With native american, Mexican and European roots, a thriving arts scene and intergalactic mysteries to boot, New Mexico brims with intriguing, culturally rich diversions.
Following are 10 great ways groups can capture the region’s eclectic culture.
San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, Taos
www.nps.gov
Located just south of Taos in the remote and historic Ranchos de Taos district, the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church is the most painted and photographed house of worship in the entire U.S., according to Jeanne Kitzman, tourism coordinator for the Town of Taos.
And while Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams are among the many to capture the iconic edifice’s exterior, the true beauty and mystery of the structure lies within. In contrast to the rather stark, windowless exterior, the church’s inner realms impress visitors with its massive walls, beautiful adobe, and an enchanting painting with enigmatic elements. The unique look is considered a Mission precursor to the American Southwest style.
Crafted by Henri Ault in 1896, The Shadow of the Cross—in regular light—presents a barefoot Christ at the Sea of Galilee. But in darkness, the portrait takes on a glowing light, and the distinct shadow of a cross appears over the left shoulder of Jesus’ profile. Ault was supposedly as taken aback as anyone to discover the mysterious illusion, and its cause remains unsolved to this day.
Services are still conducted at the church, and visitors can also drop by and explore with a nominal entry fee. A short video is presented every hour, and a handful of craft stores dot the surrounding square.
Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos
www.nps.gov/band
Sprawling across more than 33,000 acres and three counties, Bandelier National Monument is a peerless portal into the state’s ancient culture and civilization. Preserving the homes of the ancestral Pueblo people of the region, the setting has been touched by human presence for more than 11,000 years.
Groups can hike designated trails, take in ancient cave dwellings and rock paintings, and even view wildlife ranging from bats to vultures to horned toads. A visitor center provides a nice overview of the site’s lengthy history through a short video and artifact collection, and campgrounds are also available for groups looking to rough it among some of America’s most ancient history.PageBreak
Four Corners National Monument, Farmington
www.navajonationparks.org
About a 20-minute drive west of Farmington, the Four Corners National Monument is a cultural crossroads of its own—the only site in the U.S. where four states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) conjoin at one single point.
“The Four Corners is magical, mystical and enchanting,” says Ellen Brown, spokeswoman for the Farmington CVB. “And the Four Corners Monument is the only site in the continental U.S. where a 360-degree perspective of the West is marked at one place.”
In addition to its geographically unique allure, the site is also a superb way to experience the Native American Navajo culture. Open year-round, the remote attraction features a Demonstration Center with Navajo artisans, and Navajo vendors sell handcrafted creations and traditional tribal foods nearby.
Make sure to bring a camera for an unforgettable group photo, as one of the landmarks along the short hiking trail is known as Photo Op Point.
Old Town, Albuquerque
www.albuquerqueoldtown.com
Blending the best of the state’s cultural offerings in a splendid setting, Albuquerque’s charming Old Town district is a deeply compelling one-stop spot for a variety of group experiences. The time-tested, Pueblo-Spanish-style architecture adds to the authentic allure, and whether seeking shopping, dining, culture or event space, planners and groups will have a field day.
“The historic Old Town district of Albuquerque provides a sense of place,” says Rob Enriquez, vice president of convention sales, services and sports for the Albuquerque CVB. “The city was founded there more than 300 years ago, and many of the original adobe buildings are still standing and now operate as shops, galleries and restaurants. The Old Town district is also home to five museums, which are fantastic for receptions and events. For example, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History offers a look at the area’s yesteryear—as well as top-notch art— in a beautiful indoor and outdoor event space where you know you are in New Mexico.”
Canyon Road, Santa Fe
www.visitcanyonroad.com
Santa Fe is an attractive locale known for its architecture, cuisine and ultra-dynamic art scene, the latter of which can be explored along one of the nation’s most renowned artistic avenues.
“Santa Fe is an internationally recognized center of visual arts, owing to its rich artistic heritage that spans centuries,” says Steve Lewis, spokesman for the Santa Fe CVB. “Nowhere is it more evident than along Canyon Road, one of America’s most important art streets and home to more than 100 galleries.”
Regardless of your group’s artistic tastes, they’ll find plenty to please the eye and inspire the soul along the half-mile stretch of galleries and restaurants, and the setting couldn’t be more appealing—with massive chestnut trees, numerous benches, and fountains and flowers dotting the boulevard. It’s a great setting for a casual group stroll, but there are also more organized activities available, including 4th Friday early evening fun, with free beverages served at many galleries.
Roswell UFO Museum, Roswell
www.roswellufomuseum.com
While much of the state’s lore and legend dates back centuries, a famed UFO sighting in Roswell in 1947 has made an indelible mark on New Mexico’s heritage. And whether your group members are complete cynics or true believers when it comes to extraterrestrial visitors, the Roswell UFO Museum is a fun and funky group outing.
Museum exhibits include displays on the famous Roswell Incident and supposed UFO sightings and abductions. The attraction is now in its 20th year and based in a former movie theater—having outgrown its two previous locations. Adding to the allure are a research library and well-stocked gift shop—perfect for an “out of this world” souvenir.
Groups are welcome for guided tours, with a two-week advance notice requested. PageBreak
Spencer Theater, Ruidoso
www.spencertheater.com
Surely one of the most eye-catching performing arts center in the Southwest, the Spencer Theater offers a memorable venue for groups seeking to savor some of the state’s more contemporary culture.
The angular modern structure hosts live acts of all kinds with a focus on music, and also has some wonderful spaces available for group functions. Options include the breathtaking Crystal Lobby, with 360 panes of glass, a stage house and even the entire facility for buyouts, including its 514-seat main theater.
Ruidoso, a mountain resort town in the state’s south-central region, is a rapidly growing getaway offering some of New Mexico’s most splendid alpine scenery. The village also provides the opportunity to get a flavor of the state’s modern-day Native American culture, as the local Mescalero Apache tribe operates the Ski Apache Resort as well as the Inn of the Mountain Gods—an enclave of entertainment ranging from casino fun to high-caliber golfing.
Wild Earth Llama Adventures, Taos
www.llamaadventures.com
“Not only is Taos simply beautiful, but if your group is looking to add authentic and often unique experiences not found elsewhere into your program, Taos will deliver,” says the Town of Taos’ Kitzman.
Among the many unique offerings, the most unforgettable might be an outing with Wild Earth Llama Adventures, offering multiday treks or shorter Take a Llama to Lunch outings. Adventures incorporate spectacular outdoor areas, including the wilderness areas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge, and the food goes well beyond what groups would normally expect while “roughing it.”
“We work with all kinds of groups to create custom wilderness experiences, and it’s always a fun time,” says Stuart Wilde, director and head wilderness guide, who helped found the family-run business 20 years ago.
The firm’s llama adventure was named one of the top 10 tours in the U.S. by TripAdvisor and has been featured in magazines ranging from Men’s Fitness to Delta’s Sky.
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque
www.balloonmuseum.com
“The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum to explore all types of flight,” says the Albuquerque CVB’s Enriquez. “With Albuquerque being the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World, the museum is a great way to experience the joys of ballooning, even if you don’t get the chance to fly. The museum works well for special events as well because they have indoor and outdoor spaces and great views of the Sandia Mountains, and they can incorporate tethered balloons for a colorful perspective of Albuquerque.”
The museum is home to numerous doings year-round, from organized eclipse viewings to folk festivals to Sunday afternoon blues performances. And groups looking to host an event of their own will discover some soaring spaces sure to inspire some creative ideas and lively networking.
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Las Cruces
www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
Farming and ranching in New Mexico go back more than 3,000 years, forming an integral part of the state’s history and culture. But your group won’t need a time machine to experience this rich past, just a visit to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.
Operated by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the sprawling attraction sits on 47 acres and boasts more than 600,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Groups can check out farming demonstrations, stroll pretty gardens and take a guided cart tour of the resident livestock.
Various facility rentals are also on hand, including a spacious courtyard with mountain views that has proven to be popular for receptions and other social events.
