2½ hours from Albuquerque: Soak in Truth or Consequences

3PM: In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, check into a renovated room at Blackstone Hotsprings Lodging & Baths (from $75)―each with a 110° hot spring tub. After a long soak, break out a book on your patio or in the palm-lined courtyard.

7PM: For dinner, wander over to Cafe BellaLuca ($$$; closed Tue; 303 Jones St.; 575/894-9866) for grilled pizza with roasted garlic, then take in a first-run film for just $5 at the 1930s El Cortez Theater (call for schedule; 415 Main St.; 575/894-4914). But don’t forget to take in the real stars above, back at the Blackstone courtyard.