How to Love Northern New Mexico

Few places in the U.S. are as beautiful and spiritually captivating as New Mexico. Called “The Land of Enchantment,” the central-northern part of the state (Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos) is particularly alluring and attracts tourists by the thousands with its beauty, culture and history.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. If you're exploring northern New Mexico, fly into Albuquerque and rent a car. Albuquerque, the largest city in the state, has many neighborhoods with different flavors. The downtown area is hip and trendy; the University area is young and artsy; and the Old Town area is quaint with great shops.
2. Visit Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which has a fabulous museum and book store. If you visit in October, attend the International Balloon Fiesta. In September, catch the 17-day State Fair. Enjoy an exciting hike at the Petroglyph National Monument or an inspiring sunrise at Bosque del Apache, a wonderful wildlife refuge. Then witness a gorgeous sunset over the Sandia Mountains.
3. As you travel north along I-25 towards Santa Fe (60 miles away and 1,000 feet higher in altitude), you will pass many of the pueblos. Take a drive through Cochiti Pueblo. You’ll see Cochiti Lake running through the Rio Grande and if you keep going, you’ll find Dixon Apple Farm and campgrounds
4. One hour north of Albuquerque is Santa Fe, the state’s capital. Nicknamed “The City Different,” this charming place has enough to keep you there for a week without seeing everything. The downtown plaza is the hub of activity and from there, you can visit many museums, restaurants and shops. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer tons of hiking trails of all levels. Local hot spots include The Cowgirl Café, Canyon Road (home to fabulous galleries), the Loretto Chapel, Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa, the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the Tesuque Flea Market and the Santa Fe Opera. If you visit in late August, experience the world-famous Indian Market.
5. Just under two hours north of Santa Fe, you'll find Taos. The altitude increases once again, so expect dramatic weather changes. Taos is a small, artsy town, and here are two ways to get there from Santa Fe. Take the High Road for a scenic adventure. As you head into town on Highway 68, stop at Taos Drums to see an array of fabulous artistic creations on drums.
6. In Taos, you will find numerous quaint bed and breakfasts. The main artery has incredible Southwestern shopping. Taos is also ski country and you will find fantastic slopes there, especially in the Angel Fire area. In the summer, go fishing at Red River. And whatever you do, don’t miss Taos Pueblo. This is a living, working pueblo open to the public. Call ahead of time to make sure they are open because they occasionally close for special ceremonies.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that the altitude changes dramatically between cities and this means great weather differences. It could be 50 degrees in Albuquerque but snowing in Taos. Check the weather before going.