7 Photos You'll Only Understand If You Hail From New Mexico
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Each state has its own personality, its own attributes, and its own (dare we say) quirks. If you grew up in the Land of Enchantment or have lived here for a time, the following New Mexico photos may seem all too familiar to you. As they say, if you know, you know:
1. Aliens crashed here
Roswell, NM, USA
The truth is out there, right? Well, that's what Mulder and Scully made us believe years ago and we sure believe the truth about aliens resides here in New Mexico. Roswell is allegedly home to a UFO crash that occurred in 1947. Of course, many conspiracy theories about what really happened have stemmed from this incident (perhaps it was debris from a military balloon?), but we still believe. Tourists sure do love visiting all the alien-themed attractions in town!
2. White Sands
White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
New Mexico is home to 275 square miles of gypsum sand, the largest of its kind in the world and a remarkable natural wonder. White Sands National Park offers a mesmerizing landscape of pure white sand against an azure blue sky. It's a place like this that keeps us enchanted with the Land of Enchantment.
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3. Farolitos
For over 300 years, farolitos have been a tradition outside of homes and churches and along walkways. It's a typical scene throughout the state in December to celebrate the holiday season. Farolitos are so simple yet so beautiful at night when they are all aglow.
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4. Chiles
Chiles hanging outside homes and businesses is another common sight throughout the state. Called "chile ristra," these bunches of fresh or dried red peppers aren't just for decor but are said to bring about good luck.
5. Sopapillas
Getting a basket of sopapillas at your table at a New Mexican restaurant is always a welcome sight. Drizzle honey on top and it's the perfect treat! It's always something I look forward to when dining at a New Mexican restaurant.
6. Hot air balloons and the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico
This photo is a two-for-one - seeing hot air balloons is a common sight, especially during the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival held annually in October. And then there's the Rio Grande that cuts through the New Mexican landscape. This is the fourth longest river in the country. Now, how would you like to take a hot air balloon over the Rio Grande? Sounds magical to me!
7. VLA (Very Large Array)
NRAO Very Large Array, Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
Located by Socorro, New Mexico, the Very Large Array, or VLA for short, is a highly advanced radio telescope facility. It was featured in the 1997 film Contact and is one of the most fascinating places you can visit in the state.
Are there any other New Mexico photos you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments! Now, how about a road trip to see some of the most fascinating places around New Mexico? Just be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you plan your trip. What are your favorite things about living in New Mexico?
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