2023 Bucket List


 

It is hard to believe that 2022 is already in the rear-view mirror and that it is already 2023. Looking back at the last year it was full of so many great memories, and experiences. When the year began, I never thought I would get my first taste of Route 66, explore countless unique museums, see some of the oldest buildings in the country, and see more hot air balloons at one time than I ever thought possible. In addition to experience there was so much great food and beverage and enjoying the landscape of New Mexico I never knew existed. But as the calendar turns and I have a full 12 months ahead of me it is time to sit down and think about what I want to see and accomplish in 2023. While I know the list will grow here is some of my 2023 bucket list. 

New Landscapes: It was early last year that I went out of my way to find the Toadstool Hoodoos and I was fascinated by them. I felt like I was transported to another planet, and it only scratched the itch to see new landscapes across this state. There are two that stand out and that is the Shiprock and the Tent Rocks. The Shiprock is just a matter of planning and driving so should be easily achieved. The Tent Rocks, however, has been on my bucket list since I decided to move down here and due to Covid I still have not been able to see it. Between the amazing rock formations, and the hiking trails that surround it this has become a must-see destination for me. I don't want to see other people’s photos of it, it is something I am determined to experience for myself. Fingers crossed that 2023 is the year for it. 

Southeast New Mexico: This goes into the theme of being a tourist in my home state and there are three places that even after being here over a year I still want to make the trek to see. Those are Roswell, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad Caverns. I want to see the alien culture and tourism destinations that Roswell offers including the alien museum, and even famous fast-food restaurant shaped like a UFO. Carlsbad Caverns just seems fascinating, and fits into my desire to see new landscapes. It seems so incredible that all these caves are accessible. Alamogordo is all about the agriculture that is offered there and the chance to see a giant pistachio is an added bonus of somewhere else to stop while in the area. 

Route 66: This should come as no surprise. I have already experienced Moriarty, and the quirks of Route 66 in Albuquerque but this year must be the year to see it on all sides of the state. To the west Gallup has the famous El Rancho Hotel, Trading companies, and the history from when the Santa Fe Railroad went through it. To the east of course is Tucumcari which has one of the most photographed hotels in all of Route 66, The Blue Swallow. In addition is the famous Teepee Curios building, and all the other vintage neon signs. While those are the major towns there are also great small towns to stop at along the way like Grants with their great photo ops, and Santa Rosa with a classic car museum. My fascination for Route 66 has only magnified since I moved here, so it is not the time to see more of it. 

Breweries and Coffee Shops: This is one area I became complacent about last year, and while I still go to them, I have fallen into a routine of going to the same ones often. While there is nothing wrong with that New Mexico has so many independent coffee shops and breweries that it is time to just get out and explore again and try new beers like I did when I first moved down here. This should be easily achieved if I follow through with the top three items on this list because there is always going to be the need to stop along the way. I've always had an affinity for craft beer and coffee, so it is just time to become more adventurous about it again and find some new great beers from smaller places. 

While the year is young and that is the initial list of goals it goes without saying that it will only grow and evolve from there. With each adventure comes something new I see that I'll either stop at or put on the list of places to want to see. With each experience comes a new project I want to work on and will change directions. The year is so young, and so full of new opportunities I can't wait to see what it brings, and what I discover.

To see photos of my adventures check out my Instagram @the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx
To support my adventures check out www.patreon.com/thenmtx

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