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mixed in with the new gourmet coffee shops, quirky galleries and Italian ice-cream parlors gracing its pretty Victorian downtown. Silver City is, especially by Southwestern New Mexican standards, a pretty happening place these days. The town attracts adventure addicts, who come to work and play in its some 15 mountain ranges, four rivers and action-packed Gila National Forest just outside its front door. It’s also home to a healthy student population – Western New Mexico University is based here. Ensconced in an elegant house from 1881, the Silver City Museum displays pottery, and mining and household artifacts from Silver City’s Victorian heyday. Its shop has a good selection of Southwestern books and gifts. Grab some food at Silver City’s most popular restaurant, Diane’s Restaurant & Bakery, which does a romantic dinner under dim lighting. Go back in the morning for breakfast, when you should order the Hatch Benedict eggs – the house take on the original is doused with the region’s beloved green chile pepper. Spend your last night on the Geronimo Trail at Silver City’s best sleeping spot, the venerable Palace Hotel. In a restored 1882 hostelry, it has 19 wonderful rooms kitted out with old-fashioned Territorial-era decor.

Becca Blond

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Truth or Consequences is located 150 miles due south of Albuquerque on I-25.

DO

Geronimo Springs Museum

Extensive place with minerals, local art and historical artifacts including prehistoric Mimbres pots. 505-894-6600; 211 Main St, Truth or Consequences; adult/student $3/1.50; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat

Percha museum

A museum and art gallery in a carefully restored period building. 575-895-5032; www.perchabank.com; Main St, Kingston; admission free; 10am-4pm Fri-Sun Jun-Aug

Silver City Museum

In an elegant Victorian home, the shop has a good selection of Southwestern books and gifts. 575-538-5921; www.silvercitymuseum.org; 312 W Broadway, Silver City; admission free; 9:30am-4:30pm Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun

EAT & SLEEP

Black Range Lodge

This mountain outpost is the perfect ghost-town sleep. 575-895-5652; www.blackrangelodge.com; 119 Main St, Kingston; r $80

Barbershop Café

Delicious sandwiches and desserts are served in appealing old-fashioned environs. 575-895-5283; 200 Main St, Hillsboro; mains $5-12; 11am-3pm Wed, Thu & Sun, to 8pm Fri & Sat

Diane’s Restaurant & Bakery

Order something doused in green chile at this popular eatery. 575-538-8722; 510 N Bullard St, Silver City; mains $10-25; 11am-2:30pm & 5-8:30pm Tue-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat & Sun

Los Arcos

The most upscale place to dine, inside or out, in town. 575-894-6200; 1400 N Date St, Truth or Consequences; mains $15-25; 5-10pm

Palace Hotel

Rooms that vary from small (with a double bed) to two-room suites (with king- or queen-size beds) outfitted with refrigerators, microwaves, phones and TVs. 575-388-1811; www.zianet.com/palacehotel; 106 W Broadway, Silver City; r from $45

Pine Knot Bar

Come to T or C’s top local hang-out for live Mexican music and dancing. 575-894-2714; 1400 E Riverside Dr, Truth or Consequences

Sierra Grand Lodge & Spa

Nonguests are charged $25 for the first person then $5 per additional person to use the pool. Rooms and suites are a mix of luxe and tranquil and have wi-fi access. 575-894-6976; www.sierragrandelodge.com; 501 McAdoo St, Truth or Consequences; r from $99

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.geronimotrail.com

www.livingghosttowns.com

LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner

TRIP

43 Out of This World

53 Hot Springs & Swimming Holes

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Stargazing New Mexico

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WHY GO Astronomers and romantics alike rejoice at New Mexico’s night sky: a black-velvet blanket sparkling with constellations of diamonds. With little light pollution and wide open spaces, stargazing here is pretty perfect. And from B&Bs to hot mineral springs, this trip takes you to the best places to watch the stars fall.

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TIME

5 days

DISTANCE

400 miles