Known as the "Land of Enchantment", New Mexico is truly one of the most enchanting places on the planet. From majestic 13,000 foot snow covered mountains and beautiful desert vistas to spectacular natural wonders, New Mexico has a great deal to offer, whether you are planning a move to our fair state or just a visit.

Why do we call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment?  Well, there are many reasons but one of the reasons why I love this state so much is because of its beauty and diversity. Not only do we enjoy spectacular scenery with renowned sunsets, but also diverse cultures. New Mexico combines a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultural influences.

New Mexico's diverse Native American cultures and landmarks include the proud Navajo Nation and the ancient Anasazi of Chaco Canyon in northwest New Mexico, the 19 Pueblos along the central Rio Grande valley, the legendary Mescalero Apache tribe, the Gila Cliff Dwellings in south central New Mexico and the mysterious petroglyphs on the west side of Albuquerque.

New Mexico's Hispanic culture is enjoyed in many ways including a visit to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the burning of Zozobra, the wonderful Spanish Market in Santa Fe, the exciting Fiesta de Santa Fe, authentic New Mexican architecture, the old Spanish Missions and lively Maruichi music. And don't forget one of my favorites, the scrumptious New Mexico cuisine and authentic restaurants serving the best New Mexico Chile peppers around.

For pure fun and excitement, few other states offer the variety of recreational opportunities that we have here in New Mexico. Just a few examples include the one-of-a-kind Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the Roswell UFO Festival, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, nine world-class ski areas, unlimited outdoor sports including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, golfing, rafting and 31 state parks to enjoy.

For beautiful scenery, some of my favorite places include the Enchanted Circle towns of Taos, Angel Fire, and Red River. Also Ruidoso, Cloudcroft, Chama, the awesome Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Jemez Mountains. For natural wonders there are the Carlsbad Caverns, the White Sands, the lava flows of El Malpais and Valley of the Fire, the Rio Grande Gorge, the Tent Rocks, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, the Shiprock, and the Gila wilderness.

Great New Mexico towns and resorts you should not miss include Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, Carlsbad, Los Alamos, Alamogordo, Angelfire Resort, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Other points of interest include the Santa Fe Opera, 17 casinos, ...

There is so much more that I don't have room for, but The New Mexico Magazine Online covers much more!