My love affair with northern New Mexico began 13 years ago during a memorable road trip. Even as a child, I was captivated by the landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the rich color palettes I encountered in books about Native American history and Southwest nature photography. Life took me overseas for a while, but in 2017, the magnetic pull of this region became irresistible, drawing me back from the Yucatan. Escaping the intense humidity and relentless rains of the Yucatan Peninsula, I found refuge in an off-grid haven in Taos County. Life without running water or electricity might deter some, but for me, it was an awakening. The question echoed in my mind: “Why am I not living here?” It wasn’t long before I answered that question and made the move to the “Land of Enchantment”—or as some playfully suggest, “entrapment.” Perhaps it’s a delightful blend of both.
Over the years, as I immersed myself in New Mexico’s travel scene, I noticed a recurring theme in much of the coverage. It often seemed tailored to tourists flying into Albuquerque, making a beeline for Santa Fe, and then squeezing in a quick day trip to Taos or Abiquiu. Driven by a desire to explore beyond the usual tourist trails, I embarked on a personal journey to uncover the heart of New Mexico. My focus shifted to the small businesses, the independent artisans, the passionate solopreneurs, and the hidden gems that contribute to New Mexico’s unique and captivating character. I wanted to share and celebrate the places and ventures that weave together the high and low, the old and new, creating the rich tapestry that defines this remarkable state.
Consider this your personal, and admittedly subjective, New Mexico Travel Guide, offering a curated itinerary of where to eat, stay, shop, and explore. We’ll journey along the north-south axis of the Rio Grande, from Truth or Consequences to Taos County. While this itinerary is designed for five days, it can easily be expanded into a week-long adventure or broken down into shorter excursions, allowing you to delve deeper into each town and its surrounding treasures. The choice, as always, is yours.
Truth or Consequences: Where Quirky Charm Meets Healing Waters
Originally known as Hot Springs, New Mexico, this charming town of approximately 6,000 residents, nestled about 150 miles south of Albuquerque, underwent a name change in 1950 thanks to a whimsical radio show contest. Positioned along the banks of the Rio Grande, Truth or Consequences—or T or C as locals affectionately call it—lives up to its original name, boasting an abundance of natural hot springs and inviting public baths. “Hot springs, cool town” proclaims signs throughout T or C, and you might hear residents playfully remark, “if you’re here, you’re not all there,” adding to the town’s endearingly quirky atmosphere. Truth or Consequences is the perfect starting point, or perhaps endpoint, for your New Mexico road trip. Here, the pace slows, and the primary agenda is simple: soak, relax, and repeat.
