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The Rio Grande took millions of years to carve the deep gorge that is a landmark just west of Taos. Whitewater rafters will ride the wild waters in the river far below, known as the "Taos Box".
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The natural wonders are immeasurable. Just to mention a few, near Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge is an 800-foot deep gorge with spectacular views of New Mexico's largest river. Archaeological sites in the Rio Grande Gorge area show that human use and occupation of the area date back 7,000 years. Most sites date to the Archaic period and indicate that the area was used most intensively from 5,500 B.C. to 500 A.D. Sites include hunting and butchering areas, campsites, quarries, and petroglyphs.
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People who have lived in New Mexico for thousands of years live on through images they carved into volcanic rock.
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Where the Grande de Cristo mountains and Jemez Mountains form the southernmost tip of the Rockies, visitors flock to see natural hot springs, and the Villa Grand, one of the world's largest calderas, which are the collapsed craters of extinct volcanoes.
At the Capulan Volcano national Monument view a total of four states New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona as you stand along the rim of the dormant 1000 foot height symmetrical volcanic cinder cone.
Near the Four Corners, gaze upon Shiprock, the natural volcanic formation that is 1700 feet above the desert floor and formed about a million years ago. It is located on the Navajo Reservation and is considered sacred to Navajos.
There is another presence beyond what we can see or hear. People who have lived along the Rio Grande for many centuries come alive again through images they carved on the shiny black rocks. These images, and associated archeological sites in the Albuquerque area, provide glimpses into a 12,000 year long story of human life in this area.
The 45,000 acres of federally protected barren land called the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is vastly different from the swampy vegetation that huge dinosaurs roamed millions of years ago. Time and the elements have etched a fantasy world of unique rock formations and fossils. Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites and an estimated 25,000 images carved by native peoples and early Spanish settlers. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. These images are inseparable from the greater cultural landscape, from the spirits of the people who created them, and all who appreciate them.
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Heavenly scenary and sunrises.
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Archeologists theorize that the first people to discover New Mexico was a Native American Tribe some 12,000 to 30,000 years ago! Today, New Mexico is home to 22 Native American Indian tribes. The mystique of New Mexico's Native American tribes is extremely powerful. Their unique languages, colorful dances, distinct arts and crafts, and cultural stories and traditions handed down through the generations are intrinsic to the Land of Enchantment. The spiritual roots that sustain the state's various tribes, connecting them to the earth and sky, to wind and water, to sun and moon, and to their ancestors is a major tourism draw to New Mexico.
'New Mexico has an environmentally spiritual feel' explains Diane. New Mexico is refreshingly different a spirited blend of arts, history and lifeways found in few places in the world.
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The Caverns of Carlsbad.
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The opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation in New Mexico are as varied as the state's terrain. Here you will experience seven of the earth's eight climatic zones. Towering mountains that rise above New Mexico's high desert plains encompass 13 national monument and parks, 29 state parks, 20 lakes and five national forests. At the Rio Grande, west of Taos find the states most exhilarating river thrills for exciting white water rafting. If you've had enough of the bright sunlight, you can take a trip underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. One of the most popular national parks, Carlsbad features expansive and spectacular limestone caverns, preserving more than 80 separate caves. Just don't get lost down there! There is so much to explore and experience in New Mexico, it is truly an excursionist's dream.
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Taos Ski Valley. Need I say more?
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beginner to expert and an uphill life capacity of 7,300 skiers per hour. Or ski the light, deep powder of 110 trials available at Taos Ski Valley, where crowds are almost non-existent and snowboarders are not permitted. There is also beautiful Ski Apache, the Southernmost ski resort, with 55 chair lifts and 11 runs.
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The Sandia Peak Tramway is an engineering marvel. But it is the view from the western slope of the Sandia's that has drawn more than 6-million visitors since the Tram first opened in 1967. The car climbs 4000 feet in about 18 minutes, depositing riders at the top of Sandia Peak.
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The Sandia Tramway allows you to experience the thrill of an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Albuquerque area on the world's longest aerial Tramway as you rise to the top of the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak.
If you are seeking art and culture, New Mexico boasts 14 museums and monuments, including the Lincoln State Monument, 11 buildings preserved just as they were during one of the most violent periods in New Mexico history, where Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid and other infamous characters made history and left the mystery still unsolved and debated to this day.
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Roswell's International UFO Museum and Research Center opened in 1991. The IUFOMRC has become the clearinghouse for information related to UFOs and the phenomenon surrounding them.
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Albuquerque is the home of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which showcases Hispanic art and culture from throughout the world. In a single day, it's possible to explore an ancient ceremonial kiva at Bernalillo, and then delve into the mysteries of space exploration in Alamogordo. In Santa Fe, one of the oldest public buildings in the United States welcomes visitors just down the hill from the world's largest collection of cross-cultural, traditional folk art.
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The Miracle in the Desert.
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For theatre and opera lovers, there is what New Mexicans referred to as 'The Miracle in the Desert'. The Santa Fe Opera has taken its place among the world's leading opera festivals. Its mission is to present productions meeting the highest artistic standards in a repertory of new, rarely performed, and standard works. To that end, some 1,500 performances of 120 operas, 40 American premieres and 9 works commissioned by the company have been given. Most recently, in 2003, the world premiere of Bright Sheng's Madame Mao received world-wide press attention.
The Roy E. Disney Center for the Performing Arts in Albuquerque provides a world-class stage for theatre, music, dance, and media arts.
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Virgin Galatic...Book your trip into space now!
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And as if all of this weren't enough for one state to offer, Governor Richardson has recently made unprecedented history in New Mexico. Together, with Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Companies, they recently announced that Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial space tourism business, will locate its world headquarters and Mission Control in New Mexico. Richardson explained that it is now possible to purchase a ticket as a citizen to ride the Virgin Galactic flight to outer space, for a mere $200,000.00. They will break ground 2007.
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Governor Bill Richardson and Sir Richard Branson team up.
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'New Mexico's Spaceport will be a magnet for space companies to bring their business here, which will send a message far and wide that we embrace entrepreneurs, adventure and innovation,' Governor Bill Richardson said. 'This investment in economic development and high-wage jobs will create a new industry that will transform the economy in Southern New Mexico. A New Mexico State University study projects spending of $1 billion, payroll of $300 million, and employment reaching 2,300 by the fifth year of operation.
New Mexico is truly the new star on the horizon. Santa Fe County had the first North America gold rush west of the Mississippi in the early 1800's. Today, the new 'gold rush' is on, and New Mexico, once again, is the destination.
New Mexico, especially Santa Fe, has grown into one of the country's most important centers for mind and body healing. Here is home to numerous herbalists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, practitioners of Oriental medicine and spiritual healing professionals. There are schools of massage, an academy of healing arts, an institute of natural healing, and an academy of oriental medicine. Santa Fe has long been known as a refuge and is being sought out more and more as a place for spiritual renewal and as a retreat from daily stress. There is so many wonderful spas in New Mexico to experience, look for my upcoming article here in L.A. Splash dedicated primarily to them.
After being introduced to the "new" New Mexico and the wealth of offerings to be found there, we will be sharing more about New Mexico with you, our readers, with a series of articles highlighting all things wonderful in New Mexico in the upcoming months.
Bill Richardson, Diane Denish and their staff from New Mexico seemed to reflect the most shining attribute of New Mexico' the people. They embody a warm, down to earth graciousness that is very fitting with the beautiful state in which they live.
Want to find out more about New Mexico and all it has to offer? Their 2005 Vacation Guide is full of events, contact information for hotels and lodging, feature articles about life in New Mexico, as well as a full-color fold-out Highway Map. Leisurely enjoy this guide as your trip unfolds.
http://www.nmtourism.org/guides/index.php
For more information on The Land of Enchantment, go to: www.newmexico.org or www.nmparks.com
Some fun facts on New Mexico:
* It is the oldest wine producing country.The state has 19 wineries, producing almost 350,000 gallons of wine a year and winning national and international recognition.
* Production companies have taken notice of New Mexico. To date, there have been 36 film and television productions shot in N.M., that has impacted New Mexico's economy by $500 million dollars.
* Neon Revival on historic Route 66
New Mexico is in the middle of an extensive neon sign restoration project along historic Route 66, funded through grants from the National Park Service. Colorful neon signs that helped give the famed 'Mother Road' its special character across New Mexico are getting much-needed repair and renovation, returning them to the glorious roadside buzzing of their heyday.
* New Mexico was the Western most battle front in the Civil War. In 1862. The Union Army won.
* It was sunny 326 days of last year in New Mexico.
* According to Diane Denish, the state question is 'Red, or green chile'?
* Smokey the Bear lived in the Lincoln National Forest near Capitan, New Mexico. A significant chapter in Smokey's long history began early in 1950, when a burned cub survived a fire in the Lincoln National Forest. Because this bear survived a terrible forest fire and won the love and imagination of the American public, many people believe the cub was the original Smokey Bear.
* New Mexico has the world's largest telescope.
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Hollywood's Gene Kelly had this town built in 1969 for the filming of a movie he was producing, "Cheyenne Social Club" starring Jimmy Stuart and Henry Fonda. In the years since it has hosted the likes of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner, Kevin Kline, and Johnny Cash. When it isn't serving as a Wild West backdrop for cameras, it is open to the public for tours. The J. W. Eaves Movie Ranch is about 10 miles south of Santa Fe.
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The open road that leads to beautiful New Mexico.
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Located in the valley of a small tributary of the Rio Grande, Taos Pueblo has homes and ceremonial buildings which represent a culture largely derived from the traditions of the pre-historic Anasazi Indian tribes. Pueblo de Taos is thought to have appeared before 1400 and is the best preserved of the pueblos.
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Twin Warriors Golf Course
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