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take you to the most famous, obscure, artsy, offbeat and sometimes on-the-path attractions in the state. From hand-loomed blankets on the Fiber Arts Trail, an extraordinary meal in Santa Fe or cheesy alien schlock at the shop in Roswell, art is everywhere in New Mexico and plays an integral role in many of our trips. But gallery hopping is far from New Mexico’s only sport. The state doubles as a giant outdoor playground. And we take you to the sickest mesa-top single track outside Gallup, and have you shredding powder, skiing around the Enchanted Circle. Whether you are exploring hidden hot springs, stargazing a black-velvet desert sky or sampling the best barley-wines in the state, these trips aim to introduce New Mexico from a fresh perspective.

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PLAYLIST

New Mexico has inspired more than one artist to pen a song about here. Below is a mixture of our favorite music from, about or perfect for rocking out to while road tripping here. We call it the Land of Enchantment Mix.

“Santa Fe,” Bellamy Brothers

“The Ballad of Billy the Kid,” Billy Joel

“About an Hour Ago,” OAR

“Rio,” Duran Duran

“Scenic World,” Beirut

“New Mexico Rain,” Michael Hearne

“Texas, New Mexico Line,” Jed & Kelley

“New Mexico Sky,” Tony Schueller

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BEST NEW MEXICO TRIPS

39 Brewpub Crawl

46 On Location in New Mexico

54 Following the Turquoise Trail

NEW MEXICO TRIPS

40 Ice Caves & Wolf Dens on Highway 53

44 Fiber Arts Trail

47 Take the High Road…and the Low Road

54 Following the Turquoise Trail

57 Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway

39 Brewpub Crawl

45 Farm to Table: Organic New Mexico

50 Margarita Marathon

56 New Mexico’s Wine Countries

42 Pueblo Life

46 On Location in New Mexico

48 In the Footsteps of DH Lawrence

52 Rock It: A Geology Expedition

41 Mountain Biking Gallup

49 Hiking the Jemez

51 Skiing the Enchanted Circle

53 Hot Springs & Swimming Holes

55 Rafting & Fishing the Rio Grande

58 Stargazing New Mexico

38 Albuquirky

43 Out of This World

37 48 Hours in Santa Fe

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48 Hours in Santa Fe

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WHY GO Bewitching Santa Fe dates back to 1610, and is one classy old gal. Home to world-class galleries, museums, restaurants, and even opera, Santa Fe wins most people over on the first go. But just in case, we’ve created a 48-hour insider itinerary sure to grab even the hardest hearts.

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TIME

2 days

BEST TIME TO GO

Aug – Oct

START

Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe

END

Dragon Room Bar, Santa Fe

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Welcome to Santa Fe, a city that makes its own rules, yet never forgets its long and storied past. The country’s oldest state capital (she’s turning 400 this decade) is a bewitching place where adobes are set against a Sangre de Cristo mountains backdrop. From art to opera, hot green chile to fiery red ristras, ornate churches and world-class resorts, every part of this oasis in the high desert is saturated with creative flair. The city is home to a motley crew of characters, including yuppie gringo artists, New Age hippie transplants, Spanish families that have called the city home for centuries, illegal Mexican immigrants, reclusive ex-Hollywood producers and ageless movie stars. All have come for the privacy and space.

Begin at the historic Plaza. Santa Fe’s heartbeat, it dates back to the city’s beginning. Native Americans sell their jewelry and pottery along the wall outside the Palace of the Governors. Arrive early for the best selection. Each piece is unique, so have a long stroll. We’d suggest browsing the length of the portale (awning) before making a purchase – there is so much variety. Look out for silver pendants and bracelets that integrate red coral into traditional turquoise and silver designs. We love the chunky silver pendants, made with blocks of different colorful stones, that many artists are beginning to create. Whatever your choice, the jewelry sold here is guaranteed to be innovative, and hand-crafted by Native Americans in New Mexico. Head inside the Palace of the