New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment” because of its wonderful mix of ethnicity which includes Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultural influences.
The geography here ranges from rose colored deserts and broken mesas to snow-capped peaks and thick forested mountains. The vegetation includes Creosote bush, mesquite, and varieties of cacti, yucca, and desert grasses such as black grama, purple three-awn, burro grass and tobosa.
The early inhabitants of New Mexico ware the Paleo tribe of Native Americans. Later, groups of Navajo, Apache and Ute also moved in to this area. New Mexico has a humid subtropical climate and is comfortable year round although during summer, the temperatures may reach hundred degrees or more.
New Mexico is a state with a uniquely rich heritage drawn from many cultures. The land here is blessed with beautiful dunes, sandy deserts, grassy prairies and rich forests. Santa Fe is the capital and Albuquerque is the largest city and metro area.
Visitors can see some of the largest caves in North America at Carslbad Caverns
To learn the culture and history of the land, we can visit the Anasazi Pueblos, Aztec ruins and the cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Check out the American International Rattlesnake Museum (202 San Felipe Street NW - NM 87104) which exhibits a large variety of common rattlesnakes found in the USA. Special sightings of rare species such as albino western diamondback rattlesnake are also possible. Although the name “rattlesnake” conjures up violent attacks and death, very few people actually die from rattlesnake bites in the US.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW – NM 87104) is another attraction that may not be found in other states in the USA. Here, there is a vast collection of information, photographs, videos and lectures on Native American cultural artifacts, history and performance of the Pueblo Indians. Watch in awe at the Native American dances, arts and crafts and demonstrations from one of the ancient culture and often abused (in USA) cultures in the world.
For another rare experience, check out the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History (601 Eubank SE – NM 87104). This 30,000 square feet museum is the only one of its kind. De-classified articles, educational notes and other information on nuclear technology including documentaries on the Manhattan project. This project was planned, built and tested in New Mexico at some stage in World War II. Visitors can also look at nuclear weapons, rockets, missiles and the jet bomber that dropped the H-bomb in 1962.
In Santa Fe, do not miss the Museum of International Folk Art (706 Camino Lejo – NM 87505) which was founded by Florence Debell Bartlett in 1953. There are four extensions to this building and each of them is filled with ethnic art from all over the world. About 125,000 objects are on display from over 100 countries. This museum also has a Hispanic Heritage collection that displays religious art. The Neutrogena wing of this Museum exhibits a large collection of textiles and other artifacts from all over the world.
