12 destinations to visit in 2012 - latimes.com

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New MexicoNew MexicoNew MexicoLondonLondonNew YorkNew YorkNew YorkOahuOahuOahuSalt Lake City and environsSalt Lake City and environsSalt Lake City and environsPortland, Ore., and Willamette wine countryPortland, Ore., and Willamette wine countryPortland, Ore., and Willamette wine countryNecker IslandNecker IslandNecker IslandMyanmarMyanmarMyanmarNew ZealandNew ZealandNew ZealandWashington, D.C., with a Virginia side tripWashington, D.C., with a Virginia side tripBentonville, Ark.Bentonville, Ark.ChicagoChicagoChicago

This year, New Mexicans mark 100 years of statehood. But much of the state's appeal stems from its human history that goes back much further. (In 2010, Santa Fe celebrated 400 years of cityhood.) Explore here: the adobe architecture and art galleries of Santa Fe; the vintage signage along old Route 66; the lingering hippie vibe of Truth or Consequences. Don't forget the Lightning Field, an art installation outside Quemado where (for $150 to $250 a person) you spend a summer night in a wood cabin and wait to see if lightning will strike one of the 400 tall steel poles outside your door. Even if there's no strike, the sky puts on shows at sunset and sunrise that will leave you in awe.
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<i>Pictured: A statue of 19th century Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy in downtown Santa Fe.</i>

Santa Fe

( Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Timies )

A statue of 19th century Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy stands in downtown Santa Fe, across the street from the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum.

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