20 Things People Miss Most About New Mexico When They Leave

There's no place exactly like New Mexico and, if you've ever had to leave for any length of time, chances are you've missed home. While most of the things on this list can be found in other states, it's the combination of all these factors that makes our state unique. Here are 20 things people miss about New Mexico when they leave:

1. Our open landscapes

There are many places in New Mexico where you can see for miles.

2. Our wilderness areas

Both the Gila Wilderness and the Pecos Wilderness are perfect for when you want to leave stress behind and spend a little time in nature.

3. Freedom

There's a certain feeling of freedom that comes with having vast tracts of land to explore.

4. Our mountains

The scenery here wouldn't be as breathtaking without them.

5. Our backroads

Stumble across great little restaurants, bizarre rock formations, and unexpected attractions when you investigate New Mexico's backroads.

6. Little traffic

Sure, New Mexico has traffic jams but, when you visit other states, it feels like there are a lot more cars and worse gridlock.

7. Solitude

If you want to be alone for a while, that's easy enough to achieve.

8. Our blue skies

People from other states want to know what filter or technique is used to make the sky seem so blue in photos. No special techniques - just nature.

9. The light

The way the sun streams through clouds, especially after rain, makes you think of the heavenly light in Baroque artwork.

10. The dry heat

It isn't until you've visited a city with humidity, during the height of summer, that you appreciate our dry heat. It lets us truly enjoy the warmer months.

11. Our sunrises and sunsets

The ones in New Mexico are unmatched.

12. Our night skies

The low levels of light pollution take stargazing to a whole new level.

13. Fall foliage

The aspens!

14. New Mexican cuisine

Other states have regional dishes, but we have our own cuisine.

15. Our history

People have been living here for a long time and many of our ruins and historic buildings remain.

16. The unique architecture

We have many gorgeous adobe buildings, and towns with Old West-style architecture.

17. Our parks and monuments

White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns in particular are state treasures.

18. The wildlife

19. Decorating with farolitos

It's not Christmas without them.

20. The people

That's who really gives New Mexico its character.

What do you miss about New Mexico when you leave? Have you ever lived anywhere else? If you are from the Land of Enchantment, here are 14 things people do in New Mexico that are so relatable.