There aren’t many places in the United States that boast dark skies, millions of acres of unspoiled nature to explore, a historical downtown and a vibrant cultural scene. One of those rare gems is Silver City, New Mexico, a small mountain town nestled in the southwest corner of New Mexico.

The area’s small-town charm is around every corner downtown. With more than 30 art galleries and studios, as well as annual arts-focused festivals and public art installations, Silver City draws in art lovers and aspiring artists each year. Plan your visit around iconic events like the Silver City Clay Festival, Southwest Print Fiesta, Silver City Blues Festival, Fiesta Latina, or the Silver City Film Festival. Then, stick around town to shop for locally made jewelry, pottery, and more. Be sure to swing by the Farmer’s Markets to enjoy local produce and hand-crafted items. 

With zero light pollution and some of the darkest skies in the world, if you love the stars, you’ve come to the right place. Casitas de Gila guest houses offer free telescopes for the astronomy buff. Find out more at: https://www.casitasdegila.com/astronomy.html. City of Rocks State Park is known for its spectacular dark-night sky viewing, with a dazzling display of stars, constellations, planets and other wonders of the universe. An onsite high-powered telescope will enhance your views. Time your visit to attend one of the springtime Stars-n-Parks astronomy programs at City of Rocks and explore the night sky with a formal presentation and telescope observations. The National Public Observatory sponsors the events, which also take place at Rockhound State Park. For more information, go to: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/city-of-rocks-state-park/

For the outdoors enthusiasts, explore the vast 3.3 million-acre Gila Wilderness, the first wilderness designated by congress. Hike, bike, fish, or relax in natural hot springs, or take it to the next level with rock climbing. Discover the hidden, secret places in cliff walls and marvel at the natural beauty of the Catwalk National Recreation Area or the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which was home to ancestral Mogollon people.  

While visiting Silver City, explore the area’s storied past as a mining town. Get a glimpse of Silver City in years gone by while you stroll through the historic downtown area, which showcases architecture and remnants, including the preserved Victorian homes along Bullard Street. Take a morning or an afternoon to visit the Silver City Museum and view over 20,000 objects relating to the history of southwest New Mexico. 

Silver City is not just a destination, but an experience and an opportunity to immerse into the history, art, and culture of The Land of Enchantment. To plan your enchanting Southwest experience in Silver City, go tohttps://www.visitsilvercity.org.