ALAMOGORDO, NM: Stop by The Train Depot, IMAX Dome Theater, NM Museum of Space History Alameda Park Zoo. Travel distance from here? 56 miles. Info: Chamber, 575-437-2855 or www.alamogordo.com .
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT: These sprawling white dunes will leave you awestruck! Travel distance? 70 miles. Info: Visitors Center, 575-479-6124.
CAPITAN, NM: Smokey Bear Museum & Gift Shop, 102 Smokey Bear Blvd. Travel distance? 25 miles Info: Gift Shop, 575-354-2298 or via www.smokeybearpark.com.
ROSWELL, NM: UFO Museum & Research Center, 114 N. Main Street.
THE BURNT WELL GUEST RANCH is like a Dude Ranch: Saddle-up & join in! Directions & Info: 866-729-0974 or www.burntwellguestranch.com. Travel distance? 75 miles.
LINCOLN, NM: Billy the Kid, Buffalo Soldier & Lincoln County War history abounds here! Travel distance? 32 miles. Info: 575-653-653-4025.
SUNSPOT NATIONAL OBSERVATORY: Sunspot, NM. Experience this observatory situated at 9200 breathtaking feet in altitude via a self-guided tour! Admission: $2 Adults, $1 Kids 10-18 & seniors 55+ & kids 9 & under free. Open daily 10-4. Info: 575-437-7000
CLOUDCROFT, NM: This mountain village has a cute midtown area, as we do but sits at 9,000 feet in altitude! Travel distance? 47 miles. Info: Chamber, 575-682-2733 or www.cloudcroft.net