A vacation to the United States of America is fraught with choice and potential pitfalls. If you go ?ber-urban and head to New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago, the oppressive concrete jungle can overwhelm you once the initial appeal wears off. A wilderness trip to Alaska, Wyoming or Montana can be a breath of fresh air. But too much big sky country can get tiresome as well.
Consider New Mexico then. The Land of Enchantment, to borrow a tagline from the tourism bureau, is unlike any other state in the Union. No hyperbole in that bold statement either. You can spend two weeks in New Mexico and never quite feel like this is America.
With a surfeit of Native, Hispanic and Western culture, art, fusion cuisine, scenic roads, towns and national parks, not to mention a free spirit border state mentality, New Mexico will keep you busy. Here are some of the best attractions in the state.
The over 500,000 acres of remarkable conservation wilderness within Gila National Forest was a world first for New Mexico in 1924. Native populations trace a history as far back as the year 1000 in the area, rich with endemic flora and fauna and diverse ecosystems, with the Chihuahua Desert and Rocky Mountains on either side.
The most famous route in the U.S. is a favorite with road trip adventurers. A visit to New Mexico would be incomplete without a foray on the old historic highway, home to countless kitschy stops along the way. If the season is appropriate, rent a convertible for the drive.
Experience the beauty of indigineous culture at the paramount festival in North America to celebrate native art and craftsmanship. Held over two days every August around the central Plaza of lovely Santa Fe, the market features work from hundreds of artists who hail from all over the continent.
With over 500,000 people and fast on the rise, Albuquerque is a vibrant city. The historic area of Barelas contains a fabulous Biological Park with enough exhibits to occupy you for a day or two. A world class aquarium and zoo features native fauna from the state, in addition to exotic animals and aquatic life from around the world. A botanical garden and recreational beach can also be found within the park, with a train to connect the four major sites.
At over 1,000 years old, the native settlement of Taos Pueblo is one of the best examples of indigineous village architecture in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a wonderful day trip from Santa Fe.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
One of the most popular natural attractions in North America, Carlsbad Caverns is a peerless network of massive underground show caves with dramatic formations. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site the state can boast about, a tour of the caverns is a definite must.
The historic area of Albuquerque is a phenomenal model of Spanish colonial preservation and dates back to the original establishment of the city in 1706. Adobe structures surround a central plaza, with copious shops and restaurants. A number of great museums lie adjacent to the district.
Discover superb hotels in downtown Albuquerque.
Although born in Wisconsin, New Mexico is the state that gave Georgia O’Keeffe material inspiration. The famous artist, whose iconic images of the American Southwest remain indelible today, has a wonderful permanent legacy in Sante Fe, the town of her death in 1986.
There are many cathedrals in New Mexico worth a visit but Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe has some of most unusual architecture of the lot. The Gothic Revival interior features impressive carpentry in the form of a beautiful spiral staircase that curls up to the choir loft of the church.
Museum of International Folk Art
With the best collection of folk art in the world, the popular museum in Santa Fe is wonderful tribute to the genre run by the state of New Mexico. Four wings of the museum cover displays of textiles, costumes, masks, dolls, beadwork and myriad examples of superlative folk art from across the globe.
Check out great rates on hotels in beautiful Santa Fe.
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