New Mexico is also known as the "Land of Enchantment" and offers a wealth of cultural and geographical diversity. You'll find open desert plateaus and snow covered mountain tops, world famous cuisine and local favorites, and much more.
Many of our residents are from New Mexico and stay in state after graduation; additionally, some transplants also decide to stay to enjoy work and life in New Mexico. Whether it's the green chile, wonderful high desert weather, laid back folks, or easy access to outdoor activities, it's likely that some aspect of New Mexico will enchant you.
When eating out in New Mexico, one of the first questions you'll get is, "Red, green or both?" New Mexico is famous for its chiles (red and green), which are grown in the southern part of the state. Green chile is harvested in early fall and freshly roasted chile is delectable.
Albuquerque is a great place to sample New Mexican fare, but also is home to eclectic favorites such as Zinc, Crazy Fish, Artichoke Cafe, Slate Street Cafe, Ambrozia, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, the iconic Frontier Restaurant and more.
Both Santa Fe and Albuquerque have plazas that mark the centers of early Spanish settlements. In Albuquerque, this plaza area is called "Old Town" and it houses many historical buildings and host of stores specializing in American Indian jewelry of the Southwest. Santa Fe's Plaza features the Palace of Governors, the oldest public building in the nation, and San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in North America. The Plaza is also lined with a number of art galleries which draw collectors and window shoppers. Another attraction is the world-class Santa Fe Opera, which is located north of the city and features productions in July and August.
New Mexico has a long history of Native American peoples dating back thousands of years and continuing into the present. There are nineteen Pueblos statewide and several are within an hour's drive from Albuquerque. The expansive Navajo Nation is located in western New Mexico extending into Arizona. There are many historical sites around New Mexico such as Chaco Canyon, where visitors may learn about ancient peoples and living cultures alike. Please adhere to visitor etiquette when visiting American Indian communities and lands.
Albuquerque does not have any major league sports teams, but there is plenty to watch:
*During March Madness, the UNM basketball stadium, The Pit, often hosts an NCAA regional playoff.
Also, check out the spectacular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Albuquerque and New Mexico have some of the finest public golf courses in the Southwest as well as several nationally recognized courses such as the UNM Championship South Course, Paa-Ko Ridge, and Pinon Hill (in Farmington). With your UNM badge, you are able to get discounted rounds of golf at UNM's South Course (nationally ranked among the top 25 courses), or if you just have time for a quick nine, UNM's North Course is a five minute walk from the hospital.
Many local trails are within a short drive or bike ride from the UNM Medical Center. The foothills around the Sandia Mountains provide beautiful short hikes and mountain biking in the summer. Albuquerque's Elena Gallegos Park offers rolling hills and Placitas (north of Albuquerque) has Pinon and Pine tree lined trails. Right outside of Albuquerque is La Luz, a strenuous hike the climbs 8.5 miles to the Sandia crest. You can also take a ride on the Sandia Tram, the world's longest aerial tram, to get to the Crest for some spectacular views.
There are many local mountain biking trails near Albuquerque as well as throughout the state. The Sandias offer trails which are accessible for quick afternoon rides. Otero Canyon, approximately thirty minutes away, offers some of the best mountain biking in the state. The volcanoes are another favorite local spot.
New Mexico has more than seven ski areas and is in relatively close proximity to Colorado resorts. While residency is busy, some of our residents have gotten more than twenty days of snowboarding in a season!
