Something about the sun-bleached lettering and the clouds made this seem like a quintessentially Southwestern scene.

Two cowboys traded tall tales over beans and coffee.

If Robert Plant and Jimmy Page visited Socorro, they would probably hang out here.

The Capitol Bar was established in 1896.

The downtown plaza had metal signs touting the area's attractions.

The New Mexico Science Fair was the reason I had to change rooms on my second night at the Socorro Motel 6.

The Socorro Balloon Rally was not as famous as its big brother, the  International Balloon Fiesta, in Albuquerque 70 miles to the north.