New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment” boasts a stunning array of natural landscapes, rich history and diverse cultures. Located in the American Southwest, this state combines the undeniable beauty of the desert and forested mountains with rich cultural events and destinations, creating an ideal area for many lifestyles.
Here in Southeast and Central New Mexico – the regions United Country Real Estate | Burton Realty & Auction serves – there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to places to live, work and play. Whether your focus is farming or ranching, horse competitions, military life, outdoor adventures or something else entirely, you’re bound to find it here.
New Mexico offers year-round natural beauty, a lower cost of living than the national average and a rugged western spirit. There’s a whole lot to love about living in, or even just
visiting, the state. Let’s take a closer look.
In Portales, N.M., the Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum provides a deep dive into the ancient civilizations of the area. Artifacts, exhibits and guided tours attract archaeology enthusiasts and history buffs to the museum, allowing them a glimpse into a different age.
Moving from Roosevelt County just across the border north to Curry County, music and history enthusiasts might find themselves drawn to the city of Clovis. The Norman & Vi Petty Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum offers a trip down memory lane, showcasing musical memorabilia of legends such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and others. Just around the corner from the museum, the Norman Petty Recording Studios will transport you back in time to the iconic sounds that originated from this region.
New Mexico is home to a handful of military bases and installations, including three Air Force bases. Cannon Air Force Base eight miles west of Clovis is a vital part of the nation’s defense, along with the Melrose Air Force Range 25 miles west of the base. The base frequently opens its gates to the public, showcasing exhilarating air shows and offering insight into the world of aviation and defense.
The first thing many people think about when they hear “Roswell” is the reported alien vehicle crash of 1947, and there’s a great museum focused on that. But the city’s Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth a visit, as is the Roswell Museum and its 12 galleries celebrating art and history.
The stunning landscapes of Southeast and Central New Mexico are the perfect setting for outdoor activities and adventures. Just north of Portales, Oasis State Park is a gem amongst the sand dunes and cottonwood trees. This serene spot in Roosevelt County invites its visitors to immerse themselves in hiking, or fishing at the 3-acre lake, fully-stocked year-round. Another good spot near Portales is the Grulla National Wildlife Refuge, popular for birding.
Another refuge in Roswell - Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge – is a significant wetland area of the Pecos River watershed system and home to some 130 different animal species. Southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park features nine lakes with Lea Lake
offering sandy beaches and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Be it the thrill of scuba diving through the blue-green water or the tranquility of a lakeside picnic, this park promises gorgeous views and aquatic adventures.
Continue south of Roswell around Artesia and Carlsbad for the Carlsbad National Wildlife Refuge and also Brantley Lake State Park, which is great for all kinds of water recreation and hiking. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers guided cave tours, above ground hiking and more.
New Mexico is filled with so many of these places, it’s worth a day trip to explore a little farther out, especially for the most unique destinations. Moving into the state’s central region, Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque features designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago. And White Sands National Park in Alamogordo is an amazing natural wonder, shining with wavy dunes of gypsum sand for 275 miles. Sled the dunes and camp overnight.
Combining rich heritage with the vibrant pulse of contemporary communities, New Mexico presents a variety of attractions and events to enjoy. This includes those in and around the state’s central region “heart,” as well as others within the southeast region.
Right within Portales, you can enjoy old school entertainment with bowling, roller skating and game rooms at the Portales Fun Center. Always a hit with families and animal lovers alike, the Hillcrest Park Zoo in Clovis is a sanctuary for wildlife ranging from the majestic Bengal Tiger to hilarious monkeys. There’s another one in Roswell, the Spring River Zoo, with 34 acres of fun for all ages.
For those who yearn for the peace of the countryside, St. Bernard Farms in Clovis is more than just scenic views. Seasonal festivities such as an interactive corn maze and pumpkin patch create a rustic and charming experience.
For more mature enjoyment, head over to Enchantment Vineyards in Portales. A family-run business, the vineyard and winery offers tastings of its estate wines, as well as other local brands, and hosts events. And back in Roswell, Alien Motor Speedway is the place to be for exciting stock car races. Or, take in a Pecos League baseball game watching the Roswell Invaders in town.
Local events and festivals are wildly popular around the country, and New Mexico is no exception. Portales offers the October Peanut Valley Festival at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds. The city’s charming Christmas Light Parade take place each December, along with the similar Christmas on the Pecos event in Carlsbad.
But what may be the region’s earliest event of the year, the National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, occurs in March in Albuquerque and is certainly one of the most popular gatherings. The city follows that in April with the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest, while that same month you can catch artists who represent the spirit of the “Clovis Sound” at the Clovis Music Festival. Clovis embraces its longtime horse culture each June with the Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo. Lastly, in the fall it’s all about the New Mexico State Fair and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Sources:
RooseveltCounty.com
PortalesNm.gov
Portales.com
ClovisNm.org
VisitClovisNm.org
SeeRoswell.com
NewMexico.org
Emnrd.Nm.gov
StateParks.com
Nps.gov
BestPlaces.net
Wikipedia.org