- New Mexican red and green chile: regional staple in everything
- Sopapillas: fried pastry pillows, often with honey
- Enchiladas with red or green chile sauce
- Pueblo pottery and traditional Native American foods
- Native American pueblos and reservations: living cultures
- Santa Fe art scene: galleries, museums, and artist traditions
- White Sands National Park: dramatic white gypsum dunes
- Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque: colorful hot air balloons
Spanish is co-official; English and Spanish blend; Pueblo and tribal languages in communities.
- Chile question is asked everywhere (red, green, or both "Christmas"?)
- Respect for Native American cultures and sacred sites
- Tipping 15-18% is standard
- Art and culture are central to New Mexico identity