According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, two New Mexico towns have made its top ten list of the most charming small towns in the Southwest.
Taos, New Mexico, ranked number four on the magazine’s list.
The magazine wrote, “Abutted by the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a high desert town with vistas to write home about, a deep Indigenous history, and a thriving community in Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been inhabited for more than 1,000 years.”
According to UNESCO, “To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.”
Travel + Leisure continued, “After you’ve visited the pueblo, consider viewing the landscape via hot air balloon or by taking a dip in the nearby Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. In town, try Manzanita Market or La Cueva Cafe for a delicious meal. If you’re up for a nice walk, trek Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail.”
Silver City, New Mexico, ranked number fifth on Travel + Leisure’s list for its beautiful scenery and delicious food.
“At 6,000 feet and just south of Gila National Forest, the Southwestern town of Silver City is a solid base camp for all kinds of adventures. Walk the historic downtown and pop into galleries — this is an active arts community — and restaurants like Adobe Springs Cafe or Jalisco Cafe,” it wrote.
“Get out your hiking shoes and trek in nearby City of Rocks State Park or the slightly further Catwalk Recreation Area, known for its awesome canyon views.”
The complete list from Travel + Leisure is as follows:
- Idyllwild, California
- Joshua Tree, California
- Ojai, California
- Taos, New Mexico
- Silver City, New Mexico
- Virginia City, Nevada
- Moab, Utah
- Springdale, Utah
- Telluride, Colorado
- Crested Butte, Colorado
Taos and Silver City are both awesome communities to visit or to call home. So happy both towns have received this long overdue recognition.
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