A new year has a lot of folks looking ahead to making travel plans for family vacations and quick getaways over upcoming three-day weekends. We thought that since we have been posting about our road trips around New Mexico and Colorado, some of you may be inspired to head out west in 2017. Here are a few attractions and travel resources to help you decide where you want to go and when.

The list below is merely an iota of what is to be found ’round these parts. If you have any other questions about coming to the Land of Enchantment or the Centennial State, please do not hesitate to ask as we have decades of experiences from around the sister-state area and are proud to pass those stories along to you. Without further ado, the Sahalee Off Grid 2017 Guide to the Land of Enchantment:

WINTER

New Mexico is just a desert, right? With over 30 named peaks above 12,000 ft, New Mexico is home to 8 snow sport resorts. Check out the Ski New Mexico ski cams at http://www.skinewmexico.com/snow-report/.

Don’t be surprised to read an upcoming report of the February 3-5, Angel Fire- World Snow Shovel Racing Championship, https://www.angelfireresort.com/event/world-championship-shovel-races/. Come back for Veterans Day, Angel Fire- Veterans Memorial,  http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/vietnamveteransmemorialstatepark.html

Not only alpine, but 6 of the 7 life zones found in the WORLD exist in New Mexico!!

SPRING

Forget the snow and welcome in Spring starting April 1st, mystic Chaco Culture National Historical Park– Dark Sky Festival, https://farmingtonnm.org//events/chaco-night-sky-program.

Bring your work fam for a unique team-building experience April 8-9, Spaceport America Corporate Relay Challenge, http://spaceportamericarelayrace.com/. Teams of 12 (or 6) will conquer around 180 miles by foot traveling along the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro trail under the light of a full moon. Starting in El Paso, a city rich in beauty and culture, teams will make their way north to Las Cruces to see the finish line on the Spaceway at Spaceport America.

SUMMER

Stop and smell the lavender outside Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch July 8-9, Abiquiu- lavender Festival, http://www.purpleadobelavenderfarm.com/id70.html.

Take a soak in the historic Jemez Hot Springs, http://www.jemezsprings.org/hotsprings.html, and stay at this riverfront overlook red rock canyon property perfect for group of people to enjoy summertime at a comfy cost, http://www.desertwillowbandb.com/dragonflycottage.html.

Shop ’til you drop and immerse yourself in rich cultures from around the world July 14-16, UNESCO City of Folk Art Santa Fe- World Folk Art Market, https://www.folkartalliance.org/events-programs/international-folk-art-market-santa-fe/.

A true American-made tradition is right here the 1st week in August, Cuba- Sandoval county Fair and Pow Wow, http://www.sandovalcounty.com/fair. See the pics and video from last year!

Meet us at the beer fest! You can run with Ben if you want. August 26, Durango- Thirsty 13 Half-Marathon and Brew Fest, http://www.thirsty13durango.com/.

AUTUMN

If you don’t know what New Mexico is famous for, come to find out the 1st weekend in September, Hatch- Chile Fest, http://www.hatchchilefest.com/.

Pictured above are traditional and impeccably-made Huevos Rancheros and Carne Adovada dishes with red and green New Mexico chiles. Eat at Presciliano’s when you are in Cuba to see why we love it so!

It’s time to kick up your heels and let out a big YEE HAW the 2nd weekend in Sept, Taos- Big Barn Dance, http://www.michaelhearne.com/bigbarndance/

No need to elaborate… Oct 7-15, ABQ- Balloon Fiesta, http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

For all you cold-blooded killers out there… Sept-Nov, Hunting season, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/hunting-calendar/

YEAR-ROUND

Very Large Array, http://www.vla.nrao.edu/

Carlsbad Caverns, https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm

Las Vegas, http://www.visitlasvegasnm.com/

Earthship Biotecture, http://earthship.org/

National Parks and Natural Landscapes, http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/

WHERE TO STAY

Of course, we are taking reservations for tent camping and the ruggedly elegant guest yurt for anyone who wants to experience Sahalee for themselves. In the event you come to the area and prefer to stay somewhere with plumbing, the following are reasonable options for all prices and experiences.

Chaco Lodge Bed and Breakfast, http://www.chacolodgehacienda.com/contact%20us.html

Suenos Encantados Bed and Breakfast,  http://suenosencantados.com/

Frontier Motel, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g47004-d121626-Reviews-Frontier_Motel-Cuba_New_Mexico.html

THE ENCHANTMENT CONTINUES

Have your fix of enchantment at anytime by enjoying the long-celebrated New Mexico Magazine where they feature “One of Our 50 is Missing,” a hilarious collection of reader-contributed tales. Ciao for now!!