Imagine a place where history meets innovation, where the heat of a chili pepper meets wide open spaces.
Affectionately known as "the land of enchantment," New Mexico certainly delivers.
I spent one week in early April traversing the northern part of the state -- from the main hubs of Albuquerque and Santa Fe -- out to...
...the far reaching mountains of Taos and Navajo Nation.
It was a picturesque trip through a sliver of America's iconic southwest region and I'm happy to highlight some of my favorite spots for you to explore.
Here's a look at how I spent eight days in New Mexico.
Let's start with the most important part of the trip -- where I stayed.
We opted to split our time in New Mexico right down the middle, with half of our time spent north of Albuquerque in the scenic area of Abiquiu and...
...the remaining time spent just a hair south of Santa Fe.
In Abiquiu, we stayed at perhaps my favorite Airbnb to date.
The home, located 15 minutes off of a local dirt road, and far removed from the rest of civilization, had unbelievable and unobstructed views of...
...the lake and the scenic red rocks of Ghost Ranch.
If you're familiar with the artwork of famed painter Georgia O'Keeffe, you'll be interested to know that...
...many of her iconic paintings were inspired by this very landscape.
Her studio was situated just across the water from this home.
In Santa Fe, we stayed at a lovely neighborhood Airbnb with easy access to all the sights and sounds of New Mexico's capital.
It was removed enough from the city center that we felt the serenity of the space, but it was close enough to know that we could grab a taco at a moment's notice.
It was the perfect spot to spend the second half of our trip.
I'll have complete tours of both Airbnb properties in separate videos coming out over the next few weeks.
In no particular order, let's jump into a complete breakdown of places I'd love to recommend to you for your time in New Mexico.
Feel free to use the chapter markers in this video to skip ahead to any sections that may specifically apply to the trip you're planning.
First up is a shout out to the city of Albuquerque.
If you're flying into the state, you'll likely start in this metropolis.
Famously known for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, this city is a bustling, colorful place to visit in October.
Hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky in this vibrant multi-day festival every year.
In the early spring, of course, we did not have an opportunity to see this, but we did enjoy several other sites in the area.
On our very first evening in the city, we paid a visit to the Sawmill Market -- a 34,000sqft food hall comprised of local merchants and delectable dishes.
This historic space -- once a thriving lumber yard -- now serves as a melting pot of New Mexican cuisine and art.
We dove straight into the flavors of the state by ordering a smothered burrito and red and green nachos from a vendor appropriately called "Red and Green."
The colors reference the famous New Mexican chili peppers, which grow green and ripen to red over time.
Each color brings a different flavor and heat, but if you're looking to experience a bit of both, feel free to ask for the "Christmas" topping.
Trust me, this is not unusual.
You'll find this phrase used just about everywhere and it's the fastest way to get both versions of chili on your meal.
We rounded out our time at the Sawmill Market by grabbing a fresh churro from an adorable place called "Churro y Corn."
The next morning, we woke early to wander the streets of Old Town Albuquerque.
Founded in 1706, this area features about 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings and mostly consists of local gift shops, restaurants, and museums.
I'm not much of a souvenir person, so I didn't mind strolling the empty streets so early before most stores opened.
In fact, I appreciated getting to take in all the architectural detail without the distraction of other tourists.
By the time places did begin to open up, we were curious to stop into the American International Rattlesnake Museum.
This small space surprisingly housed the most diverse collection of living rattlesnakes in the world and the owner, who personally welcomed us into his shop,...
...could not have been more informative and passionate about the display.
For a very small fee, I'd highly recommend spending 20 minutes of your time -- yes even if you're scared of these guys -- educating yourself...
... and taking in this impressive collection.
Our last stop in Old Town was another unsuspecting site -- the Church Street Cafe.
Presenting as a quaint quick service restaurant from the outside, we were soon awe struck by the size and decor of the interior.
The building -- known as Casa de Ruiz -- is the oldest residence in Albuquerque and one of the oldest structures in New Mexico.
For that alone, you should certainly indulge in a meal here, if not for the food, then for a chance to admire the history.
But I have to say... you can't go wrong with the food.
We split a delicious breakfast burrito and, if we had more time, we would have been back for dinner.
Our morning in Old Town wrapped rather abruptly when it started to hail, so we hopped in the car and enjoyed a short self-guided location tour of...
...one of Albuquerque's most well-known TV shows: Breaking Bad.
If you're a fan of the show, you'll recognize Jesse's house tucked within a neighborhood not far from Old Town and the Dog House just up the road.
I regretted my decision to eat a corn dog, but loved photographing the retro store front.
About 25 minutes south, we stopped at Twisters -- otherwise remembered as "Los Pollos Hermanos" in the show.
Again, bad decision on my part to try the fast food, but I did get a laugh picturing it as the meth lab depicted in the show.
Venturing outside the city limits, I'd recommend paying a visit to Petroglyph National Monument -- a location...
...protecting one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America.
Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings and, in this case, date back 400 to 700 years and can be attributed to both the Native Americans and Spanish settlers in the area.
There are several short trails within driving distance from the visitor center and we opted to spend 30 minutes or so in the Boca Negra Canyon area.
The volcanic terrain itself was quite intriguing, but it was also fascinating to be so up close and personal to these ancient messages.
We had a few laughs making up stories for some of the more bizarre designs... killer chef, anyone?
Oh and a special shout out to our very first roadrunner sighting of the trip.
It turns out these things aren't just Looney Tunes! *meep meep*
If you're enjoying the history, my next recommendation is to stop at Bandelier National Monument -- home to the...
...ancestral Pueblo people who lived here between 1150 and 1550.
You think that's old? The National Park Service suggests that there is also evidence of human activity in this area dating back to nearly 11,000 years ago.
The Main Loop or Pueblo Loop trail from the visitor center is a short 1.4mile hike and takes you right up into the archaeological sites with...
...an option to climb ladders and actually crawl into the ancient dwellings.
The trail is very well marked and easy to navigate.
I'd recommend grabbing a trail guide at the visitor center, which explains what you're seeing at the numbered stops along the way.
Those in wheelchairs or strollers can enjoy the paved section of the trail for a short bit until the climb up to the dwellings begins.
If you're seeking a slightly more challenging hike in the area, I enjoyed the Frey Trail back in 2013.
I understand it's had a bit of a refurbishment since then, but All Trails notes this as a 3.1mile out-and-back hike with 603 feet of elevation gain.
I remember to be a bit less crowded than the Main Pueblo Loop Trail and packing a punch with incredible views of the canyon.
My last trail shout out in this area -- and easily my favorite one -- was the Tsankawi Ruins Trail about a 15-minute drive from the visitor center.
This 1.5mile trail touts itself as being an outdoor museum and it certainly did not disappoint.
Though relatively short, the trail felt like a treasure hunt with petroglyphs and ancient pottery fragments to be found.
It goes without saying...please respect this place and do not take or break anything.
In addition to the spectacular historic sites, the trail itself was a ton of fun with ladders to climb and small crevices to navigate through.
It was an adventure from start to finish and I highly recommend a stop here if you're hoping to feel like a true explorer.
After putting in a few good hikes, you may be craving some time on the road and there's definitely no shortage of scenic road trips across New Mexico.
With our sights set on the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the artsy town of Taos, I'd recommend finding your way to State Road-554 to indulge in a gorgeous drive...
...through Carson National Forest. Connect to US-285 and make your way to US-64 for a truly breathtaking experience driving through unforgettable wide open spaces.
Taos, a thriving high desert town, features historic adobe buildings housing an array of shops, restaurants, and museums.
It's not only known for its art, but for its world-class ski valley and Taos Pueblo Heritage Site.
Our trip to this area was quickly cut short by yet another hail storm, but interestingly, it made for one of the most memorable moments of the vacation as we...
...raced towards the setting sun to escape the bad weather.
It was actually quite beautiful.
Funny enough, we loved the drive out to this area so much that we chose to do it all over again the next day to enjoy some sights we missed along the way.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the country, first opening its doors in 1868.
For a flat fee, you can spend the day here venturing from hot spring to hot spring absorbing all the natural elements.
And what a stunning backdrop to have!
For an extra cost, feel free to book yourself a massage, as well.
While I would come back to experience it again, I'll say that I was a bit underwhelmed by the attentiveness of the staff and...
...the cleanliness and layout of the locker rooms.
Not a big deal, but I just caution that the Day Pass entry is not necessarily a luxury high-end experience if that's what you're after.
Again, a fun and relaxing afternoon overall.
As you venture further out in the direction of Taos, things start to get weird.
You'll pass hundreds of cow crossing signs, but some are a bit more unusual than others.
A solid reminder that you're in New Mexico.
If a sign cautioning aliens above doesn't pique your interest, maybe this martianesque community will.
Having driven right past these odd structures, we found ourselves wondering what the heck they were and decided to turn around and find out.
To our surprise, there was a visitor center set up and ready to answer all of our questions.
Affectionately known as the Greater World Community, this private complex is comprised of 90 or so "earthship" homes.
Though this sounds like a concept dropped in from outer space, these homes are completely passive, self-sufficient structures utilizing solar energy,...
...thermal mass construction, renewable energy and integrated water systems.
They are an inspiring example of ways to live using natural resources, even if the design aesthetic skews toward more of a hobbit feel.
Trust me, I had a lot of questions and found that the small fee to tour one of the structures was well worth it.
Just a few minutes up the road, you'll find yourself at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge -- a strikingly deep canyon that seems to emerge out of nowhere.
There is a small parking lot nearby and a disappointing viewing area of the gorge itself.
I'm not really sure why they haven't built out a robust visitor center here yet and found myself sticking my camera through holes in a chain-link fence to get any decent shot.
If you stop here, which I strongly encourage you do, I think your best look at the gorge can be attained by walking across the bridge itself.
It was really captivating.
Sticking to our theme of otherworldly sites to see, I can't forget to mention Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, also known as Bisti Badlands.
Located far from anything else in the northwestern corner of New Mexico, this place is about as remote as it gets, but rewards its visitors with truly unique landscapes...
...you'll be thinking about for the rest of your life.
With no established trails, visitors are free to wander respectfully wherever their curiosity may take them.
Be smart about it. This is considered sacred land and these are really delicate structures that deserve for us to tread carefully with preservation in mind.
After all, dinosaur fossils among other things have been excavated from this very land.
I'll be posting a complete breakdown of all my New Mexico hikes mentioned in an upcoming video, so check that out if...
...you're curious to know how I found and got to this gem of a location.
Next up is my recommendation for Ghost Ranch -- a 21,000 acre property, boasting iconic views and educational opportunities.
Its landscape, as I mentioned earlier, was the inspiration for some of Georgia O'Keeffe's most famous paintings.
Despite this, I feel like Ghost Ranch is kind of a best-kept secret in New Mexico.
I hardly read about it while researching ahead of this trip and only came to know it once I booked our nearby Airbnb.
For this, I definitely think you should pay it a visit.
With workshops, retreats, and tours offered, you can spend a few hours or even a few days in this beautiful area.
We chose to do a half day experience, visiting the museums and embarking on a morning hike.
There are two small, but really interesting museums on the property -- one dedicated to anthropology and the other to paleontology.
It was a pretty neat and informative collection.
We specifically enjoyed seeing the dinosaurs that once existed right here in the Ghost Ranch area.
It made us hopeful we might stumble across a fossil on our hike.
There are several hiking options at the ranch, but we chose to do the Box Canyon Trail -- a four mile-ish out-and-back hike along a winding stream.
This was a truly beautiful hike with its towering canyon walls, trickling waterfalls, and historic sites to explore.
While I generally prefer loop trails, I didn't mind retracing our steps on the way out.
There was plenty to explore and I don't think we could have selected a more ideal brunch spot.
Affectionately known as "the city different," New Mexico's capital city of Santa Fe is an enchanting blend of culture, art, and hospitality.
While it can feel touristy in places, it holds a depth and a generosity that feels both genuine and welcoming.
Not to mention, I was completely smitten by the adobe architecture on every corner within the historic district.
My recommendations for this area begin with visiting the Santa Fe Plaza -- the true heart of the city.
With a large selection of shops at your disposal, I'd actually recommend locating the Native American vendors lining the sidewalk near the New Mexico History Museum.
These are authentic craftspeople participating in the Native American Artisans Portal Program hosted by the museum.
It's an opportunity for you to buy art right from the artist.
Just up the road is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Visitors are welcome to attend mass here or simply stand in awe of the French Romanesque revival-style architecture.
This cathedral is touted as one of Santa Fe's most celebrated landmarks.
And now that you've stayed in Abiquiu and visited Ghost Ranch, no trip to Santa Fe would be complete without a stop at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
I had the pleasure of visiting this on my last trip to the city, but found the tickets to be sold out this time around.
Be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Speaking of my previous trip here in 2013, if you're looking to venture just outside the city limits and...
...are down for some adrenaline, look into Kokopelli Rafting Adventures.
We did a half day whitewater rafting trip down the Rio Grande and had an absolute blast.
Back to Santa Fe city proper, I wanted to shout out a few spots for the foodies out there.
After all, you can't visit New Mexico without indulging in its flavorful cuisine.
My first mention is to grab a bite to eat at The Pantry Rio.
We ordered a pantry burger, which came smothered in chili sauce, the trio appetizer featuring a queso dip, guacamole, and salsa, and a beef quesadilla.
We still talk about how good the food was and loved the vibe of the place overall.
Next up is a shout out to the Kakawa Chocolate House -- a chocolate shop specializing in drinking chocolate elixirs.
Essentially their craft is to recreate historical chocolate drinks from around the world dating all the way back to 1000 BC.
You can pay for a flight of four and sample whichever elixirs you're most curious about.
My personal favorite was the Tzule -- a blend of dark and milk chocolates infused with fall spices.
It tasted like Christmas in a cup.
Also, be sure to try a bite of the chocolate covered chili -- an unexpectedly good treat.
If you're hoping to walk in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain, a stop at Five & Dime should be a must on your list.
This unassuming general store is known for its Frito Pies -- a bag of Fritos, topped with cheese, chili, and onions.
While Bourdain admitted it was delicious, he also equated it to your typical hangover food and we'd have to agree.
Stop in and try it for yourself and let me know what you think.
My very last mention for food is reserved for those seeking a nice night out with top-notch cuisine tucked within a perfectly themed New Mexican restaurant.
Established in 1944, the Pink Adobe has been known for dishing out legendary meals and we were thrilled to be able to give it a try.
We ordered the trio to start and enchiladas for dinner.
And if you love sweets, their french apple pie is a staple dessert for any guest.
Well, that wraps up an unforgettable trip to northern New Mexico.
I look forward to returning again one day to explore even more from "the land of enchantment."
In the meantime, I hope you found this video helpful for your vacation planning.
Have a great time and, as always, thanks so much for watching!