In New Mexico's southwest corner, Silver City isn't the kind of place people just stumble onto. Silver miners sought it out in the late 1800s, and more recently the town's Old-West charm and high-desert location made it a magnet for outdoorsy and creative types. The historic district is home to casual restaurants that put the area's green chiles to good use. Outside town, The Nature Conservancy runs Bear Mountain Lodge, a hacienda adjacent to birding, biking, and hiking opportunities in the Gila National Forest. Silver City was recently selected as one of the healthiest places to live and retire. 

The colorful history dating back to 1870 when silver was discovered above La Cienega (Marsh) de San Vicente. Tales from those early days tell of characters like Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Judge Roy Bean, "Dangerous" Dan Tucker, and the Hearst family.

You can exlore the ancient cultures and see collections of distinctive black on white pottery that was developed one thousand years ago by Mimbres Indians inhabiting the Silver City area.

Visit 3.3 million-acre national forest and wilderness areas, and today's modern ranching and mining industries. Enjoy fantastic, authentic Mexican food, play 18 holes of golf, explore museums and galleries or shop the day away for unique Southwestern art and souvenirs.