Picnics are a staple of summer in New Mexico. Given our state's size and its natural beauty, there are virtually endless options available to you. However, if you're in need of inspiration, consider these 10 spots for your next picnic. Some of our suggestions offer picnic tables and grills, while others are more of a BYOB (bring your own blanket) situation. All of these sites are gorgeous, and many are a little off the beaten path.
From the side these look a bit like the fan boats you find in places like the Everglades. But they’re actually practical and extremely cool picnic tables in White Sands National Monument.
Many people haven’t heard of Quemado, never mind Quemado Lake. It’s located near the edge of the Gila National Forest, roughly 19 miles from the town (the last four miles are along a gravel road).
This recreation area includes several covered picnic tables near a stream. After your meal, scramble up the short trail to the waterfall. Bear in mind that this land, located just north of Santa Fe, belongs to the Pueblo of Nambé - be sure to follow any rules relating to permits or photography.
Winter across the Land of Enchantment is, well, an enchanting time of year. Covered in a blanket of white, the landscape looks like it belongs in a snow globe. It's also a great season for a getaway. If you need a winter travel destination in New Mexico, check out Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort which offers dining, lodging, and fun in the snow!
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Ready to get away and explore the great outdoors during winter in New Mexico? If you head to Vadito, you can take a wonderful winter getaway at the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort in Northern New Mexico.
This ski resort has been open since 1952 and offers skiing and snowboarding along with dining and lodging options. It's a great winter getaway destination for those you who love hitting the slopes.
Guests can enjoy 40 trails of powder, six ski lifts, and three terrain parks for snowboarders. Once you've had your fill of skiing or snowboarding, head into the warmth of the Paradise Grill & Riverside Café for a bite to eat.
Are you ready for a snowy getaway? What's your favorite winter travel destination in New Mexico? Let us know! For more information, visit the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort website and give the Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Facebook page a follow.
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Are you prepared for the cold weather in New Mexico? Check out our Ultimate Cold Weather Packing List to see what essentials you may need.
A lot of us have lived in New Mexico forever! Sometimes it seems like we have been everywhere and done everything that New Mexico has to offer. Fear not! We put together a list of things to do that are either brand new or maybe you have forgotten. So, pick an activity, grab your best buddy, and be prepared to see New Mexico like you haven't seen it before. Here are some of the best things to do in New Mexico to rekindle your love of this beautiful state.
Not all museums are stuffy and dull. Here are eight museums in New Mexico that are just too weird for words. There are probably some museums you missed too. Try these 11 fascinating New Mexico museums you never knew existed.
Check out one of the strange and wonderful museums in New Mexico. The American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque is one of our favorite hidden gems in New Mexico. Let's look around in this video from Crafty Coaster:
Grab a hammer and build a birdhouse. Play with watercolors or blow some glass. Even if you have never done it, it's never too late to try. Check your local entertainment publications or websites for creative opportunities. Local colleges and libraries are good too.
Map out New Mexico movie locations and head out for an adventure. If you spot a yellow sign with an arrow, you might be able to follow it to an active filming location. Meanwhile, head to a New Mexico town that is the nation’s oldest continuously used movie location and see if you can figure out which flicks were shot there.
Outside of Las Vegas (NM), find a 90,000-square-foot castle. Montezuma Castle, on the campus of the United World College, has more than 400 rooms. The campus is usually closed, but check the UWC website for tour dates. If you're looking for a castle with dragons and giants, visit the New Mexico park that will make you feel like you walked into a fairy tale.
Book a spa day or go for a soak. There’s no better place to be than these 12 hot springs in New Mexico. If you really want to try something good for you, look for a tai chi class or a drop-in yoga. You might be surprised how good you feel afterward. Find movement class info on the bulletin board at the local health food store or cafe. Check your community center too.
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The San Antonio Hot Springs is one of those unique places in New Mexico where you can find zen-like relaxation. Take a sneak peak in this video from WanderLust06:
Remember Wild Hogs, shot in Madrid? A lot of those gruff bikers and bar patrons were extras. Honestly, being an extra is a lot of waiting and repetition, but experiencing a movie behind the scenes is still a cool opportunity. The New Mexico Film Office has what you need to know about being a movie extra.
There is always room for ice cream. Even if you're full, it just slides down between the cracks. Rent an RV and hit the road on this mouthwatering ice cream trail in New Mexico that is all you’ve ever dreamed of and more. There's always room for tacos, too. Go to a place you've never been to before. Your tastebuds will go crazy for this amazing taco trail in New Mexico.
Yep, this is the right photo! Of course, you can check out books and movies at the library, but these days libraries are so much more! Look on your library website for activities for all ages like reading groups, crafts, classes, movie nights and even hands-on projects.
What's your passion? People? Pets? Planet? Whatever you're into, there is probably a group out there looking for help. Whether it's a one-shot community clean-up day or a long-term commitment, there are opportunities for almost every schedule and ability. Get started at Volunteer Match.
We know you like ghost towns. We've got 'em and more! From underwater ghost towns to snake museums, check out this list of some of our state’s most creepy destinations. Creepy places to visit in New Mexico that’ll get your heart pounding.
This one's a dare! New Mexican's love tacos and chile-slathered everything, but there is some darn good food in the state that hails from around the world. Maybe a veggie masala chapati wrap or Kenyan-style beef kabobs? Try it! You might find a new favorite cuisine.
Remember that school trip to the state capitol? Kind of fuzzy, right? Maybe it's time to visit those places you went as a kid; this time with fresh eyes and an adult's appreciation and understanding. Here are some amazing field trips every New Mexican took as a kid (And should retake now).
If you can't find something on this list to do, maybe just being in New Mexico is enough! Kick back and have the most New Mexico day ever!
Find more fun things to do in New Mexico in this video from AKFasso:
What else would you add to this list of the best things to do in New Mexico? Is there anything here that you have done and would recommend? Let your fellow New Mexicans know where they should go and what they should do if they think they have done everything.
