Famous yearly Balloon Fiesta
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone I have ever met, that has driven through New Mexico, has always told me they understand why it is called, “The Land of Enchantment”.
With over 87 mountain ranges, including the southern Rocky Mountains, sprawling throughout the fifth largest state in the United States, one can see why it earned its state motto, proudly displayed on license plates.
The unique landscape is unlike other states. Not only are there big snow capped mountains, but NM also has miles upon miles of cactus dotted desert views as well as plains similar to Texas. Because the state is nestled between Arizona and Texas, it is as if New Mexico’s magnetic energy is pulling from both states to create it’s own beauty.
And “magnetic” is truly how many feel about this beautiful state. It is known for its healing hot springs. Indigenous and hispanic cultures are evident throughout the state and living a truly organic lifestyle is common in cities such as Santa Fe and Taos. Spiritual stories of miracles are passed down from generation to generation.
Every year in October, thousands of people flock to NM to watch in awe as the sky fills with almost 600 hot air balloons. This a fantastic opportunity for photographers. Sunsets that blanket the sky in reds, yellow, purples and oranges, are common. Pair that with the many balloons and you get a fantastic photo, like the one above. (I did not take this photo. Unfortunately, I do not know who did).
After I moved away, there were always two things that I loved about going home: green chile (we will get to that in a minute), and driving. I LOVE driving and seeing the wide open spaces. It seems to go on for days. I lived in the South for twenty years and while the trees are pretty, especially in the Fall, I love being able to see for miles at a time.
There is one section from my hometown of Clayton, on the way to the tiny town Springer, that I love to drive. It has fields of golden tall grass that blows in the wind and seems like long blonde hair, to me. I also like stopping at the old, run down gas station in Springer, by the blue bridge. I don’t know why. It is nothing special. I think because it reminds me of cheering in their gymnasium during basketball games, while in high school. We always stopped there. Purely, nostalgic. I guess it is special.
On the way to Springer, there is the tall brick cylinder shaped enclosure. Maybe it is for grain. I’ve never known. EVERY time we drove by it, my step dad would say, “If I lived in there I would die”. Us kids would ask him why he would die, and he would say, “because I wouldn’t be able to find a corner to pee in.” We would laugh and laugh. Dad jokes.
Finally, no true New Mexican can write a story without talking about GREEN CHILE. We can’t even go a few days without eating it. My state actually has five seasons: Winter, Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Chile Season. It is typically from August to September. Once chile season is on, I will see all my Facebook friends posting pictures of their large sacks of green chile, or roasting them on the grill. The best smell ever!
I notice my mutual NM friends liking or loving their photos and it feels like being at dinner with family. I get their happiness. They get mine. No one can take that away from us during chile season. Colorado tried, but they failed. We own it. They got marijuana, we got chile. Hatch chile. The best.
The best chile. Can you smell it? MMMMMM….
So many people don’t even know NM is a state. That blows my mind! Santa Fe is rich in American history. Celebrities, including Val Kilmer, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey, have homes there. When I lived in the South, I was often told that I speak good English. People were generally baffled when I told them I only speak English. (I really wish I had learned Spanish, though).
I hope I taught you something about the Land of Enchantment. If you ever want to visit, reach out to me and I can put together a lovely package for you to enjoy all the beauty this state has to offer. My recommendations would be Northern NM. But, we can talk about that when we plan it. Let’s Go! You’re best stories begin here….Storymakers Travel. No passport required!
