Customer Reviews

Moon Handbooks New Mexico

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently, for 10 days, drove around New Mexico (5th largest State among the 50), seeking this and experiencing that, and I took with me five guides (Moon's, Fodor's, Off the Beaten Path, Roadside History and N.M. Sanctuaries, Retreats, and Sacred Places). Though Fodor's was the best guide for selecting accommodations and eateries, Moon's guide excelled in historical and tidbit descriptions.

What set this guide apart is the history, superior maps (especially compared to Fodor's) and Stephen Metzger's straightforward, clear, writing style. Metzger's introduction to New Mexico section is outstanding (The Land, Flora and Fauna, History, Economy and the People). This is an important contribution to understanding the State completely skipped by Fodor's. Also, Metzger's history of regions, cities, towns and pueblos is exemplary.

Where the guide falters is the weak descriptions of accommodations and restaurants, IE "The hotel is distinctly decorated" or "a discreet little inn with 12 rooms on an alleyway". After reading Fodor's vivid descriptions this was a serious step back. Also few, if any, website addresses for lodgings are found, and in a 2003 publication that is a serious omission. (Fodor's has website addresses).

If you are primarily interested in finding the best dining experiences and great accommodations Fodor's is my pick. But, for a State guide that is strong on overview and excellent in the history are you can't beat Metzger (however, also check out Roadside History of New Mexico). Strongly Recommended

Moon Handbooks' New Mexico Guidebook (6th Edition) was the second Moon Handbook that I purchased. The first one I purchased was Nevada by Deke Castleman (also 6th Edition) - which is very helpful and fun to read, by the way. Unfortunately, it was obvious while reading the New Mexico guidebook that the author, Stephen Metzger, does not live in New Mexico, and often seems unfamiliar with the state throughout the book. I really would have liked to have more information about the city of Rio Rancho (only one page for a city of about 66,000 people!). I have traveled to New Mexico twice since purchasing this book and have discovered a lot of beautiful places, good restaurants, and unusual retail establishments that were not mentioned. Although it does have some good information (better than most about New Mexico), this book barely scratches the surface.

This handbook is a comprehensive travel guide for New Mexico--it covers all of the state, not just the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos areas.

The 1991 edition of the handbook opens with a brief introduction to the state, detailing the landscape, geography, history, food, and other aspects of New Mexico.

For cities and towns highlighted, there are recommendations for motels and restaurants, and, if applicable, recreation, museums, and annual events.

There are eight pages of color photos, a New Mexico quiz, a list of books for further reading, and a glossary.

The handbook contains all of the information one would need when traveling in the Land of Enchantment.

Terrific information, a must buy for anyo camper/hiker visiting New Mexico.