Cloudcroft

One way this sweet little mountain town promotes itself these days is with the slogan "9,000 feet above stress level," and from its perch high above the Tularosa desert valley the town lives up to the claim. Flowers and ponderosa and other greenery give the air an incredible mountain fragrance, and the boardwalks lining the main street, Burro Avenue, lend the town an Old West atmosphere that comes across as more charming than contrived. Despite a significant influx of retirees and big-city expats over the past few years, the town has held onto its country friendliness. People you don't know will stop and chat with you. Get used to it and enjoy; this kind of sweetness seems all too rare these days.

There are two festivals that bookend the warm season here, and a number of others in between. Mayfest happens over Memorial Day and Aspencade is held the first weekend of October. The July Jamboree, and a Labor Day weekend fiesta are two more events held, along with street dances and the melodramas that most of the residents seem to participate in. Festivals typically include arts-and-crafts booths and all sorts of perfectly delectable munchies.

Cloudcroft has the southernmost ski area in the United States, although it's a very small operation and only open during years when snow is abundant (it brings about 89 inches a year on average). It's a nice place for beginner skiers to get their snow legs. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for season info and ticket prices.