For many years, New Mexico was simply a state we passed through on the way to somewhere else. Like many travelers, we viewed it as part of the journey rather than the destination. Over time, however, New Mexico began to reveal itself to us one stop at a time. Our first regular overnight stays were in Deming, thanks to Aunt Genie, who gave us the perfect reason to pause our travels and spend time in a place we otherwise might have hurried past.
As our travels continued, we discovered another favorite stop—the Route 66 Casino and RV Resort near Albuquerque. What started as a convenient overnight stay quickly became one of our preferred places to rest and recharge. The spacious RV sites, affordable rates, and easy walk to the casino and its restaurants made it an ideal stopover. More importantly, it gave us the opportunity to begin exploring the surrounding area. During our stays, we ventured into Albuquerque and made the drive to Sandia Crest, where the breathtaking views reminded us just how diverse and beautiful New Mexico’s landscapes can be.
On our most recent trip through the state, we spent time in Las Vegas—not the bright lights and casinos of Nevada, but the charming and historic town tucked away in northeastern New Mexico. Like so many of our experiences in this state, it offered another glimpse into a side of New Mexico we had never seen before.
Although we’ve spent years traveling through New Mexico, we still feel like we’ve only begun to scratch the surface. From its rich history and unique culture to its stunning scenery and hidden small towns, there is so much left for us to discover. What was once simply a pass-through state has become a destination in its own right, and we look forward to spending much more time exploring all that New Mexico has to offer.