Abiquiu, NM

Set against dramatic red cliffs about an hour northwest of Santa Fe, Abiquiu is a quiet, historic village in the Chama River valley. The community has deep Genízaro roots dating back to the mid-1700s and once served as the starting point for trade caravans along the Old Spanish Trail. It is also famous for the rugged desert scenery that captivated Georgia O'Keeffe, whose preserved home and studio still overlook the valley. Daily life here is rural and slow-paced, with an elementary school in town and bigger-city conveniences about 25 miles away in Española.