Socorro, a college, farming, and ranching community, lies in a semi-desert valley surrounded by vast open spaces. Narrow winding streets, 19th century adobe buildings, and brick Victorian homes reflect Socorro's past amid the contrast of its neon-laden main thoroughfare lined with motels, service stations, and fast-food restaurants.

Garcia Opera House (1886), Golf Course (NM Tech), New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, San Miguel Mission (Rebuilt in 1891), Plaza Area, Rio Grande, Socorro Peak (7,243'), Val Verde Hotel (1919)

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Cibola National Forest, Kelly Ghost Town & Mine, Quebradas National Backcountry Byway, San Antonio (the Owl Restaurant, world-famous hamburgers), Magdalena, Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory (VLA)

Hotels and Motels: 10; Bed and Breakfasts: 2 (San Antonio); Total Rooms: 522

Socorro County Chamber of Commerce

Terry Tadano, Director, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, 575-835-0424; 575-835-9744 Fax; terry@soccorro-nm.com; Debra Dean, Director of Socorro Heritage & Visitor Center, 575-835-8927; ddean@socorronm.org (for City of Socorro only)

Web: www.socorro-nm.com

E-mail: chamber@socorro-nm.com