3 Reasons to Visit New Mexico
If you love the mountains, wine, and exclusivity, it’s time you explore New Mexico. New Mexico is located midwest of US and known for its desert and green chile.
"Is there black people there?" My flight specialist asked me while I was checking in my flight.
Well, I was headed to find out. It's Black History Month and apart of my Black Herstory legacy is traveling to places where Black women are not seen enough. Stepping out to see the world as a traveler but also so the world can see me: A Black American woman. From my own experiences, most white and other POC cultures only have a media view of Black people. My belief is to allow other cultures to see the representation of Black women up close and personal.
Because New Mexico is in the midwest, the temperature ranged from 30 degree to 60 degrees on an average day in February. I had a mix of sweaters as well as fashionable dresses. We decided to city hop and explore Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque.
So what's are some things to do in New Mexico? There are tons of activities such as Hot Balloon ride, national parks, Wine tasting and hot springs.
Here's my Black Girl’s Guide Travel Guide for activities in New Mexico:
White Sands National Park is about 45 minutes from Las Cruces but worth the drive. Driving to White Sands, I was surrounded by mountains. The beauty of nature while traveling is indescribable. We arrived at White Sands at 11am (they open from 7-dawn). We paid $25 to enter White Sands and drove through the national park in awe. The white sand is not really sand, it's actually gypsum crystals. Once in the park, we walked the boardwalk and learned the history of White Sands.
Of course there were stares-Black women dressed up at a national park. But everyone was friendly overall-smiles and stares. Some complimented us. We then decided to actually walk through the sand and slide down the sand on a surfboard. The sand was soft and fine. It wasn't the normal beach sand that included beach sediments. This sand was in a pure form and actually didn't stick to your clothing. I actually got a chance to sit in the sun and sand, reflect and write. This national park is an absolute must visiting New Mexico.
2. Jemez Hot Springs
Jemez Hot Springs is about 45 minutes from Albuquerque. Driving to Jemez Hot Springs was also beautiful. This time, we actually drove in the mountains-we encountered red rocks, snow, and valleys. Driving through the mountains in Jemez was actually my favorite experience of majestic beauty. It's thrilling, amazing, and scary all in one. Jemez Hot Springs is actually in the mountains-the mountains was a great backdrop in the springs pictures.
We arrived and paid $60 per person for two hours, robe rental, and towel rental-this hot springs is bathing suit only. Jemez Hot Springs included 3 different springs/pools. I started out in the hottest spring-about 110 degrees. It was hot initially but my body got used to the temperature after a while. Of course we were the only Black people but everyone was friendly. We met some cool locals who gave us suggestions on places to visit in the area. I enjoyed my experience here because I am a water baby. I loved this hot spring because it was "exclusive," it wasn't as crowded as some resort hot springs. If you love hot tubs, hot springs is even better; it's a natural hot tub that helps skin.
3. Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting
Horseback riding has become one of "must do" activities and it was only right to book a ride through the Midwest-the cultural mecca of horseback riding. Oh, and a wine tasting? I was sold. We booked horseback riding and wine tasting through Miller Farms for $160 per person. This price included horseback riding, wine tasting, and a bottle of wine. I wasn't able to change my clothes in time for horseback riding so I rode "Buddy" (my horse name) in a skirt. And some borrowed cowboy boots.
I will admit, the horseback riding experience and wine tasting felt a little rushed. We were only able to do wine tasting for 20 minutes because we needed to get back to the stable with the horses. But out of all the times I went horseback riding, this experience I felt like a real cowgirl. Riding the horse surrounded by mountains and deserted land and town made me feel like I was in a Black cowboy movie. I felt like Regina King in The Harder They Fall. I rode Buddy like I was in a midwestern Black rodeo movie. This experience is a must in New Mexico. I recommend this experience if you want to experience the Midwest like a movie.
New Mexico has many activities for Black women to explore and indulge in. It’s an exclusive place that deserves exclusive time. Explore New Mexico and eat authentic Native and Mexican food. To get exclusive stories and details, check out MY FIRST TRAVEL VLOG here.