New Mexico: Taos and the Enchanted Circle Tour
Score: 70

"The rich mixture of Anglo, Hispano, and Pueblo cultures gives authenticity that few places can rival." Yet there are rising concerns that the area "has lost a lot of its rustic character over the last decade." It's hoped that the new Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area will help on that front.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"Spectacular landscape and rich mixture of Anglo, Hispanic, and Pueblo cultures give authenticity that few places can rival. Very fragile, with swings between upscale development and small communities where the loss of just a couple of families may turn the tide on viability. Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area is a start, but the whole ecosystem needs to be guarded."

"New development is not always sympathetic to the Native American heritage and new buildings around the main roads often look like cheesy knock-offs of the 'Santa Fe style.' I love this region, but it has lost a lot of its rustic character over the past decade."

"Very authentic place, with a diverse, strong, sometimes competing culture. Its cultural integrity is quite high, and the built heritage is fairly well protected and well presented. Fortunately, it does not seem to be interested in the growth of surrounding areas (e.g. Santa Fe)."

"I like that legalized gambling, part of the original Pueblo society, has been incorporated in a low-key way that seems to benefit the community."