10 Fascinating Places in New Mexico That Are Like The Pages Of A Fairytale
From early on, we hear fairytales about magical, enchanted lands. These stories feed our imagination, but it’s much harder to find ethereal places in the real world. These 10 whimsical places in New Mexico may persuade you that you’ve stepped inside a storybook.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Carlsbad Caverns feel like a portal to another world. That’s probably what cowboy, Jim White, thought when he followed a colony of bats into the caves and discovered this limestone wonderland. Learn more by clicking here.
Every fairytale needs a turret and, as a bonus, this one comes complete with dragon! The Children’s Fantasy Garden is part of the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and it's a great place for games of make believe. Learn more by clicking here.
Whether or not you believe the story behind the creation of the “miraculous staircase” at the Loretto Chapel, its 360-degree turns and lack of obvious support certainly seem magical. Learn more by clicking here.
With its rushing river, lakes, sweeping mountain views, and log cabins tucked away in the woods, the scenery here is truly enchanting. Learn more by clicking here.
The rock formations in the San Juan Basin are unearthly, and also a little unnerving. This particular formation has a storybook quality, but it would most likely be the lair of a villain, rather than home to a hero or heroine. Learn more by clicking here.
This 83-mile scenic loop lives up to its magical name. The route takes drivers through quaint northern towns such as Taos, Questa, Red River, and Eagle Nest, and passes some of New Mexico’s most sublime peaks. If possible, go in fall, when the aspens turn a vibrant gold. Learn more by clicking here.
In Santa Fe, there are several places where you can watch kinetic sculptures dance in the wind, but the most mesmerizing grouping is outside the Wiford Gallery (set slightly back from Canyon Road). Interspersed between the copper sculptures are chairs formed from rock and metal, which would be at home in any glen filled with fairies and woodland creatures. Learn more by clicking here.
Address: 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, USA
Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
Address: Rociada, NM 87742, USA
Address: Counselor, NM 87018, USA
Address: Taos, NM 87571, USA
Address: 403 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: Sierra Blanca, New Mexico 88340, USA
Address: Shiprock, NM 87420, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whimsical Places In New Mexico
July 03, 2020
Leah
What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?
The Land of Enchantment is full of many naturally gorgeous areas and manmade wonders alike. Areas like the Sangria Mountains or the Rio Grande Gorge are lush and beautiful, while the starkly bright sands of the White Sands or the colored bands of the Bisti Badlands will dazzle your eyes. The stunning architecture of ancient pueblos, such as in Taos, or in the newer urban areas of NM’s big cities, like Santa Fe or Albuquerque, can be equally appreciated. Plus, there are many spots throughout the state that are rich with the beautiful culture of the peoples who have been here for hundreds of years.
What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico?
It’s not everywhere that you can experience fantastical whimsy that’ll make you feel like a kid again. You can try some other unique, fun things to do in New Mexico. There are some pretty out-of-the-ordinary museums here. The American International Rattlesnake Museum, Classical Gas Museum, and Roswell UFO Museum are just a few examples of weird and wacky places to explore some unusual things. Explore a wacky and bizarre art gallery by way of Meow Wolf. It’s an interactive experience in Santa Fe that’s a must to experience in order to fully understand what all the buzz is about.
What places in New Mexico should I see before I die?
If you want to know what must-see places to visit in New Mexico to add to your bucket list, here are some of the top picks. Though there are many worthy spots, for city experiences, be sure to check out Old Town Albuquerque or the Santa Fe Plaza. To see a natural wonder, the Rio Grande Gorge is an absolute must. Dive into New Mexico’s culture and history by visiting places like the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. You can even follow the real footprints of dinosaurs at Clayton Lake State Park to really be able to say you’ve done it all in your lifetime.
