Socorro has the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology as a main attraction. The college specializes in explosives technology and is the foremost center for exotic explosive testing. Near by, on White Sands Test Range, is a nuclear blast simulator and the site of the original atomic detonation. Generally Alamogordo is listed as the city for the first atomic test but Socorro is the closest town of any size. The explosion was only about 35 miles from Socorro and was over 60 miles from Alamogordo, but Alamogordo got the credit because that is where the White Sands test HQ is near. Anyway, Socorro's college students have access to some of the best and latest equipment. The nuclear blast simulator is like a huge shotgun with a bore over 25 ft across.
Just south of Socorro at exit 139 on I-25 is the turn off to Bosque Del Apache and San Antonio. San Antonio is famous for the Owl Café---Which is famous for greasy hamburgers. I do not recommend them, but all the nostalgia freaks seem to choke them down and claim they are good. Skip the owl and drive to Socorro for Lota Burger is my advice. Bosque Del Apache is famous for the migratory birds that stop there.
Socorro and its environs is a true 'off the beaten path' area of New Mexico worth a visit.
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on Mar 5, 2003
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