From Taos to Grants - Discovering New Mexico

Added: 04/12/2006

While visiting New Mexico, you can explore the many attractions of this rich on history state, including Indian cultures, ancient ruins, lava flows, towering mountains, and year-round recreation opportunities. Come and discover the many different sides of New Mexico for yourself, it's an experience of a lifetime! No matter what you're searching for -- from Taos to grants - you'll find it among the wonders of New Mexico.

Western New Mexico has a history rich with Native American culture. During the 12th century, the Anasazi Indians established an advanced civilization near Chaco Canyon. Then, the Anasazi suddenly disappeared. The mystery has never been solved, but scientists trace the roots of today's pueblo Indians to these ancient Anasazi people. The word "pueblo" refers to an Indian culture that is unique to the Southwest. New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos, two of which are located near Grants.

Though they share many common elements, each pueblo has an independent government, and its own social order and religious practices. The pueblos are further distinguished by their art, jewelry, pottery, drums, carvings and weavings. Visit Taos Pueblo, an ancient living Indian village that has stood unchanged for centuries. Taos is a blend of several close-knit communities that provide visitors with a world of infinitely varied experiences. Explore historic Taos Plaza and its side streets.

Many of the old adobe buildings that now house shops and galleries were once the homes of some of Taos' leading citizens.

With four seasons and five life zones, your recreational options are wide open in New Mexico. The Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures are proudly preserved through art and architecture, music and dance, and food and festivals for all to enjoy throughout the year.

Arts and crafts festivals offer authentic Indian pottery, rugs, and jewelry from various pueblos. The feast days of area pueblos feature arts and crafts, Native American delicacies, as well as, ancient dances and ceremonies. In May, celebrate western New Mexico's Spanish heritage at La Fiesta De Colores. The July 4th Wild West Days hosts a large arts and crafts fair, as does the Labor Day Weekend Bi-County Fair.

If you can't do without the hype, the crowds and the snowboards then Taos Ski Valley Resort is for you. Located in the Southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, the resort features a top ranked ski school, uncrowded ski slopes, abundant snow and endless sunny days. No snowboarding, just classic alpine skiing for all levels of skiers.

For more sports and recreation opportunities in Western New Mexico visit Coyote del Malpais. Tucked beneath scenic Mt. Taylor, the Coyote del Malpais Golf Course in Grants offers 18 championship holes and 16 lakes at 7,000 feet above sea level.

Complementing the expert design by William Howard Neff is a fully equipped pro shop, refreshing food and drink, and Grants hospitality. The Zuni Mountain Golf Course in Milan is just minutes from Grants. Featuring 9 holes, Zuni Mountain offers year-round golf in a mild, high-desert climate.

If you want to see natural wonders and historic places, enjoy Ice Caves and Bandera Crater. Cooling underground airflow maintains the perpetual mass of ice. Nearby, Bandera Crater offers a glimpse of how one of New Mexico's many volcanoes erupted. At the heart of Cibola County, rises 11,301 foot Mt. Taylor. Among the towering Ponderosa Pine, you'll discover nature trails, scenic vistas, and wonderful picnic spots.

Nothing beats Western New Mexico for year round recreation and history. Come and see it for yourself!

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