BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

There is something about being in The Gila Wilderness that makes us feel at ease, forgeting about all of our troubles and just being in the moment to experience the beauty of the world around.

Southeastern New Mexico: Caves, Casinos and Culture

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A short jaunt away is Artesia, where you can experience art and culture on the street downtown. A series of bronze statues are positioned within the downtown district on Artesia’s History in Bronze and Downtown Walking Tour. It begins at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center in the historic train depot and stops at the impressive Artesia Public Library, home to a 46-foot Peter Hurd mural. The artwork was rescued from a downtown Houston building slated for demolition. Call (575) 746.2744 for more details.

The diverse and dramatic geology in this region features flat expanses of seemingly endless prairie connecting to the foothills of the Sacramento mountains, in which the villages of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso nestle. There are gambling venues to be explored in and around Ruidoso, including the many amenities and luxury of the Inn of The Mountain Gods, and Billy the Kid Casino and Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

To the south is Carlsbad, where Carlsbad Caverns National Park invites visitors to trek beneath the earth’s surface to see dozens of limestone caves. Bats that sleep in them by day fill the evening sky as they head out in a cloud of black to hunt insects. Reservations must be purchased online or by calling (877) 444.6777. Reservations only secure an entry time; entrance tickets must still be purchased upon arrival at the visitor center.

In Lincoln County, see the courthouse where notorious outlaw Billy the Kid shot his way out of jail. New Mexico’s most visited historic site, Lincoln offers an immersive experience hearkening back to a violent period in the state’s historythe Lincoln County Wars.

A short drive away from Lincoln is Fort Stanton, established to protect settlements along the Rio Bonito in the Apache Wars. Built in 1855 as a U.S. military fort, this is the largest of New Mexico’s state historic sites. Kit Carson, Billy the Kid and Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry all lived at Fort Stanton. Confederate forces occupied the outpost in the beginning of the American Civil War, and later it served as America's first federal tuberculosis sanatorium.

If possible, be sure to visit the UFO Museum in Roswell, open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily, with an admission fee of $4 to $7 depending on age and military status.

Nearby, take a spin to Bottomless Lakes State Park. It lies 14 miles southeast of Roswell, where sinkholes range to 90 feet deep. The park’s recreation area is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Check the website for closures and construction updates: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov.

North-Central New Mexico: History, Art, Culture

THE LARGEST CITY in the state, the oldest state capital in the country, world-class art communities, an authentic railroad town, and excellent accommodations can all be found in New Mexico’s NorthCentral quadrant cities of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, and neighboring towns.

Majestic mountains rise abruptly from great expanses of plains, falling off to wooded river valleys. This diverse terrain provides a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, cycling and mountain biking. Just as varied are the surrounding communities, which comprise a mix of small-town charm, bucolic serenity, and a sleepy mountain-ringed village.

Make some time to experience the rich history and culture of Belen, founded in 1740 and interwoven with Spanish, German, and other cultures. The community boasts an original Harvey House and offers a glimpse at what this historic railroad town looked like in the early 1900s. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities.

Birders, golfers, art lovers, historians and campers will find plenty of entertainment in Socorro. Check out the City’s website for a full list of activities available in the area, including walking tours, dirt biking, and shopping and dining.

If you like games of chance, then try your luck at Route 66 Casino on Interstate 25, west of Albuquerque. The casino