Albuquerque

For most visitors, Albuquerque is a gateway to Santa Fe, although the locals don't really mind. For a long time the city was a dot on the map of Route 66, the romantic road that once snaked its way from Chicago to Los Angeles, so the locals are used to outsiders perceiving their city as a stopover.

Those visitors who do pause long enough to inhale the town's character and history are surprised to find that Albuquerque has an appeal all its own. Native, Hispanic and Anglo Americans make up the bulk of the city's residents, and Albuquerque's personality has its roots in the coexistence and blending of these three cultures.

Besides unique local art, architecture and food, the city also offers inexpensive accommodation and a convenient base for exploring nearby deserts, mountains and Indian sites. Plus you won't find the tourist schlock (or the tourist prices) of nearby Santa Fe and Taos.