Fried ice cream was something we’d never considered until two weeks ago. In fact, it wasn’t something we were even aware of existing, what with being British. And then we were in the supercheap-but-superfabulous Guadalajara Grill in Taos, New Mexico, when we saw this huge thing looking like a deep fried brain, saying Fried Ice Cream $5.50. And we had to have it.

It didn’t look as brainy as it did in the display case, when it came. It was still huge, though – in a sweet taco shell, covered with a layer of cream, chocolate sauce and a cherry which we promptly scraped off. It looked a bit more brain-lumpy underneath. ]]> juliab 2012-01-06T15:30:17-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/26/8840/86514

TripAdvisor recently released their members’ picks for the best tours in America. While some were pretty blah, one that really stood out to us was the opportunity to trek through the wilderness in New Mexico with llamas by your side. You don’t actually ride the llamas, but they accompany you and your group, and apparently the critters are more than happy to carry your stuff. This leaves you and your back free to enjoy nature at it’s finest. Just remember to share your water bottle with your llama friend in case he or she gets thirsty.

The tours take you into New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and all treks are at your own pace. The tour guides, and probably the llamas too, aren’t looking for a stressful journey. After you work up an appetite as you make your way through the Carson National Forest, you’ll be happy to enjoy a fresh meal. All trips serve up “Backcountry Gourmet” meals and the head guide works as a chef in the off-season—so your taste buds will be in good hands.

Tours start at just $99 if you want to experience their Take a Llama To Lunch day hike. If you’re looking to spend a couple nights in the woods, and really get in touch with your new furry buddies, 3 night tours start at $499. Just remember to bring some llama snacks with you; you probably want to get them on your good side as soon as possible.

Related Stories:
·TripAdvisor Tallies America's Top 10 Tours [Official Site]
·Wild Earth Llama Adventures [Official Site]
·Tours coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of some llamas: Big Grey Mare] ]]> kjb 2009-06-26T13:02:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2005/7/22/14311/2961 The bears of New Mexico are apparently hungry and restless in the heat. One wandered into a Raton motel on Monday and a second broke into a Taos Valley Ski motel on Tuesday.

Officials say the first wanderer was lured by the smell of fresh popcorn (hey, we don't blame him) and then proceeded to make himself at home:

"He walked in, went to the pay phones, then straight toward the pool," said desk clerk Kimbra Pacheco.

He's no dummy. He called some friends and then went to work on his tan like any hotel crasher. Unfortunately he ended the day with a tranquilizer dart in his neck, but a nap was probably just what he needed.

Related Stories:
·   Bear Wanders Into Motels in New Mexico [Yahoo News]
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