New Mexico is a vast state, with long driving distances between our cities and towns. However, we’re asking you to ignore these practicalities and focus on your dream day. After all, in dreams anything can happen. In a fantasy version of the Land of Enchantment, where you could zip from one locale to another with ease, what would you do and where would you go during the course of one perfect day? Here is our suggested itinerary:

1. Start your day early, with a breakfast burrito.

Make sure it’s the kind that doubles as a dumbbell because you’re going to need your energy for this busy day.

2. Head to White Sands National Monument. Dunes Drive opens at 7:00 a.m. and this scenic route takes you through the largest gypsum dune field on the planet.

Record breaking and stunning. Pull over and scrunch your toes in the super soft sand. This early in the day, it shouldn’t be too hot. For more info.

3. Hop aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

This has been voted the best train ride in the entire US. And for good reason. The scenery is spectacular. For more info.

4. For lunch, dine on a thick, juicy green chile cheeseburger.

Check out the culinary rivalry in San Antonio. Does Buckhorn Tavern or Owl Bar and Café dish up the best burger. Try both for a side-by-side comparison, to settle this important question once and for all!

5. Take a moment to gaze up at a sky so intensely blue that your out-of-state friends will accuse you of using filters if you share it on social media.

No filters necessary here.

6. Time to say goodbye to the sky for a little while and descend deep into the earth at New Mexico’s only national park.

The 119 plus caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park weren’t eroded by water. They were created by sulfuric acid that ate away at the limestone. The resulting formations are eerily beautiful. Take a ranger-led cave tour to see more of what this incredible destination has to offer.

7. Take a short hike on the nearest trail…

…Most likely with your pooch for company. After all, we have the second-highest dog ownership rates in the nation.

8. Hungry for a snack? Sink your teeth into crumbly, perfectly-spiced biscochitos.

Sure, these are easier to find around Christmas, but some local stores and bakeries offer them year round.

9. Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.

The country’s longest aerial tram offers a fun and dramatic ride. For more info.

10. Attend the Santa Fe Opera or go opera tailgating.

This is only possible during the summer, but it’s the ideal spot to listen to world-class music while watching one of New Mexico’s blazing sunsets.

11. Eat authentic New Mexican fare for dinner. Green chile stew, enchiladas, carne adovoda…

You decide. It’s all yummy. Just don’t skip the honey-drizzled sopaipillas.

12. Tilt your head back and marvel at a night sky that glitters with stars.

We are so lucky to have such an unobstructed view of our universe.

Of course, it’s not really possible to cram all of these activities into a 24-hour period but, if that weren’t an issue, what would your ultimate New Mexico day look like? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.