Tesuque

From this opera company’s stunning open-air theater, you can see the Jemez Mountains to the west, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east, and rolling hills to the south (and amazing visiblity of the night sky once the sun sets). While you could certainly justify going for the views alone, the opera is top-notch: You can catch world-class contemporary and classic works every season.

This eensy village (the population maxes out at 800) just north of Santa Fe is actually on the National Register of Historic Places, as there's been a pueblo here since 1200 A.D. Now, it's most often cited for its fantastic flea market, which is a great place to pick up inexpensive rugs and turquoise, if you're willing to barter. Just check with your concierge in advance, as the town closes to the public a few days a year. So long as you're making the drive, stop for a some sightseeing around Camel Rock, a camel-shaped rock foundation that's a quirky local attraction.