We have a home in the mountains 3 1/2 hours away (Angelfire) --
great museums, and good jumping off spot to spend a day or two in the mountains in the Sante de Christo range (Southern rockies) in Anglefire, Red River, Taos (the Enchanted Circle) -- great hiking, horseback riding, trout fishing, Summerfest activities, including hot air balloon races/rides, lots of great art studios in Taos. Daytime temp today in Angelfire was a high of 75, low tonight is 36 -- will be that way the rest of the week. Even in July and August, it might get to 80-85 daytime, with only 30 % or less humidity; and drops to higgh 30's or low 40's at night.
Santa Fe is a must -- fantastic art scene (and lots of very good art, oil paintings, etc by artists who are up and coming that you can afford) --
Southwest Art is a very good magazine that showcases both established artists and those up and coming -- Western art, wildlife art, landscapes -- I promise you will find something that you like that is affordable for your budget and will showcase your home when you hang it on the wall. Then, there are the restaurants -- just an incredible take on SW cuisine. Drive thru the New Mexico Grasslands
national park/refuge areas and see the prairie as it was before the railroads -- herds of pronghorns, etc. One of my best friends took his wife and 2 sons on a 10 day vacation to New Mexico last summer at our urging and he said it was one of the best vacations they have had. You also might pick up a copy of New Mexico magazine and check out the summer calendar in it. Hope this helps.
