New Mexico
The southwest has something that is dubbed “ like no place else on earth ,” according to the National Park Service . This would be the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico . Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert , White Sands has over 200 miles of desert , where the sand creates wave-like dunes that mesmerize visitors , year after year . These white gypsum sands are quite rare , making the monument a trip-worthy site .
The dunefield is protected by the National Park Service , along with all of the plants and animals that inhabit the area . The monument is also home to the White Sands Missile Range , so there may be periodic closures due to missile testing . Hazardous weather conditions can also cause the monument to close , so be sure to check with the visitors center if you ’ re planning a trip . Entrance to the monument costs $ 5 per adult .
Another great place to visit if you ’ re a history buff is El Rancho de las Golondrinas , located in Santa Fe . “ El Rancho de las Golondrinas , which translates to ‘ The Ranch of the Swallows ,’ is a historical ranch , now a living history museum , located on the Camino Real , the Royal Road from Mexico City to Santa Fe , as a resting place for travelers in the times of Spanish colonization .”
The museum dates back to the 1700s , and many of the structures and layouts are the same as they were when the ranch was first built . The ranch has many authentic activities that visitors can partake in , including basket weaving , colcha embroidery , vegetable dyeing , and more , which is all completely free ! Throughout the year , the ranch hosts a variety of festivals and events to bring joy and commemoration the community . During the summer and fall of this year , the ranch has added a few new events to their traditional lineup .
New festivals include : Panza Llena and Spirits of New Mexico ’ s Past . Panza Llena : Corazón Contento is a festival that honors the food history of New Mexico . At the ranch , you ’ ll “ step back in time , as you taste your way through the history of the Land of Enchantment .” You will learn how the foods are prepared , what their individual history is , and of course , you will be sampling the final creations ! Local vendors and artisans come out to produce the finestquality dishes for you to taste , and offer stories and wares to help immerse you into the culture that thrives within New Mexico . Adult admission is $ 8 and the festival will be held on August 5 th and 6 th .
The Spirits of New Mexico ’ s Past festival is a Halloween event that will take place on Saturday , October 28 th . Admission to this festival is also $ 8 , and includes traditional cultural activities , as well as actual encounters with the ghost and spirit characters of the land . The festival will be lantern-lit and familyfriendly , with stories and history bits , as well as crafts and a complete walkthrough of the ranch .
Beyond the festivals , the ranch is also available to book for any special events you may have , such as weddings , films , private events , and even reunions . Self-guided tours of the property on any day without an event is $ 6 , and guided tours are available upon reservation . All of the original historic buildings have been restored to their former glory , so you will get an authentic feel as soon as you step foot on the property .
Southwest