One look at the pictures taken by Rishi Menon during his visit to New Mexico and you will realize why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. Art, cultural events, local cuisine and wine, parks and monuments, scenic byways; New Mexico offers you reason more than many for a visit.
Explore New Mexico through the lenses of Rishi Menon and narration by his better half Suchi Ravindran Menon. Suchi tells us in detail – what to do, what to see, what to buy and most importantly what to eat while in New Mexico 🙂 Enjoy!
1. The Taos Pueblos is an ancient Native American community located in Taos in North New Mexico. People live there in adobe style houses with no electricity or running water. It is quite an experience to go there and learn about their culture. We were there during Christmas eve and thus were able to see several ceremonies like the Christmas Eve ‘Procession of the Virgin’ and the ‘Matachines’ dance also known as the Deer dance. There are stores inside the community which sell handmade Native American jewelry and traditional Indian articles like Dream catchers, Medicine wheels, etc. Also, if you visiting Taos Pueblos, definitely try their “Fry bread” with powdered sugar or cinnamon, it is just amazing.
Taos Pueblo Pic: Rishi Menon
2. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is an interesting bridge over the Rio Grande gorge and is one of the tourist spots on the “Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway” that passes through Taos. This scenic byway takes you through beautiful towns, ski resorts like “Red River” and stunning scenery. When in Taos, try some local New Mexican cuisine at the ‘Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe’. I had a lip smacking Frito Pie with green and red chile sauce. You can also try the Green Chile Stew, which is another regional favorite.
Rio De Grande Pic: Rishi MenonWhat’s the #1 hotel in Orlando? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
3. The St. Francis of Assisi church is in Ranchos De Taos in North New Mexico. It is considered one of the most photographed churches in the southwest. It is built in old Spanish colonial style with adobe structures. A tip for photographers, the best time to get beautiful light on the front side of the church is during sunset and backside is during sunrise.
Saint Francis Church Pic: Rishi Menon
4. Taos is a town in North New Mexico which has houses and stores in adobe style architecture. Taos Plaza and Ledoux street are two places where you can get New Mexican souvenirs, Native American artifacts and traditional artifacts. Visit Ledoux street in the mornings to get good photos of the adobe style structures.
Taos Pic: Rishi Menon
5. Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico. Santa Fe downtown is full of beautiful adobe style chapels, stores, restaurants and hotels. This is Hotel Loretto and the lit brown paper lanterns lined around the structure are called Farolitos.
Santa Fe Adobe Architechture Pic: Rishi MenonMore from Rishi and Suchi about New Mexico in coming few days….Looking for Vacation Rentals in New Mexico?
3. The St. Francis of Assisi church is in Ranchos De Taos in North New Mexico. It is considered one of the most photographed churches in the southwest. It is built in old Spanish colonial style with adobe structures. A tip for photographers, the best time to get beautiful light on the front side of the church is during sunset and backside is during sunrise.
