Book excerpt: An illuminating, in- depth guide to the real, living New Mexico New Mexico-based author Sharon Niederman has been traveling, writing about, and photographing her home state for over two decades. In this third revised and updated edition of Explorer’s Guide New Mexico, she brings readers the very best of New Mexico’s cuisine, lodging, and natural environment. With this comprehensive guide, you can explore spectacularly breathtaking hikes and drives, discover treasures created by local artists, find festivals that celebrate native traditions, get indispensable advice on local attractions, and meet the people who will make your visit to the Land of Enchantment the experience of a lifetime. Sites include: • Manhattan Project National Historic Park • Taos and the Enchanted Circle • Santa Fe Trail Region • Route 66 Country