The USA’s 47th state has a pretty compelling nickname: The Land of Enchantment. You’ll see it on license plates and souvenirs across New Mexico, and it certainly makes a big promise.

But here’s the thing… this place fully delivers on that title. I came to New Mexico with admittedly high expectations, and wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. From local heritage to natural beauty, here are five reasons that this state earns its nickname fair and square!

1. It has a unique mix of cultures.

New Mexico has been under a few different jurisdictions. It’s the ancestral home of numerous indigenous groups, primarily Pueblo tribes. In the last 500 years, it’s been Spanish, Mexican, and American territory. 

All these cultures still shape the region today. It’s one of the few places in the US where the local indigenous culture feels highly visible and respected. It’s also got deeper roots to Spain than most of the region, as it was once a vital part of the empire. Like other Southwestern states, its Mexican heritage runs strong, and there’s still evidence of Wild West American history.

You can observe these cultures running together in many aspects of life: the variety of cuisine, the mix of folk art, the emphasis on spirituality, and the preponderance of adobe-style homes. While every US state is a bit of a melting pot, it’s rarely as apparent as in New Mexico.

2. The arts are a big deal.

Artists flock to New Mexico. Georgia O’Keeffe is the most famous — she bought two ranches in Abiquiú and spent about 40 years painting, hiking, and kayaking around the area, so any fans of her later work will definitely recognize the scenery around here. You can tour her ranch or check out her art at the O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe (just one of the state’s many excellent art museums).

But truly, the artistic history of this region is ancient. The Puebloan tribes have lived on this land for millennia, and much of the evidence they left behind is in the form of art. In addition to the ancient petroglyphs dotted around the state, you can also get up close and inspect ancient pottery in plenty of museums. 

And that legacy lives on! Peruse the main thoroughfares in any city, and you might notice that the vast majority of shops are dedicated to art. You can grab the modern versions of pottery styles that were developed right where you’re standing, thousands of years ago. In O’Keeffe’s footsteps, you’ll also find gallery after gallery of gorgeous landscape paintings.

If you’re a painter, a potter, a collector, or just a big art nerd, you’ll never run out of work to admire in New Mexico.

3. It’s full of natural wonders.

Every state in the Southwest gets major bragging rights on beauty, but New Mexico might take the cake when it comes to looking like another planet. The (aptly named) White Sands, for example, could be mistaken for a frozen wasteland from the right angle. And no photo of Carlsbad Caverns could ever do it justice — it’s a whole underground world, complete with trippy rock formations and crystal pools.

The areas outside the National Parks are also pretty stunning. Between Shiprock, the Badlands, and the Valles Caldera (which you'll find atop a dormant supervolcano) you could film an entire Star Wars movie solely in New Mexico.

Every drive through this state is a feast for the eyes, from the mountains to the desert. The Chihuahuan is littered with green and gold cliffsides, and soaptree yucca poking up from the earth. Look out for roadrunners (the state bird) and herds of pronghorns.

4. Its cities are seriously cool (and underrated).

Keep an eye on Albuquerque — I have a feeling that moving here from out of state is going to become very trendy very soon. There are some rough edges to its reputation, but I think those will be sanded down quickly as people realize what a gem it can be.

For starters, ‘Burque has a bit of a hipster bent to it! Nob Hill, for example, is lush with craft cocktail bars, funky coffee shops, and cute boutiques. Excellent food can be found all over town, from taco trucks to the glamorous (and high altitude) TEN 3. And despite all the hip dives, it’s still one of the cheapest cities I’ve spent time in. 

Santa Fe can’t boast the same low pricing, but makes up for it in culture and beauty. Those arts I mentioned earlier? Absolutely king in Santa Fe. Walking around town is like walking around an open-air gallery. While it may be the state capital (and fairly famous), it still retains a quirky small town vibe. It feels a little like being let in on a secret — a little pocket of escapism in the desert.

Finally, further up the road, you’ll find Taos. Here you'll find similar art and architecture, plus the Taos Pueblo: a traditional indigenous community that's been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Winter sports enthusiasts might also recognize this city's name. Despite being best-known for its desert, New Mexico also has some of the most popular slopes in the country up at the Taos Ski Valley.

5. The people are super nice.

Last but not least, New Mexicans are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet on the road! It’s never hard to strike up a conversation with a stranger, if they don’t start one first. The culture is laid-back and everyone can come as they are. 

So if I’ve sold you on visiting the Land of Enchantment today, rest assured that you’ll be welcomed with open arms :-)