The fun thing about the American Southwest is that I’ve been there. Not “been there, done that” been there, but I’ve spent time enough in each state that going back I get to get more in depth in my exploration. I’ve been to New Mexico more than any other state outside of my home state Colorado. I also have unique ties to New Mexico – its where my family is from! And when I say from, I mean from…as far back as 1600 my family has Native roots there. Needless to say, I’m really excited about this list.
Land of Enchantment
Because I have ties there, I want to start with talking about food. Not to be confused with Mexican food, New Mexican food has a flavor all its own. I didn’t even realize there was a difference until I was an adult. Given my heritage, it makes sense that my particular brand of Mexican food is New Mexican. It has influences of a variety of cultures all brought together into what is absolutely delicious. It will be my home away from home!
Growing up, this was a staple for me at home. My favorite food is enchiladas and I use that as my compass to determine if a restaurant is to my liking. As expected, I also love green chile on pretty much everything. You know this means I’m going to eat.it.UP in New Mexico. There are a few specific dishes I’m excited about more than others, so let me tell you about them.
Cuisine
First and foremost, I’m excited to try blue corn atole. I know this is something I could whip up at home, but trying someone else’s before I make my own is a must. Its a porridge-style food made from ground blue cornmeal eaten for, you guessed it, breakfast. I have a fondness for these types of foods (cream of wheat, anyone?) so I’m sure I’ll love it.
I’m also excited to grab myself a Navajo taco, hopefully in Navajo Nation. Bunuelos, sopapillas, tortillas…however you spin it, I’m a fan. I’ve had Navajo tacos at home before, but you can’t skip out on Navajo tacos in Navajo Nation! These foods really only differ due to a slight alterations of ingredients and prep, so its completely possible we missed a step when making the masa.
Last but not least, shout out to the stacked enchilada (or flat enchilada, if you will). I’ve never seen one of these in a restaurant but my mom made them at home when I was a kid and YUM. She still makes them for me occasionally, but I’m excited to try a restaurant style one. I’m sure it won’t compare to moms cooking (nothing does) but it’ll be nice to have a taste of home away from home.
National Parks and Monuments
As you probably know by now, the Southwest is rife with National Parks, Monuments, Historic Sites, you name it. Trying to fit them all in is a feat in and of itself. First up, I’m absolutely going to see Carlsbad Caverns National Park. March marks the beginning of the season for their bat flight program and its the singular reason for visiting in May. I love bats so much and this is a must attend event! The cave systems are absolutely gorgeous as well. Before LuLu was a realized dream, I had an entire road trip planned specifically around visiting here.
The other National Park – White Sands National Park – is not only beautiful because of the white sands, but because I’m excited to compare it to our resident Sand Dunes National Park. While I’ve been there several times, I’ve never went sand sledding. I am definitely taking the opportunity when I’m in White Sands.
Also on the list is Bandolier National Monument, Tent Rocks National Monument, Fort Union, Petroglyph National Monument, Bisti Badlands Wilderness Area, El Morro National Monument, and Gila National Forest. I love beautiful scenery and each of these has plenty to offer.
Fort Union is unique in that it is a New Mexican stop on the Santa Fe Trail as opposed to Bents Old Fort which is a local Colorado stop on the Santa Fe Trail. I grew up near Bents Old Fort National Historic Site, so it will be cool to get another view of the Santa Fe Trail. Gila National Forest offers a trail called the Canyon Catwalk that looks stunningly beautiful. There is a designated dark skies trail that I believe was the first inclusion of the Dark Skies project. I’m a rural gal, so I love me some dark skies. And of course not to be forgotten, history is abound in the Land of Enchantment.
Paranormal
New Mexico is also filled to the brim with the paranormal. Everyone thinks Roswell, and I can’t not visit there. Yes, it’s pretty touristy and heavily leans into the little green alien thing, but I love kitschy. I will definitely have to get a keychain, a magnet, and probably a sticker. There are also several immersive type exhibits in the area, including a selfie exhibit. Sign me up!
The Taos hum is also a pretty famous paranormal phenomenon. Its apparently just a hum that can be heard when in the Taos area. Not only can not everybody hear, but it also appears to have no known source. I’ve been through Taos before and I didn’t notice anything, so I probably can’t hear it. I’m going to try again, though.
Also in Taos is a gravesite of some rumored witches. Las tres brujas de Taos, the tres brujas, the three brujas of Taos…it all comes down to three witches of Taos. I couldn’t find what I should actually call them, so something akin to the above. Their gravesite features three unmarked plots, covered in black top to supposedly contain their magic within their graves.
I also plan to visit at least one ghost town while I’m in New Mexico, too. The ghost town of Elizabethtown doesn’t appear to be haunted by actual ghosts, but the ruins themselves look super cool and well worth exploring.
There’s so much more to do in New Mexico that I could be writing about it for days, but that covers the majority of it. I hope to be able to travel by hot air balloon and also the Cumbres & Toltec scenic railway. The mountains and hills of New Mexico are gorgeous and I’d be happy to spend time in them any time. If you’re wondering why I haven’t spoken about Historic Route 66, its because I plan to travel that as its own entity at some point, so we’ll talk about it then.
Any favorite New Mexican food restaurants I should try? Any hidden gems I should definitely visit? Comment below!
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