The most crucial suggestion I can offer visitors to New Mexico is to get off the Interstate, stay awhile, and explore. New Mexico is rich with natural and man-made attractions, a wealth of history and culture, palate-pleasing cuisine, and art and more art that should not be overlooked by travelers extending their stay or residents looking for a staycation.
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Sky City/Pueblo of Acoma
Sky City is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States by the Pueblo people of Acoma. Sky City holds a special place in my heart as I worked for Acoma Business Enterprises (ABE) and was welcomed with open arms by the tribal members. Sky City will always be on my list of must-visit places. Sky City is a village that sits on a rock and has a wealth of history, which the Acoma people openly share. I love Acoma pottery have a small collection of pottery for my oldest granddaughter. I am honored to have a couple of pieces to remind me of this sacred place and my friends.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Looking for a place to walk? Check out the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument located north of Albuquerque on NM 16. It will feel like you just landed on Mars as you walk around massive cone-shaped tent rock formations formed volcanic pumice, ash, and tuff. The tent rock formations range in height from a few feet up to 90 feet, and boulder caps protect the softer pumice and tuff below. The park offers many opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geologic observation, and plant identification. Be prepared to take selfies.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (woods of the Apache) suggests birds, birds, and more birds as well as cameras with unbelievable long lens, and peace and calm. Watching the migration of the Sandhill cranes in the fall is a favorite activity. A twelve-mile-look loop allows visitors to drive around the wetlands and farm fields, offering views of wetland wildlife and raptors. There are several short walking trails. In the fall, the Friends of the Refuge host an educational and fun event when birds fill the skies above.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), an outdoor living history museum located on 200 acres south of Santa Fe along the famous El Camino Real. What an enjoyable and fun way to experience and learn about life in New Mexico during the 18th and 19th century! The museum offers several festivals throughout the year. One of my favorite festivals at Las Golondrinas is the Santa Fe Wine Festival held on the Fourth of July weekend. Did you know New Mexico is the oldest wine-growing region in the United States?
Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is one of the least talked about attractions in New Mexico when it should be one of the most publicized natural resources in New Mexico. The story goes that Sitting Bull, a Sioux medicine man, and his band were riding across the harsh desert landscape in southern New Mexico and needed water when they came across an oasis in the middle of the desert. Water cascades over the edge of the canyon walls down into pools of cool water, with lush greenery lining the canyon walls—a great place for hiking, bird watching, picnics, and getting drench.
Chaco Canyon National Historic Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, the economic development center for the ancestral Puebloan culture. There are a museum and visitor center to answer questions and interpret the life of the Anasazi (Ancient Ones) forebearers of the Pueblo people. You can also camp at the park.
Loretto Chapel
I first learned about Loretto Chapel before I even called New Mexico home. I first learned about Loretto Chapel from a television show and visited it after moving to the Land of Enchantment. To this day, I am still in awe of the spiral staircase and wonder how it was built without nails. We will never know if the mystery carpenter was Jesus.
Chimayo
New Mexico’s landscape in Northern New Mexico is spiritual, as is the town of Chimayo and the delicious red chile. El Santuario de Chimayo, built in 1816, is seen in many photos and paintings. The church welcomes many visitors each year searching for a miracle. During Holy Week, up to 30,000 faithful flocks to Chimayo were referred to as “the most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the United States.” Chimayo is known for its delicious red chile and its weaving.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is owned and operated by New Mexico’s nineteen pueblos. A world-class attraction that tells the story of the Pueblo people from ancient to the present time. The Center is comprised of a museum, restaurant, meeting facility, outstanding restaurant, and plaza for dances.
White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument is glistening white for miles and miles. The dunes are not only marvelous to look they are fun to slide on with a piece of cardboard.
This is the most challenging article I have ever written because New Mexico is rich in outstanding attractions. I have been fortunate to have visited most of them at least once and many of them numerous times. Therefore, I broke up the topic, and the following article will cover my top 10 events allowing me to share more about my ‘other home.