The Land of Enchantment casts a spell of adventure and entertainment. From its pastel-hued landscape to its perfect desert breezes, New Mexico should be on every traveler’s bucket list of places to visit this summer. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and other epic outdoor adventures in Santa Fe. Take in some mountain music in the small and welcoming town of Red River. Stroll the historic main street of Artesia, where you’ll find charming boutiques, bountiful places to enjoy award-winning cuisine, and even a bustling brewpub. And with 300 days of sunshine every year, New Mexico really has it all. Add these lively southwestern towns to your list of places to explore this year. For more information visit ElevationOutdoors.com.
Red River
The heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has long called out to the singer-songwriter as part inspiration and part haven for their craft. Red River is New Mexico’s music mecca and it celebrates with world class talent throughout the year. Don’t miss these events in 2018. Art & Wine Festival, June 16-18: Cool mountain air is the perfect complement to fine arts, fine wines, jazz and blues artists. Michael Martin Murphy’s Westfest, July 5-7: “A celebration of Arts, Culture and Music of the Old and New West since 1987.” Larry Joe Taylor’s “Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights” Music Festival & Cook-off, August 16-18. Red River’s rousing music scene can trace its roots back to Texas, mostly centered around Austin’s “red dirt rock.” It’s some of the best music anywhere, anytime! Southwest Pickers Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, September 13-16: The 44th Annual Festival brings top pickers from around the country for this Old Time Music Festival. Red River Folk Festival at Aspencade, September 21-23: Paired with the popular Aspencade Arts and Crafts Fair, local and national musical acts. redriver.org
Santa Fe
Santa Fe County is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. With more than 300 sunny days a year, this high desert mountain country offers world-class hiking and mountain biking as well as horseback riding, fishing and golfing in some of the country’s most stunningly scenic surroundings. After just one visit, you’ll see why USA Today calls Santa Fe the best destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For hikers, Santa Fe County offers more than 478 miles of pristine trails to explore year-round. In summer, you’ll see fields filled with colorful wildflowers; in winter, snow-covered trails and alpine trees truly are enchanting. With long ascents, steep technical downhills, flow trails and cross-country loops, Santa Fe County is a mecca for mountain bikers, ranked by USA Today as one of the country’s top mountain biking towns. With miles and miles of trails just outside your door, you’ll find a variety of terrain suitable for all levels. And Diablo Canyon offers some of the best rock climbing you’ll find anywhere. Get all the details about Santa Fe’s great outdoor adventures at: santafenmtrue.com/outdoor-adventures.
Artesia
At the crossroads of Highway 285 and Highway 82 in the heart of the Pecos Valley, Artesia offers plenty of outdoor adventure. This vibrant, budget-friendly community full of colorful history is home to both New Mexico’s Most Beautiful Library and Chef Chloe Winters, who was awarded the New Mexico Chef of the Year award in 2014 for her work at the Adobe Rose Restaurant. At its bustling center, the city is alive with unique boutiques and delicious eateries—and don’t miss The Wellhead, a brewpub serving excellent happy hour pricing throughout the week. Further afield, the International UFO Museum & Research Center, the Roswell Museum and Art Center, the Carlsbad Caverns, Sitting Bull Falls National Park, White Sands National Monument and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park are all just a short drive away. Add it all up and you have the perfect outdoor adventure destination. Artesiachamber.com
