The New Mexico Tourism Department announced today that its New Mexico True Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail has been honored with the top spot in the “Best Food Trail” category by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Beating out 19 other tough contenders like the Mississippi Seafood Trail, Oregon Cheese Trail and Arizona Salsa Trail, the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail remained in the top spot during most of the voting period, proving that readers know nothing in the nation beats a juicy, spicy New Mexico green chile cheeseburger.

“We know that culinary interests are a huge motivator for travel, and we see more and more people planning their vacations around food,” said Rebecca Latham, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “The Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail is a literal road map to the best burgers in the state, and now we have evidence that America is craving the unique and savory cuisine that can be found only in New Mexico.”

The trail was created in 2008 and includes more than 100 spots throughout the state. In addition to the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, the Tourism Department has also created the New Mexico True Breakfast Burrito Byway, New Mexico True Culinary Treasures, and the New Mexico Ale Trail as fun options for residents and out-of-state visitors alike to explore every corner of the state based on what they are craving.

“It’s impossible to pick a favorite out of all of New Mexico’s incredible green chile cheeseburgers, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying,” said Latham.  “It’s a personal mission to try a green chile cheeseburger at each of these restaurants, and I encourage New Mexicans to get out and see for themselves why the New Mexico True Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail is receiving this national attention.”

To see all the locations on the New Mexico True Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, and even to plan your upcoming weekend around it, go to http://www.newmexico.org/trails/green-chile-cheeseburger-trail.