New Mexico

New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment.  Explorer Vasquez de Coronado was said to have traveled through New Mexico in 1540 hoping to find the legendary Seven Cities of Gold (Adobe Pueblos).

Before "Land of Enchantment" became the state slogan, New Mexico went by the nickname The Sunshine State based on the fact that every part of New Mexico receives at least 70 percent sunshine year round.

During the rule of Spain during the 16th century, Spanish missionaries were spreading the teachings of christianity throughout the territory.  North America’s first church was built in 1598 at San Juan Pueblo.

In 1848 most of New Mexico became American territory, and with the surrender of Geronimo the end of the Apache Wars was concluded. 

From Indian cliff-dwellers to the Anglo arrival in the mid 1800s, New Mexico has lived through thousands of centuries.  New Mexico became a state in 1912 and to this day the Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures mix their cultures, traditions, and talents, and yet they remain distinct.

New Mexico is now a leader in the mining industry of silver, uranium and copper.  Oil and Gas production and tourism is a major part of New Mexico. 

New Mexico’s climate is perfectly suited to outdoor activities no matter what season it is.  Few states can boast six of the earth’s seven climatic zones, nor are they blessed with the towering mountains that rise above New Mexico’s high desert plains.  The varied terrain, as well as the rivers and lakes, make New Mexico an adventure-lover’s paradise.  Whether is kayaking down the Rio Grande near Taos or camping in Navajo Lake State Park, you’ll see why New Mexico is a great place to be.  With thirteen National Monuments and Parks, 29 State Parks, and five National Forests, New Mexico has an outdoor adventure for the weekend sighseer and avid backcountry explorer alike.

Summer brings warm temperatures to all parts of the state, especially the high country.  It’s a great time to explore northern New Mexico and enjoy its majestic peaks, or head to Hatch in early September for the Chile Festival.  Just when you think you’ve had enough of the heat, starting in July the monsoon rains bring soothing relief to the parched land, cooling everyone off in the process.

Fall brings a welcome change to cooler temperatures all around the state.  The change in seasons is especially noticeable in the high country as the aspen threes change from green to gold.  This is a great time of year to take a scenic drive or indulge in one of New Mexico’s natural mineral springs.

Winter is a romantic, snowy and sunny time in New Mexico.  As the Rocky Mountains spill down into New Mexico, they are split by the Rio Grande RIver Valley into two, major ranges; the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east and the Jemex mountains to the west.  Characterized by their high, alpine vegetation and heavy snows in the winter, these mountains reach evelvations of up to 13, 160 ft (Wheeler Peak) and form a near-perfect palyground for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  If snow isn’t your thing, head to the southern part of the State.  This is where you will find nice, mild temperatures in places such as Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces, or Carlsbad.

Tourist attractions from Carlsbad Caverns, Billy the Kid Museum, UFO Museum, sking at Taos Ski Valley, and many other exciting attractions make New Mexico one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world.

Across New Mexico, from the Deming duck races to the annual State Fair, New Mexico offers an exciting cornucopia of fairs, festivals, and expositions in every field of human endeavour.  There’s lots to do and explorein New Mexico, so come on in and enjoy the festivities and the sunny weather.

Catch an opera under clear, open skies.  If opera isn’t your scene, try the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival or head to Santa Fe for the famous Indian or Spanish markets.  From the Santa Fe Wine Festival at Rancho de Las Golondrinas in July to the red hot WHole Enchilada Festival in Las Cruces each Obtober, New Mexico has food and wine festivals and celebrations aplenty from one end of the state to the other. 

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