Magdalena
Magdalena => is a small (pop. about 1000) town in southwestern New Mexico. It is the nearest town (at least the nearest with many services for the traveler) to the Very Large Array, an enormous radio astronomy observatory of interest to the scientifically-inclined traveler, and is a jumping-off point for some outdoor recreational opportunities in the region.
Get in
Magdalena is on US 60 west of the larger town of Socorro. The nearest significant airport is in Albuquerque about 70 miles north of Socorro.
See
There's not much to see in town, but it has recently become a modest center for folk art and antiques. Try the following galleries and see if there's anything that interests you:
- Blue Canyon Gallery, 505-854-2953
- The Marketplace =>, 108 S. Main St., 505-854-3091. Also a bed and breakfast of unknown quality; try it and write it up.
- AA Antiques, 1000 Hwy 60/First Street, 505-854-2940. Sometimes listed as having a web site, but this site is not working as of February 2006.
Sleep
- High Country Lodge, 303 First Street (Hwy. 60), 505-854-2062. About 20 rooms.
Get out
- The Very Large Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory is about 30 miles west of town on US 60. A visitor center (open daily 8:30-dusk, free) has interpretive exhibits and an orientation film. There are occasional guided tours, and visitors can also follow a self-guided walking route around the facility. No food is available at the VLA site. Visitors to the Very Large Array should keep their cell / mobile phones switched off, as they interfere with radio observations; likewise with microwave ovens in camping vehicles.