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The classic, rural New Mexican town of Socorro is your next stop. Wander the historic downtown and check out the 17th-century San Miguel Mission, three blocks north of the plaza. Then grab breakfast or lunch at the popular Socorro Springs Brewing Co. The restaurant brews its own beer. Head west on Hwy 60 for 40 miles to Hwy 52 and south 4 miles to visit the Very Large Array Radio Telescope. If the setting looks familiar, it’s because you’ve seen it in the Jodie Foster alien classic Contact. Set in a Y-shaped configuration, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s giant telescope consists of 27 huge antenna dishes (82ft wide and weighing 240 tons apiece) sprouting from the high plains like a mother ship docking station. So what’s the point, besides looking cool and being in a movie set – what is with stars and stars on this trip anyway? Well, the radio waves collected have increased humankind’s understanding of the phenomena making up the surface of the sun and other planets.

When you’ve finished contemplating the space-time continuum, or at least tried to make contact with Mars, take the long-road to your final destination. Hwy 52 winds south from the big telescope through wild country and ghost towns before popping out on I-25 just north of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico’s best kooky town. End your astronomy adventure staring at the star studded sky from the 112°F-warm comfort of heavy mineral water in an outdoor tub at Charles Motel & Bath House, where you can also sleep.

Becca Blond

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Las Vegas, NM, is located on I-25, 65 miles east of Santa Fe. Hwy 85 (Grand Ave) parallels the interstate and is the main thoroughfare.

DO

New Mexico Skies

Digs at this stargazing B&B are in simple knotty pine cottages or a family apartment. Advance reservations required. 575-687-2429; www.nmskies.com; off Hwy 82, east of Cloudcroft; 1-/2-bedroom apt from $150, 3-bedroom home from $250

Sacramento Peak Observatory

The world’s largest solar observatory is used mostly by scientists, but public tours are offered three days a week in summer. 575-434-7000; Hwy 130 south of Cloudcroft; visitors center 10am-4pm

San Miguel Mission

Originally built as a small church by the Spaniards, it was expanded into a mission in the 1620s, and remains Socorro’s star historical attraction. 575-835-1620; 403 El Camino Real, Socorro; admission free

Star Hill Inn

Astronomy buffs will dig this experience-based inn, where nights are spent looking through a telescope. 505-425-5605; www.starhillinn.com; 247 Las Dispensas Rd, Sapello; cottages $170-380

Very Large Array Radio Telescope

The radio waves collected by the enormous dishes here collect data to help scientists understand the mechanics behind geophysics. VLA; www.vla.nrao.edu; Hwy 52; admission free; 8:30am-sunset

White Sands National Monument

Driving loops and hiking trails cross the 275 sq miles of stark, rolling dunes. 575-679-2599; www.nps.gov/whsa; 15 miles southwest of Hwy 82/70; admission $3; 8am-7pm Jun-Aug, to 5pm Sep-May

SLEEP & EAT

Charles Motel & Bath House

An affordable retro 1940s motor-court motel with the hottest mineral water in town. Offers spa with ayurvedic treatments, sauna, massage and holistic healing. 575-894-7154; www.charlesspa.com; 601 Broadway, Truth or Consequences; r $41-47

Rebecca’s

Rebecca’s runs a longstanding favorite Sunday brunch and serves the best food in Cloudcroft. 575-682-3131; 1 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft; mains $6-25; 7am-9.30pm

Socorro Springs Brewing Company

An airy place serving calzones, decent pasta dishes, homemade soups and big breakfasts. 575-838-0650; 1012 N California St, Socorro; mains $6-11; 6:30am-10pm Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm Sat & Sun;

Super Chief Coffee Bar

If you’re hungry, it’s worth getting off I-25 just to eat at this relatively new café serving healthy, organic fare and the best coffee in town. There’s wi-fi. 505-454-1360; 514 Grand Ave, Las Vegas; mains $4-19; 6.30am-2pm

USEFUL