One understands why this state is called the Land of Enchantment when discovering the beauty and diversity of Lincoln County. From the giant Ponderosa pines in Ruidoso to the Valley of Fire lava fields in Carrizozo, the County Seat; clear skies and vast expanses fill the eyes.

Every community within Lincoln County offers unique gift shops, local museums, historical sites, excellent Southwest dining, and lots of nice, interesting people. The area is full of activities all year round. Walking, hiking, camping, shopping, horseback riding, gaming, racing, wining and dining, local theatre and live music are a few of the ongoing attractions. Each season brings its specialty. As we approach winter, Ski Apache is being prepared to offer some of the best ski slopes in New Mexico.

This is the beautiful Sierra Blanca Mountain, sacred to the Mescalero Apache Indians, that overlooks all of Ruidoso and vicinity. Ski Apache is located at the top at almost 11,000 feet. It's the softest powdery snow and allows skiing on one of 55 runs, including the Apache bowl, the Boneyard terrain park and seven hundred and fifty (750) ski-able acres. Snowboarding is permitted on the entire Mountain.

Ruidoso is a true shopper's paradise offering local artisan's fine creations, gift shops galore, clothing, jewelry, furniture, galleries, book shops, you name it, and plenty of places to stop, eat, drink, and rest.

For the culturally minded, the Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts offers a variety of first-class shows throughout the year. It features a unique crystal lobby with many installations by glass artist Dale Chihuly and a 514 - seat playhouse. Established in October of 1997, it created a year-round venue for world-class performances in theater, music and dance.

Ruidoso Downs features The Hubbard Museum of the American West, The Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino, a huge new shopping complex with art gallery and theme restaurant, and many fine hotels.

Coming Soon -- Capitan (Smokey Bear Museum) Carrizozo (County Seat and Valley of Fires) Lincoln (Historic Homes and Buildings) Fort Stanton, and more.