The land of hot chillis and hot air balloons
‘Red, green or Christmas?’ is a common question in New
Mexico. After a week in the state known as the ‘Land of Enchantment’ I became a
pro in answering - ‘Christmas, please.’ The question refers to which colour
chile you want with your meal - red, green, or both…. Aka, Christmas. The New
Mexicans take their chile very seriously. Hatch is the Chile Capital of the
World, producing millions of pounds of the spicy stuff each year. It’s a
beloved accompaniment to most meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even add
to locally produced wine, ice-cream, and my favourite - margaritas! You’ll find
ristras - strings of red chile - hanging in doorways as a sign of welcome
everywhere you go, another uniquely New Mexican trait.
And there’s a lot that makes New Mexico unlike any other
state, or even place in the world. The unique blend of culture and heritage,
with 23 nations, pueblos and tribes each with their own distinct language and
culture. The biodiversity of its varied landscapes, like snow-covered peaks,
evergreen forests, gypsum sand dunes, extinct volcanoes, desertscapes, snow-fed
rivers, and expansive underground caverns. The original adobe architecture of
towns such as state capital, Santa Fe, using traditional building materials of
mud, hay and clay. The quirky Roswell with its links to aliens and the only
McDonald’s in the world shaped like a UFO. Albuquerque, which holds the
Guinness World Record for the Greatest Mass Hot Air Balloon Ascent during the
annual International Balloon Fiesta.
It’s the perfect destination to visit as part of an epic
road trip, with the longest original section of the infamous Route 66 running
east to west through the state. The picture-perfect backdrop of red rocks where
many a western movie has been filmed transporting you into a real-life film-set
on the far west of the state in Gallup. During my visit, which started in
Albuquerque at the beautiful Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm, set among 25
acres of lavender fields, I was transported to the countryside, with gorgeous
views of the Sandia Mountains (known as the "Watermelon Mountains"
due to the pink hue their granite takes on at sunset). This working ranch is
home to chickens, alpacas, bees, a farm shop, pool, sauna, and an incredible
restaurant, Campo, where the crispy pork belly memela washed down with a
lavender margarita was the best welcome to New Mexico I could have hoped for. I
experienced the lowriders, hot air balloons, cool roof-top bars and the neon
lights on the new Route 66 Remixed in Albuquerque, before driving the scenic Turquoise Trail to
experience the beautiful architecture and art scene in Santa Fe. I was blown
away by Canyon Road - a half-mile road dotted with over 100 art galleries, wine
bars and cafes. The Inn of the Five Graces was the most gorgeous base to
explore this incredible city, with stunning interior design thanks to owners
Ira and Sylvia Seret, who proudly display tribal art, custom furnishings and
precious stone mosaics in the bathrooms.
From Santa Fe, I drove the High Road to Taos, and stopped at
the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark,
to enjoy a tour and learn about the sacred history and culture of this
Indigenous/ Native American community which has been continuously inhabited for
more than 1,000 years. In the shadow of the mountains, I stayed at the new
Hotel Willa in Taos, a hub for creatives and artists, with impeccable style and
decor, a gorgeous pool and incredible restaurant, Juliette.
Back on the road, I drove over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
(the second highest on the US highway system) and took in the incredible views.
I’d definitely earnt time to chill and soaked up the healing mineral waters at
Ojo Caliente Spa and Resort, featuring healing minerals including Arsenic,
Lithia, Soda and Iron in naturally sulfur-free waters. It was pure bliss and I
wish I could have stayed for longer.
I ended my road trip in Gallup, the far west of the state,
staying at the iconic Hotel El Rancho, a Route 66 icon and Hollywood star
favourite, where cowboy cool hosted Tinseltown glamour. Think John Wayne, Rita
Hayworth and Kirk Douglas. The town of Gallup is adorned in beautiful art
murals, museums and Route 66 culture, where I connected with my inner-cowgirl.
I certainly left New Mexico feeling every bit ‘enchanted’ with the state, and I
can’t wait to explore more on my next visit.
For more information on New Mexico, visit www.newmexico.org