Top 12 Reasons New Mexico is Awesome
Top 12 Reasons New Mexico is Awesome
Ok, so this one is a no brainer. If you can think of a good reason why New Mexico is not awesome, just let us know, and we'll actually send someone to throw rocks at your car, get you drunk, and get you a tattoo. The landscapes, the towns, the people. The Land of Enchantment just has it all. . .
Reason 1. Taos
Taos is literally quite similar to being on another planet, and I have heard that description even from people who live there. Being able to see in every direction to the horizon at all times alone is worth the trip. Reasons 2, 3, and 4 are also related to this majestic place.
2. Earthships
The Earthships in Taos could easily be mistaken for alien dwellings, and are somewhat remeniscent of Luke Skywalker's home from the first Star Wars movie. While these amazing homes provide an off-grid, zero carbon foot-print, solar-powered, and passive heated and cooled life stlye, they might as well be on another planet, as they are so far from how most of us build our homes. A must see in NM.
3. Taos Ski Valley
Taos was discovered by German-Swiss ski pioneer Ernie Blake, and is boasted as being the best skiing outside of the Swiss Alps. Recently opened to snowboarding, this unique ski-valley really provides that on-top-of-the-world feel, in more than one way.
4. Taos Gorge Bridge
Less than a mile from the Greater World Earthship community, Taos Gorge is famous for being the most popular place to commit suicide in North America. At least a hundred jumper's bodies have been found in the gorge since 1984. If this place is beautiful enough to attract that many people wanting to spend their last moments, surely it's something to behold.
5.Penasco
On the way from Taos to Santa, Fe, if you take what is commonly referred to as 'The High Road,' you will have the pleasure of driving through the gorgeous little town of Penasco. Any film-maker would be awe struck, as I was the first time I laid eyes on the rolling hills and mist-covered valleys of this high desert gem of a location.
6. Balloon Fiesta
This international event is the largest tourist event of the year for Albuquerque, NM. It is quite an impressive sight to behold, thousands of hot-air balloons traversing the sky juxtaposed against the sunrise. They also hold several annual balloon glows, where the orange glow from the globe's burners are the only sources of light in the evening. These things are true spacecrafts!
7. Sandia Peak Tramway
The second longest tramway ride in the world, Sandia Tram transports passengers from the base of the mountain all the way to the very top, where there is a fine-dining restaurant, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing possibilities. The 'Flights' ascend from a base elevation of 6,559 feet (1,999 m) to a top elevation of 10,378 feet (3,163 m) The photography possibilities from this high-flying carriage are innumerable.
8. Sandia Peak
The Sandia Peak itself is a sight to behold, and provides a view to the horizon overlooking the entire city of Albuquerque and. The drive from town only takes about 30-45 minutes, and the sights are nothing like anything you have ever seen before. Again, a majestic panoramic view.
9. New Mexico Sunsets
There are some beautiful sunset out there, but if you have ever witnessed one in New Mexico, you would be hard pressed to say that there isn't something special about them here. Everyday at dusk it is as if a different master artist takes his brush to the sky to create something completely breathtaking and unique. Any film or photo taken during this glorious time of the day, at any location her in NM will be one worth remembering for all audiences.
10. Chaco Canyon
Aside from being a World Heritage site, Chaco is amongst the most complex and expansive archeological sites in the world. The sun rises, sunsets, hiking possibilities, and a peek into ancient history all make this site a worth while short trip outside Albuquerque that can easily be done in a day. However, one must really camp there to get the full experience.
10. Coffee Shops
Every awesome town needs great coffee shops. Albuquerque has several of the neatest little neighborhood coffee shops in the southwest. Most serve food, have live music, patio seating, a great atmosphere, and of course great coffee. Soy, almond, chai if you prefer. These establishments cater to even the most refined tastes. This particular coffee shop commands such an on-screen presence that the crew from the hit series Breaking Bad chose to use it as a location, and actually blew up the second floor for a scene involving some exploding blue meth.
12. Local Micro-breweries
Livability.com recently voted Albuquerque #1 cities in the country for Top Beer Cities in the nation. Dozens of locally owned microbreweries scatter the urban landscape of the city, and there are even bike and jogging tours of the different routes in between them. Most either serve food or have food trucks, outdoor seating, and nearly nightly live music. Singles and families alike will love relaxing after a long day at any of these fine establishments.
