Link to more Ruidoso information The Times' Outdoor and Recreation special section features activities throughout New Mexico and the El Paso area

Ruidoso ideas LODGING SCARBOROUGH HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST Where: 110 Great View Court, in nearby Alto, N.M. The attraction: The timber B&B is for couples only. Feng shui-inspired rooms come with fireplaces, outdoor decks and gourmet breakfasts. Information: (866) 875-2592; www.scarboroughhousebandb.com THINGS TO DO CASINO APACHE, in nearby Mescalero. Information: (505) 464-4100. EQUIBEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER, in the Northern Sacramento Mountains of Ruidoso. Information: (505) 336-7090; www.equibest.com RUIDOSO DOWNS RACE TRACK AND CASINO, tucked in the mountains of Ruidoso Downs. Information: (505) 378-4431. CHECK IT OUT SPENCER THEATER Where: Airport Highway 220, in nearby Alto, N.M. The attraction: Besides the stage show, the two-level structure -- which seats a little more than 500 people and measures nearly 50,000 square feet -- is a sight worth seeing in itself. The Spencer Theater also features works by famed blown-glass artist Dale Chihuly. Information: (888) 818-7872; www.spencertheater.com DINING LA LORRAINE Where: The French restaurant is at 2523 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso. Information: (505) 257-2954.

Ruidoso doesn't have to be about skiing or cherry and apple picking. The town has plenty more to offer day-trippers or weekend visitors. Up and over a few mountains you'll find some of the best-kept secrets in New Mexico. There are more than 40 art galleries to visit, casinos, museums and an architectural dream -- the Spencer Theater.

You can stay at the Scarborough House Bed and Breakfast, which offers guests a chance to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains.

Austin natives Steve and Carolyn Scarborough opened the B&B in March and are seeing that summer is the busiest time of year.

"I think we've had nearly a hundred people stay with us since we opened," Steve Scarborough said. "We're just people persons, and we love to have a ball, so we decided this would be a good business for us." He also pointed out, that, "Since we're couples only, we tried to focus on the luxury side of things."

For visitors looking for a quick stay, there are dozens of area cabins, hotels and motels.

El Pasoan Jack Barron and his wife, Elizabeth, visited the Alto and Ruidoso area so often that they decided to buy a house in the area.

"We've been there almost two years now and we try to go up as much as we can. Sometimes we stay from Thursday through Monday," Jack Barron said.

If the peace and quiet of the mountains cannot block out the slot machines, you can try your luck at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino or Casino Apache.

Animal lovers and equestrians might prefer riding the horses to betting on them. Saddle up for trail rides along the Sacramento Mountains near Ruidoso. Equestrian centers and stables around Ruidoso offer an hour or 30-minute guided tour of the mountainside.

Those seeking culture can visit one of the areas most-prized entertainment spots, the Spencer Theater. Since 1997, the nonprofit theater has been working to promote arts and culture in Southern New Mexico.

"Our patronage loves Broadway, so we book a lot of that, also heritage folk, pop performances, classical music and dance," said theater publicist Kathleen McDonald.

Spencer Theater shows often sell out, so McDonald suggests people plan ahead. The summer season runs through August, and the shows include drinks.

With art comes fine cuisine. La Lorraine is a great way to complete your Ruidoso experience. The French restaurant serves gourmet cuisine and wine, and its prices are in the medium range.

So whether you and a loved one or a group of friends plan on enjoying New Mexico's great outdoors or its arts and culture offerings, there will always be plenty of things to choose from.

Laura Ruelas may be reached at lruelas@elpasotimes.com; 546-6354.