Carlsbad, NM

Carlsbad is the county seat of Eddy County in southeastern New Mexico, set along the Pecos River. The city was originally called Eddy before taking its present name, and it became known for irrigation, agriculture, potash, oil, and gas. Its biggest outside draw is Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which gives the area a dramatic natural landmark beyond the working economy. Carlsbad feels like a desert river town with industry close by and one of the Southwest's great cave systems down the road.