New Mexico travel advice - what are some must-see places?

I will be traveling in New Mexico in January. I'll spend a few days in Roswell, a week near Taos and then a couple of days in Santa Fe. I'm not much of a hiker or biker (especially in high altitudes). I love exploring regional cuisines, funky shops, outsider art and places of historical or artistic significance. What are some insider suggestions that I might not get from a guidebook? Specific info is good!





I'm thinking about the hot springs near Taos; would you recommend going?New Mexico travel advice - what are some must-see places?
While you're in Roswell, go visit Carlsbad Caverns... absolutely amazing!! While you're there, visit White Sands. On the way up, try to stop in Socorro and visit the VLA. That's where Jodie Foster did the movie Contact. In Albuquerque, go to Sandia Crest either by driving up the mountain or take the Tram (not sure if the Tram is running in January). Abq Old town is great, too. In Santa Fe you'll want to visit Old Town and the old church. Also, a go up I40 West to exit 89 and visit El Malpies... go off the main road and check out the bluffs. Absolutely beautiful. You can take an alternate route to Santa Fe from Albuquerque by taking the turquoise trail and visit artsy little towns like Madrid. Also, Taos is supposed to have the oldest inhabited pueblo in the America. Sky City (Acoma Reservation) is supposed to be pretty interesting - 1 mile high Indian village, also very old. There's a cool Islamic village in Abiqui which is about an hour northwest of Santa Fe. Just driving around New Mexico is beautiful. The boring parts are going East on I-40 past Moriarity.





It's a huge state... been living here for 2 years and I love it.New Mexico travel advice - what are some must-see places?
I lived in new Mexico for years. I lived in a really small town called Truth or Consequences (TRC) Seriously haha. But it was so lovely down there, perfect home town atmosphere. Lots of fun shops to visit, and your pretty close to driving over to some caves. There is also a place called Elephant Bute, it's this big lake where in the middle is this mini-island looking bute, that looks like an Elephant. Hence the name, Elephant Bute.


Hope you have so much fun! :)
I have heard of the miracle and mysterious staircase at a Catholic church in Santa Fe. It's supposed to be amazing.....
Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad New Mexico.
see link


http://www.gatheringofnations.com/powwow鈥?/a>


or..


Ojo Caliente Hot Springs


Charlie %26amp; Debbie Carrillo鈥檚 Studio Tour


Acoma Pueblo %26amp; Cultural Center
Albuquerque, Old Town, and Scandia Peak


Santa Fe Old Town


White Sands


Carlsbad Caverns


Truth or Consequences- Elephant Butte


Las Cruces
carlsbad caverns..
four corners





read 1000 places to see before you die and wikipedia