Sonny's Scenic Detours: New Mexico

My brother, Saffron, is my guide for this leg of the trip. He’s an artist who lives in Santa Fe, crafting stunning miniatures out of clay. As the eldest of the family (by a whopping 12 minutes), Saffron has a knack for balancing creative exploration with solid advice. We’re here to uncover New Mexico’s hidden gems and, of course, exchange sibling banter along the way.

New Mexico: A Brief History

New Mexico boasts a rich and diverse history. It’s home to some of the earliest human inhabitants in North America, with evidence of the Clovis people dating back over 13,000 years. The state’s name comes from the Spanish “Nuevo México,” coined in the 16th century during Spain’s quest for new territories.

In 1610, Santa Fe was established, making it the oldest state capital in the U.S. New Mexico became a U.S. territory in 1850 but didn’t achieve statehood until 1912, making it the 47th state to join the Union. Throughout its history, New Mexico has been a cultural melting pot, blending Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American influences. This diversity is reflected in its art, architecture, and cuisine.

A Necessary Purchase: Mouse-Sized Backpack

Before starting my journey, I made a crucial purchase for New Mexico—a tiny, rodent-sized backpack. Let me tell you, this little thing is a game-changer. It fits my journal, snacks (cheese crackers, of course), and even my camera. As someone who’s constantly on the move, having a compact way to carry my essentials is invaluable.

To get a human-sized backpack that is perfect for travel, click here and read my review in Sonny Reccomends.

Quirky Stop of the Week: Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return

First up on our New Mexico itinerary was Meow Wolf, an immersive art installation in Santa Fe. Let me tell you, this place is wild! Picture yourself stepping into a house where every door and wardrobe leads to a different dimension. The neon lights, surreal sculptures, and interactive spaces blew my tiny mouse mind. Even as a mouse, I found secret crawl spaces that felt just my size! If you’re ever in New Mexico, this spot is a must-visit.

Travel Tip: Always ask locals for recommendations. Saffron mentioned Meow Wolf before I even arrived, and it turned out to be a highlight of the trip.

Hidden Gem: Tinkertown Museum

On a whim, we drove out to the Sandia Mountains to visit the quirky Tinkertown Museum. It’s a collection of handcrafted miniatures, antique toys, and circus memorabilia. As someone who appreciates all things small, I felt right at home here. Plus, they had a vintage fortune-telling machine that gave Saffron a surprisingly accurate prediction: “You’ll soon have cheese-related joy.” (Spoiler alert: we did!)

Collectible of the Week: From Tinkertown, I snagged a tiny carved figurine to add to my collection. It’ll remind me of this whimsical place and my penchant for finding the extraordinary.

Exploring New Mexico’s Natural Wonders

Of course, no trip to New Mexico would be complete without taking in its stunning landscapes. We made a stop at White Sands National Park, home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Walking across those shimmering white sands, I felt like I was in a mouse-sized winter wonderland—except it was warm and sunny!

Another highlight was Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where we descended into a vast underground world filled with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites. Saffron and I marveled at the grandeur of the caverns, and I even managed to sneak into a few tight spots for a closer look.

Historical Note: White Sands has been a site of cultural significance for thousands of years, with evidence of early Native American presence. Meanwhile, Carlsbad Caverns was declared a national monument in 1923, later becoming a national park in 1930.

Rodent-Size Perspective: Advantages and Challenges

Being a mouse has its perks and pitfalls. On the one hand, I can sneak into tight spots for a unique view, like climbing through the nooks and crannies of Meow Wolf. On the other hand, navigating human-sized spaces can be tricky. Saffron always makes sure I’m secure during car rides, tucking me into a custom-made cup holder.

Mouse Travel Tip: Always travel light. The less you carry, the easier it is to scurry quickly when needed.

Final Thoughts on Week 1

New Mexico has set the bar high for this adventure. Between the mesmerizing art installations, quirky roadside stops, and family bonding with Saffron, my first week on the road was unforgettable. Next up: Arizona, where my sister Sage awaits to show me the wonders of the desert. I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store.

For now, I’ll leave you with this: life’s an adventure, no matter your size. Don’t be afraid to chase the unexpected and make memories along the way.

Until next week,
Sonny
"Big Adventures for a Little Mouse"

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