THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR IN 2021

New Mexican town of Taos on their radar, but it’s often overlooked for Santa Fe. Come here, and you’ll still get the quirky art scene, snowy slopes, hatch chiles, and jaw-dropping landscapes found in Santa Fe, but at a lower price point and with fewer crowds. Taos is also loaded with active outdoor adventures, culture, and history, including the must-see Taos Pueblo, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site composed of multi-story adobe buildings. In 2021, Taos Pueblo will host a celebration for the anniversary of the Return of Blue Lake – in which sacred land was returned to the local indigenous people after over 64 years of federal control. Taos’ downtown area is also undergoing a quiet renaissance, with new galleries, boutique hotels, shops, and a craft distillery.

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA

California’s Central Coast is a favorite getaway destination for folks who live in San Francisco or Los Angeles, but it’s often overlooked by other travelers. SLO CAL may seem like a write-off, as it’s easy to assume there’s not much to see and do in the area. However, if you know where to look, you’ll find a laidback wine country, a health-conscious community, outdoor adventures, and food and drink that’ll take you back to local roots. Paso Robles has over 250 vineyards and 100 tasting rooms, making it an excellent, low-key alternative

to Napa Valley. You can also go kayaking in the Morro Bay National Estuary. Here, you’ll learn about the unique ecosystem and get upclose to a floating oyster farm, resident harbor seals, and a variety of birds, including the white pelicans. kashi Murakami, while creative event spaces like Blackhouse empower and support up-and-coming artists and musicians. Live music is very much a thing here, so grab some Texas BBQ , a cold beer, and soak in the local sounds.