotels for the lodging discounts at affordable motels. It is FREE. Their Choice-Privileges has more specials and benefits and points which can even be used for golf equipment. There are branded Choice Hotels with reasonable rates near most golf courses as you travel.
MORE OF COLORADO--- 3-DAY, 3-COURSE TRAILS
COLORADO GOLFER GUIDE
Similar to this website, the Colorado Golfer Guide details several three day-three course trails out of Denver. Eight trails follow Colorado's roads recommending courses, sites and affordable lodging. (Collegiate Peaks photo)