Summertime is all about road trips and seeing new places. If you are exploring the Southwest this summer, be sure to add Farmington, New Mexico to your itinerary. Why Farmington? While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning your trip, Farmington has a lot to offer its visitors.  This “land of enchantment” is one you don’t want to miss. Whether staying for a few days or just passing through, here are 5 things to do in Farmington, NM:

  1. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a beautiful rolling landscape perfect for outdoor activities. Some of the world’s most unusual scenery can be found here. Strange rock formations carved and weathered over long periods of time compose the landscape. Rocks shaped like spires, pinnacles and other unique formations can be seen clear across the horizon. Fossils can also be found within the rock formations.  Translated from the Navajo, Bisti means “a large area of shale hills,” while De-Na-Zin means “cranes” in the Navajo language. With miles of trails, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is an outdoor-lover’s paradise.

  1. Farmington Museum

The Farmington Museum offers art shows, traveling exhibits and the fascinating history of the great Southwest.  The museum’s exhibits include work from Ansel Adams and artifacts from the Navajos. Farmington’s museum participates in rotating exhibits, so there are often new things to see on every trip. During the summer months, the Growers’ Market is held in the parking lot. From June to October, enjoy locally grown food and handmade crafts every Tuesday and Saturday.

  1. Pinon Hills Golf Course

Pinon Hills Golf Course is a beautiful course built smack-dab in the middle of the desert landscape. Created in 1989, the Pinion Hills course has become a highly sought after golfing experience. Rated by Golfweek Magazine as one of the best municipal courses in the U.S. year in and year out. Pinon Hills should be on every golfer’s list. It is an amazing golf course oasis with incredibly unique views of the desert landscape.

  1. Farmington Lake

Farmington Lake now has a swim beach open to the public. The newly opened swim beach includes a warm sandy shore and cool clean lake water. There are many ways in which visitors can now take part in this family fun aquatic recreational area. Non-motorized watercrafts are also in use in Farmington Lake and can be rented on-site. Fishing is also an exciting aquatic adventure at Farmington Lake. The lake is home to rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish and pike.

  1. Berg/Animas Trail

The Berg/Animas Trail is great for a walk, run, hike or bike ride. Even sitting and reflecting at one of the seating areas along the trail is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. The trail meanders along the river and runs through groves of native cottonwood trees. It also connects to other trail systems for the more adventurous explorers. Just another beautiful place in the “land of enchantment.”

With so many beautiful places to visit in Farmington, you will want a beautiful place to stay. The Casa Blanca Inn & Suites is one of Farmington’s premier lodging options. Casa Blanca Inn is an Oasis in Farmington, New Mexico. You will enjoy the peaceful gardens, trickling fountains, and of course luxury accommodations at Casa Blanca Inn & Suites.