In 2023 H.I. looks forward to the “new normal” as wellness redefines itself. We will talk with leaders in the field, explore new journeys and opportunities and reflect on our intentions for the New Year.
This year HERITAGE INSPIRATIONS continues to create authentically curated guided travel experiences that nourish the culture, natural lands, and local economy that sustains us. We understand our guests’ need for sustainable travel opportunities that build communities and help preserve traditions. Please check out our reimagined newsletter which features easy to find updates and insights that reflect H.I. ‘s journey to cultivate “Travel for Good.”
This month as icicles drip from the boughs of sturdy of ponderosa pines and smoke puffs from piñon fires seem to freeze in midair, we welcome back the return of the light. No place is quite like New Mexico during the holidays. A confluence of cultures: from streets lined with farolitos (brown paper bags weighted with sand, aglow from an interior candle), to Pueblo plazas illuminated with ceremonial bonfires and carols bellowing from adobe churches that ring through night.
This year Heritage Inspirations looks beyond the packages, parcels, hustle and bustle that define the holidays. We explore what it means to give the gift of experience. How to make your winter dreams come true and pave the way for magic throughout the year.
I love this time of year as it turns our focus on gratitude for all the gifts 2022 has unwrapped. There is no greater joy than honoring each of our guests for playing a vital role in Heritage Inspirations (H.I.) story, as well as recognizing the dedication and passion that our H.I. local guides and staff weave into the fabric of our mission. Lastly, our local partners bring the story, the offering and the warmth that nourish our guests and inspire our immersive tour experiences. H.I. continues to evolve learning from our supporters how to do our job with more intention, humility, and innovation. New Mexico is a state with limitless traditions, wild lands, and artistic creativity. The H.I. Tribe believes that travel can be a tool for transformation and preservation.
This edition we give thanks for our supporters as we raise awareness about their efforts to preserve our culture, sacred lands, and precious water. Please read along to discover more about the organizations and individuals who fortify New Mexico’s unique identity in this season of thanks and giving.
At Heritage Inspirations culture is never “out of season” and our inspirational tours transport you into the center of our thriving art community.
This week we visit with Executive Director + Curator Davison Koenig of the Couse-Sharp Historic Site in Taos, New Mexico. The grounds of this historic site are often our first stop on our Taos Artisan Walking Tour. Read along to find out more about the Taos Society of Artists, the art, the relationships and the culture they inspired.
As the nights grow longer and the Aspens flicker with autumn gold, it is a time to turn inward, peel back the layers of the year, and connect with the elemental rhythms of nature. No place is like New Mexico in the fall. Startling blue skies articulate every ledge and rock formation of our rose hued canyons. Blooming Chamisa recall the golden hues of oil paintings by the Taos Society of Artists and Red-Tailed Hawks trace the archetypal patterns of the “widening gyre.” *
This year Heritage Inspirations has developed incredibly poignant experiences designed to connect our guests to the stillness of our land, the cadence of ancient practices, and the sanctuary of self-discovery. Our 3 Night – 4 Day High Desert Wellness Retreat, southwest of Abiquiu, in the Chama river basin synthesizes these intentions in the luxury of a H.I. glamping immersion.
Many visitors to the state of New Mexico pass through Albuquerque as a portal to their vacation without really understanding the city’s distinct magic. Albuquerque has an artsy, contemporary vibe, with Route 66 architecture, shady adobe neighborhoods, farmers’ markets, and sustainable restaurants. But more importantly, Albuquerque thrives as a cultural destination rich with Puebloan and Hispanic traditions. Situated at the base of the Sandia Mountains, in an agricultural valley fed by the Rio Grande, Albuquerque is the unexpected gem of the American southwest.
This edition we explore the wonders of Albuquerque. See our inhouse custom map to find out more about the region’s awe-inspiring cultural and adventure destinations. We also visit with Balloon Pilot Peggy Billson and Photographer Allen Morrison to discuss why the Duke City inspires the “Art of Possibility.”
This edition we take a look at the many facets of Taos Pueblo history and how it translates to a contemporary Native identity. H.I. is committed to partner and grow with Taos Pueblo as we engage with Tribal guides, as well as, create experiences that will contextualize Taos Pueblo with the land and the artistry of the region.
Join us as we explore the impact of travel with Taos Pueblo Director of Tourism Ilona Spruce and H.I. CEO Angelisa Espinoza Murray, and ask the question “what is good change?” The answers are layered with many considerations. Inspired by the traditions of the Pueblo, H.I. strives to walk in harmony with the land, people, and culture it engages.
This edition we will explore the many treasures of our region (see our in-house map!) as well as ask the question, “How can travel nourish the magic of Taos?” Here at Heritage Inspirations we have created pint-size tours that support small businesses, engage local and Tribal Member guides, offer locally sourced and sustainable menus, and provide a researched and insightful history of the region. This week we meet with the Karina Armijo Director of Marketing + Tourism for the Town of Taos as we take an in depth look into sustainable tourism.
This discussion is all the more salient as we welcome back the opening of Taos Pueblo and the return of H.I. Taos Pueblo offerings. Join us for our next newsletter when we meet with Ilona Spruce Director of Tourism + Marketing for Taos Pueblo and explore the balance of inspirational, sustainable and culturally sensitive travel. We are very excited that Taos Pueblo is now open, but please respect the fact that Taos Pueblo is a living community and visitor hours may vary due to the needs of the Pueblo.
This edition we look at the connection between culture, nature, and discovery as we visit with Angelisa Espinoza Murray H.I. CEO and Cultural Designer Kris Lasjeskie. Their unique friendship reflects a mutual commitment to cultural preservation. Both women believe in the importance of connecting with land, honoring the sacred, and creating from the heart. Read along to find out more about the confluence of these elemental forces.
Every year visitors flock to the Land of Enchantment for high altitude breezes, pristine rivers, cultural festivals, local cuisine, and the chance to reconnect with a deeper self. And while these opportunities are plentiful, Heritage Inspirations deeply understands the essentials of summer and how to make the days of this fleeting season count.
Some of us may feel that in our hometowns we are burning up on the asphalt of the freeways or that we are confined to the glow of zoom meetings as the air conditioner puffs along in the background. We dream of carefree days of rivers, bikes, changing clouds, wilderness hikes, and the laughter of friends. Read along and discover what gives us the insider’s advantage as we explore the hidden treasures of our beloved state.
H.I. has crafted complimentary tours to Santa Fe’s most celebrated markets and festivals so you can design a whole week of activities and discovery around your visit. Whether you pair a Private Vault Dinner at the Spanish Colonial Art Museum with an afternoon visiting with the booths at Spanish Market, or you enhance your trip to Indian Market Santa Fe with a Gardens + Galleries E-Bike tour, H.I. has anticipated your curiosity and has built cohesive itineraries that go beyond the beaten tourist path.
In this newsletter we are honored to visit with New Mexico artist Victor Goler. Victor is an award winning Santero (one who makes religious images in the southwest US) and a conservator of New Mexico Art. Read along as he shares his life story with the same rich detail and vibrant color that illuminate his unforgettable carvings.
This week, we dig a little deeper as we explore the transformative powers of the Chaco experience. Author and guide Daniel Gibson shares reflections of sublime beauty, adventure, and curiosity in his article “Chaco Wonderings.” And then we are honored to interview former Chaco Park Interpretive Ranger and Night Sky Program Founder GB Cornucopia, as he inspires us to have a more direct connection with nature and the stars above.
In this newsletter we visit with Heritage Inspirations owner and founder Angelisa Murray to learn more about her personal journey with Chaco Cultural Historical Site and her passion to create immersive experiences and storytelling stewardship of the land.
This month we focus on the magic of New Mexico’s rivers and the vital role they play in our delicate ecosystems. H.I. has partnered with New Mexico River Adventures to create socially responsible Culinary/River adventures. NMRA is known for their wealth of experience, professionalism, sustainability, and down to earth fun. Read our Meet the Makers interview with co-founder and guide Wendy Gonthram to find out more. This spring and summer we invite you to discover why rivers pair so nicely with good food, good wine, and good friends.
We can feel ourselves come alive again as the snow melt loosens from the jagged peaks of the Rockies and joins the gushing currents of our New Mexico’s rivers. High desert plateaus rejuvenate with flowering cacti, otters frolic in secret eddies, and Canada geese, in long rope formations, return to their nesting grounds.
This spring travel takes on new significance as we begin to emerge after two years of hunkering down during the pandemic. Record numbers of Americans stopped going to the office and to the school room. We stayed home, refrained from travel, and held the course.
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s vital contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women play a critical role in the culture and rich traditions that make New Mexico so remarkable. They are also essential for sustaining these traditions and rebirthing them into a form that survives in the present day.
Albuquerque (Burque) is an oasis in the high desert, full of rich traditions and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From the petroglyph mesas etched into the western cliffs around the City to sacred deep red rocks that coat the majestic bluffs to cliff dwellings and the historic Turquoise Trail, there is an outdoor adventure tugging on the soul to get after it.
Winter is a magical time in New Mexico, as the high desert mountains are covered with sparkling snow crystals that contrast with the bright turquoise sky creating a winter wonderland. The arid climate means that the snow is light and fluffy while the sunlight makes the snow glisten and sparkle like enchanting snow diamonds. It is a beautiful time to get outside and explore the wide open spaces of New Mexico on skis, snowshoes, or by foot.
We welcome 2022 here in the Land of Enchantment with magical sunrises and sunsets that cast intoxicating light across our arid landscapes illuminated by snow diamonds. HI CEO Angelisa explains, “I think the ethereal light and intentional alignment against our distinct architectures is often what imprints upon the soul and memory when exploring this wild and cultural gem.” Here at Heritage Inspirations, our team has worked creatively together to introduce innovation into the crafting of our Monthly Newsletters and Travel Blogs. We are passionate about the people and places that inspire our tour development and we want to highlight that and take you off the beaten path with insider stories written by our tribe.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR HERITAGE INSPIRATIONS TRIBE!
As we settle in to enjoy the enchanting holiday traditions of New Mexico and spend time with loved ones, we are also celebrating the amazing year that we had in 2021. We returned to the mission we love the most – guiding tours with each of you. Among the shifting currents, on the heels of a year of shutdowns and travel restrictions we were overwhelmed with a sense of vitality and purpose. Energized, we created new programs and grew our tribe. We feel a deep sense of gratitude to be able to share our home with you on every experience among culture, heritage and the wild landscapes of New Mexico. Thank you for choosing us to introduce you to the place that impassions us the most.
The smell of piñon crackling in the fireplace is a sure sign that winter has arrived in New Mexico. The luscious fragrance of winter in New Mexico evokes nostalgic memories transporting you to a simpler time. We gather to make tamales in grandma’s kitchen, the aroma of spicy red chile blends perfectly with the cinnamon and anise from the bizcochitos. Snow falls softly outside, and when we open the window, we get a whiff of the earthen fragrance from the wet adobe as the snow moistens the walls. Feliz navidad plays in the background while relatives laugh and tell stories.
We started our ebike tours on August 5, 2020 and they have been one of the highlights of our year. We are so grateful to all of you for joining us on this adventure as we transcend boundaries and your curiosities through our ethically curated, intimate, and immersive tours. Guests love the experience of gliding through the undiscovered corners of Santa Fe and Albuquerque and uncovering the hidden gems off the tourist path. These tours give you an insight into the history, art, and culture that can only be discovered this way.
Wednesday was the Equinox officially marking the start of fall, one of the most beautiful times here in New Mexico as we transition from summer to winter. The mornings and evenings are cool and crisp, but the days are still sunny and warm. You can smell the green chile roasting on every corner and the leaves are changing to hues of red, orange and yellow coloring the hills and mountains. Join us as we welcome fall in the Land of Enchantment.
The seasons are shifting here in New Mexico and you can feel it in the air. This is one of the best times to visit New Mexico as we sit on the edge of summer. The mornings are crisp and fresh and the sky is illuminated with hues of pinks and orange as the sun rises to warm up the day. We have been blessed with beautiful monsoons this summer painting the earth various lush shades of green. You experience the early signs of fall with all of your senses.
Travel deep into the hidden cracks of New Mexico that constitute the essence of our great state, with hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect on a visceral level with the elements, stories, and people. Explore the tapestry of the Land of Enchantment through encounters with our living heritage which weaves together deep rooted history and traditions of the people cultivating synergies among the cultures that define New Mexico.
What better way to bond and adventure with your family than exploring the Land of Enchantment with a local guide who takes you beyond the ordinary tourist route. Create magical moments that will last a lifetime on HI’s family adventures.
New Mexico is a sacred land with deep native american roots and majestic natural wonders. HI wellness retreats are a chance to disconnect from the stresses of the outside world and reset your inner light. Our excursions focus on combining sacred healing techniques of the land with a therapeutic quenching to connect the wild and healing sanctuary of New Mexico.
Spring is here in the Land of Enchantment and we are emerging into the season with a new look. We are excited to introduce our new logo and the story behind the design. This is a great time to get outside and explore. Learn about our featured tours for this time of year in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos. Read about our partner, Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project and meet our new team members.
New Mexico is a sacred land with deep Native American roots and majestic natural wonders. HI wellness retreats are a chance to disconnect from the stresses of the outside world and reset your inner light. Our excursions focus on combining sacred healing techniques of the land with a therapeutic quenching to connect with the wild and healing sanctuary of New Mexico.
Explore the wild and hidden corners of the land of enchantment through the lens of your local guide as you adventure through the wide open spaces of New Mexico. From the natural cathedrals, spires and buttresses of the ancient rock in Georgia O’Keeffe’s “white place” to the old growth fragrant forests while floating on snow or hiking throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Heritage Inspirations delivers exceptionally dynamic adventures to hidden gems of our great state.
As we enter 2021 refreshed and ready for a new beginning, we thought deeply about what travel through the Land of Enchantment means to us and how we want to share these intimate experiences with our guests. Through this process we defined a new look based on 6 experience pillars that exemplify our tours and us as a company. We are excited to share these new pillars with you.