The toughest decision you’ll make this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend is not if you will go somewhere- it’s where you’ll go.

The easiest decision you’ll have is what to eat when get there - thanks to your friends at the New Mexico Tourism Department, who are serving up a second helping of one of the most popular web-based promotions ever, the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail (www.newmexico.org/burgers).

Restaurant owners, staff, and patrons were encouraged to vote for their favorites for inclusion on the Trail throughout the month of April 2011 and vote they did. A culinary committee added a few more of note in outlying areas so that visitors would have great options from border to border.

The winners were unveiled today (May 26, 2011) at a press conference at 5 Star Burgers in Albuquerque. All together 66 restaurants with more than 100 locations statewide are included on the trail. Online visitors will also find the “honor roll” of all restaurants nominated by their legions of fans statewide.

“What could make for a better summer trip for family and friends than sampling New Mexico’s best burgers topped with New Mexico’s best chile?” asked Monique Jacobson, Secretary of the Tourism Department. “Today’s travelers frequently cite culinary attractions as a major reason to visit a destination. The Trail not only showcases the state’s unique food heritage, it also encourages all of us to enjoy our incredible state. I encourage everyone to make New Mexico the focus of their Memorial Day weekend travel plans.”

A few of New Mexico’s biggest summer kick-off celebrations are listed below, but don’t let big crowds stop you from making plans. Chances are there is a celebration taking place in your little corner of New Mexico.
Call around or check http://www.newmexico.org/calendar/events/ for a happening near you.

• Get ready for the rumble as 20,000 bikers from all different backgrounds line Main Street for the annual Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally in Red River through Monday (May 30, 2011). Live music can be found all over town, along with vendors carrying everything from leather and lace, to food and fun. Make sure you ride the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway while you're here - an 83-mile loop through northern New Mexico's most beautiful scenery. Monday morning everyone heads out together to visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Angel Fire, then it’s back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit www.redriver.org

• Thousands of people from across New Mexico and surrounding states will head to Silver City to hear the rising stars of blues music and savor the local culture during Mimbres Region Arts Council’s annual Silver City Blues Festival Friday –Sunday (May 27-29). Events at Gough Park are free to the public. Visit www.mimbresarts.org

• The rivers of San Juan County are celebrated with a festival of music, fine arts, food, arts & crafts, entertainment, a 10K and 5K run and walk, riverside trail walks and river raft rides during Riverfest Friday-Sunday. Visit www.riverreachfoundation.com

• Not only is the Hike It and Spike It 4-on-4 Charity Flag Football Tournament at Cielo Grande Park in Roswell the world’s largest annual flag football tournament and a treat for the participants who battle it out on 39 fields; it is also a hoot for the estimated 25,000 players and spectators that descend on this Southeast New Mexico city. Visit roswellgridiron.com

• Located at the famous Balloon Fiesta Fairgrounds, the Albuquerque Wine Festival Saturday-Monday combines wines from around the state, arts and crafts, food, live music and educational opportunities. Visit www.nmwine.com

• Not to be outdone, the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival at Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds in Las Cruces Saturday-Monday is also a treat for the entire family. Visit www.snmwinefestival.com

To find out if your favorite green chile cheeseburger made the Trail, interactive maps, fun trip ideas and more, visit www.newmexico.org/burgers.