Cool Things. Volume #2
NEW MEXICO – THE GREAT UNKNOWN
My love affair with New Mexico started years ago and it’s hard not to be captivated by this mysterious State. Lurking beneath it’s dusty, red surface is an undercurrent of other worldliness that defies description. This mystique defines its allure, yet it remains the enigma of the American South West.
Utah, Nevada and Texas attract more tourists and attention. West Coast snowbirds don’t flock to New Mexico like they do to California or Arizona because of altitude – 7,000 above sea level in some places – which means cold and snow in the winter. The state is even off the radar for major new outlets. During the last US election, CNN didn’t even mention the state, or its electoral votes, once during its entire broadcast.
Why is New Mexico so overlooked?
Permanently featured in the Top Ten list of poorest states in the US might be a reason. Or its lack of flashy attractions. Or that it’s in the middle of the country and requires two, sometimes, three flights to get there, depending where you’re from.
But none of these things should detract you from visiting.
Let me tell you why…
The colours of New Mexico
A PLACE FOR EXPLORERS
Geographically and geologically, New Mexico is stunning. Bandelier and Tent Rocks Parks showcase incredible rock formations left over from massive volcanic eruptions. Just West of Taos, the impressive Rio Grande Gorge cuts a swath some 800 feet deep. The 8th largest bridge in the US spans the gorge and offers incredible views.
Rio Grande Gorge
In the southern part of the state, White Sands Park glitters like a diamond in the heat. Home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, this natural wonder covers 275 square miles and can be seen from space. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet in this park. Massive gypsum dunes engulf you and the blinding whiteness tips its hand into natural selection for the creatures living here. Snakes, spiders, lizards are ghost white, all adapting to their spooky surroundings.
White Sands Park
Natural beauty aside, New Mexico offers much more.
DIVERSE CITIES
Santa Fe’s low profile (literally, there are only a handful of building over three stories height) adds to its rustic charm. Warm, welcoming and walkable, you could be forgiven for splurging on a pair of Old Gringo cowboy boots ($500.oo USD+), such is the desire to be at one with this laid back city.
Old Gringo Cowboy Boots
The artistic vibe of Taos or Madrid inspires your inner Georgia O’Keefe, while lesser known cities such as Hatch are famous for growing the chiles that add fire to the local cuisine. Truth or Consequences (named after a 50’s radio talk show) hosts some of the countries best, and least populated, hot springs and its the very lack of tourists and low population of New Mexico that continues to draw me. The emptiness and the space is a tonic for urban souls crammed into high density living.
Truth or Consequences at Dusk
SOPAPILLAS
Last but definitely not least, are sopapillas. These heavenly fried wonders deserve their own section. Native to New Mexico and hard to find anywhere else, sopapillas are little squares of lightly fried dough, traditionally eaten warm and drizzled with honey. When I first tried these, I thought I died and went to heaven. If you’re celiac or trying to cut back on bread, these tatsy morsels will be the bane of your existence.
Sopapillas drizzled with honey – yum!
TAKE A LEFT AT ALBUQUERQUE…
With a plethora of art, cuisine and exploration at your fingertips, New Mexico is a perfect destination if you want to get away from it all, without giving up the perks of comfortable travel. Bugs Bunny knew the deal. Maybe one day the rest of the world will catch on.
For now, the same phenonmenom will continue. Every time I tell people I’m going to New Mexico, the ‘New’ doesn’t even register. Everyone assumes I’ve said ‘Mexico’ and asks me which resort I’m going to.
🙂
Too bad for them.
