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Blue Hole: One Rockin' FREE Family Vacation Destination

One of my besties and I decided take the teens with us to a social media conference.  My youngest, fresh off his Good Morning America appearance, his best friend since kindergarten and my niece were in for one heckuva memorable road trip!




Bestie and I booked a room in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I planned a day of activities in Old Town but after tuning to a show on the Travel Channel and this spot called Blue Hole caught my attention.  

Blue Hole was about 1.5 hr. drive from Albuquerque and since it was on our way we had to check it out.



There was only one car in the parking lot when we arrived but there were no hours posted so we parked.  Tip:  Admission is free if you arrive before the parking attendant.  Otherwise, it's just $5.  A very oh so worth it $5 might I add.  

We saw a couple and turns out they were locals who said they swim here several times a week.  When asked if the water was cold, they cautioned "at first, but once you get used to it, the water's fine."  

I asked if I could snap a pic and she obliged.


The kids quickly changed into their swimming suits.  I on the other hand hesitated.  I sat there soaking in the beauty of the scenery around me.  Then I heard a splash and one of the kids jumped in the water.  


Then I looked up and both my son and his best friend were in the water.


After a long swim back to the water's edge, my kid asked what the big red and blue floating balls were.  

Well, this fab mom did her research on Blue Hole prior to our visit and learned it is a popular dive training spot.  We met a couple of divers from Texas who took some time to show off their equipment and explain the basics of diving to the kids.


As the day passed, more and more visitors, mostly locals, came for a dip in the waters of Blue Hole and the water remained a cool 61 degrees.  Oh, I forgot to mention a spring feeds Blue Hole and keeps the waters at at or around 61 degrees year round.
Pic courtesy of Curt Bowen
Blue Hole is just a few minutes off of I-40 / Historic Route 66 and it is worth a visit.  If you are ever near Santa Rosa, New Mexico, stop by, dive in and cool off.

For more info on Blue Hole, visit www.santarosabluehole.com

Comments

Masshole Mommy said…
I have never been to that part of the country, but I am making note of this in case I ever get there. Blue Hole sounds awesome.
Anonymous said…
That looked like fun! I'm going to have to check this place out. I'm sure my neices and nephew would love it. One more thing added to my to-do list.
Alli Smith said…
What a beautiful place to cool off and take a swim! I would love to visit that part of the country and I know the kids would want to go to Blue Hole!
Heather D said…
Congrats on bing featured on GMA. That looks like am amazing place to hang out!
AiringMyLaundry said…
This is such an amazing area! Look at that water. I'll have to check it out one day.
Jeannette said…
That looks absolutely fabulous. I think in New Mexico but never here. I'm definitely going to check it out on my next road trip!!
Kim said…
My friend's kids live in NM and she goes there every time she visits them.
Unknown said…
Albuquerque is such a great destination. I've never heard of Blue Hole, and am sure it's an awesome place. I am looking for fun destinations to add to my list of family frenzy. Thanks for sharing!
candy said…
Never heard of Blue Hole but I can see why you wanted to visit. Something we would enjoy very much.
Lisa said…
I've never been to New Mexico or heard of Blue Hole but it looks amazing. That water looks perfect.
chubskulit said…
My husband was talking about this Blue Hole place when we were planning our vacation few months ago. Maybe next time we could go there.
Lucee said…
It looks to be aptly named. What a great find, off the beaten path.
Unknown said…
What a wonderful experience for your entire family! Blue Spot looks like a place I would enjoy visiting too! That overhead photo is stunning!
Pam said…
There are several blue holes near us. They're a lot of fun to swim in with the family.
Anonymous said…
This looks like such a fun destination for the family. I know my kids would have a blast exploring this place.
Liz Mays said…
Now this seems like a cool spot! I'd definitely take my family out there for a dip.
Emily said…
Wow, this is beautiful! I had no idea that this was in New Mexico, this would be so fun to experience!
Amanda said…
I have never heard of Blue Hole before but it sounds AMAZING. I would love to visit here once my boys are a bit older.
Debra Hawkins said…
What a gorgeous place! I have never heard of this place before but I think my kids would absolutely love it!

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