1. Food Without Spice Just Isn’t Food
Go to any restaurant in New Mexico and you’ll probably hear this question: “Red or green?” They’re asking about hot peppers, the staples of the state. Mexican cuisine without the caliente is practically an incomplete sentence, so brace yourselves: The spicy is coming.
2. Luminarias Are Way Better Than Your Christmas Lights
There’s something about candlelight radiating warmth so characteristic of New Mexico, and in this particular case the tradition of lighting “luminarias” or “farolitos” at Christmas turns the state into a beautiful sight that residents cherish.
3. Sopaipillas Are Basically Divine Inventions
Nothing’s more versatile than these pillows of fried pastry dough that can be served from breakfast to dinner (to late night snacking) with ease. Just be sure to bring the beans and cheese.
4. The Balloon Festival Will Take Your Breath Away
The spectacular annual array of hot air balloons released into the New Mexico sky is truly out of this world. You begin to wonder if this could be something astronauts could see from way up there.
5. Knowing This Is REAL Hot Chocolate
You can bet locals at Café Pasqual laugh when they hear about that stuff with marshmallows, cinnamon and mint. New Mexico residents like it traditional—which means chili powder. Why do you think they call it “hot” chocolate?
6. The Landscapes Can Change In The Blink Of An Eye
Ask any New Mexico resident about what weather they like the best and the answer would be “all of it,” without the cold, of course. Yes, there’s a lot of desert, but New Mexico has some of the most breathtaking pine forests and mountains too.
7. Hot Springs Are The Best Therapy Ever
Residents of New Mexico don’t really need in-home hot tubs or Jacuzzis. All they need to do is head over to the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs spa, where the “ahhhh” is all natural.
8. Frito Pies Are Beyond Amazing
As much as residents love versatility in their cuisine, they’re also big on convenience, something quick to toss up for savory Mexican food. The iconic Frito pie, sort of a walking taco, exemplifies that to a tee for many residents, especially when Anthony Bourdain himself tried one at the Santa Fe’s Five & Dime Festival store and figured he had tasted a culinary one-of-a-kind.
9. The Sangre de Cristos Mountains Should Be A World Wonder
Ever seen red mountains before? Not just reddish, but blazing red. It has to do with the sun reflecting on the warm colors of New Mexico, but these mountains will make just about anybody gaze in awe, including residents who see it every day.
10. Buying Everything At The Santa Fe Indian Market
The people of New Mexico get their annual trip to the Santa Fe Indian Market started with joy eating as much of the fry bread as they can, and then take that energy to shop at the 600 booths offering everything from pottery to jewelry to photography.
11. Picking Their Favorite Margarita
You can’t really live in New Mexico without liking margaritas. Even in this state, though, there are contenders for the top spot, and many seem to love all versions around, such as in La Choza in Santa Fe. Whatever the case, just know this: salt the rim, lick your lips, and prepare for a kick of old-fashioned Mexico.
12. San Miguel Mission Church Is Living History
Many residents are deeply religious, spiritually soaking in silence and meditation better than anybody else. The thick, ancient adobe walls, too, of quite possibly the oldest church in the entire nation, the San Miguel Mission Church, does make it quite easy to focus solely on your own soul. How old is the church? Try since the year 1610.
13. New Mexico Piñon Coffee Beans Are Better Than Your Coffee Beans
Forget your Maxwell House and Folgers. New Mexico residents don’t care for the French roast much when they have these types of beans to brew. Many simply order in bulk online.
14. Knowing Their Snack Food Is The Food Of The Gods
You’ve probably guessed by now that food is a big deal with New Mexico residents, but snacking is practically a religion, especially when it’s biscochitos and chicharrones. Doritos and Oreos don’t match up to them at all.
15. Adventure Awaits On The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
You’ll discover pretty soon as you traverse the landscapes of New Mexico that it’s not necessarily about the destination; it’s about the journey. New Mexico residents like to make the most out of their journeys, which is why they’ll often experience autumn in all its splendor on this scenic railroad experience.
16. The Shiprock Takes Your Breath Away, Every Time
Only here can you experience something like a big boulder mixed with a mountain, and undoubtedly it would take your breath away. For a bit of a reminder at how beautiful the Earth really can be, residents visit Shiprock – also known as Tsé Bit’a’I in Navajo, which means “winged rock” or “rock with wings” – just for that breath-stealing sensation. It never fails.
17. The Good Ol’ Cowboy Days Come Alive At The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Let’s say you’re in a room with a bunch of New Mexico residents – how many of them own a cowboy hat (or are wearing one)? Most likely all of them. It’s no surprise that they love the ol’ West better than any Sundance Kid or Butch Cassidy, and they’ll often get their dose of it at this museum. Ándale!
18. Yak Jerky Is A True Delicacy
Beef jerky is delicious, for sure. You don’t know jerky, though, until you talk to a resident of New Mexico about their love for yak jerky. Now that’s awesome.
19. The White Sands National Monument Is 16 Miles Of Awesome
You probably wouldn’t see anything more unearthly and alien-like with beauty only the heavens could match. New Mexico has it here, and rest assured, residents love the 16-mile scenic drive, especially when the full moon’s out. You begin to wonder if residents have the lowest stress levels in the entire nation, thanks to this national monument.
20. Knowing Unidentified Flying Objects Are Totally Real
This may be all about pride and joy, with fanaticism sprinkled in for good measure. Residents have a natural curiosity about the unknown, thanks to the happenings of Area 51 and Roswell, New Mexico. If you thought you contemplated alien life, you haven’t met a local.
21. The Warmth of A Kiva Fireplace Is The Best Thing Ever
The architectural quality New Mexico residents have at their disposal rivals that of any metro professional in New York City or Chicago. Why? There’s something simplistic, minimal, and calm about a kiva fireplace. Only with this style can a person feel silence as well as hear it.
22. Yes, Bison Sausages Are A Real Thing
Yes, New Mexico residents are massive carnivores. Think about it: carne asada, pulled pork, yak jerky, you name it. Bison sausage, though? That makes those breakfast links look like Slim Jims. Another reason why breakfast is the biggest meal of the day for these people…
23. Horseback Riding Is Like Riding A Bike
Some New Mexico residents practically know how to ride a horse before learning how to walk. You can bet you’ll find them along the Valles Caldera National Preserve as well as the Baca Ranch.
24. A Night Of Stargazing Is The Best Saturday Night
Because many cities out in desert land are quite scattered and isolated, there’s a lot of open space, which is why residents have such a great opportunity to gaze at the stars. This is especially true given New Mexico is home to the Very Large Array in Socorro. Just look at the picture. That’s the real deal.
25. Yes, That Was Probably Filmed In New Mexico Too
Locals love the cinematic history of their state, and love to see it on the silver screen, mostly thanks to the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. Some of the best films and TV shows were filmed in the state, such as “Wyatt Earp,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Longmire,” and “Young Guns.”
26. Comforting Navajo Blankets By The Kiva Fireplace
Amazingly enough, nights in New Mexico can get breezy and chilly with all that open space, and a kiva fireplace while comforting all by itself might not heat a whole house. That’s where these Navajo blankets come into play, and you can bet residents enjoy wrapping themselves in one of these beauties.
27. Being In Four Places At Once
Kind of. Nowhere else could you find a place that lets you stand in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. It’s pretty cool! Some residents sort of take pride in it, while tourists just take pictures of their kids looking like they’re playing Twister. Each to their own. Just pass the green peppers, please.
What do you love about living in New Mexico? Leave a comment and let us know!
