Casas Grandes, Mexico

It's a pretty easy drive from Albuquerque; about 200 miles south of Deming into old Mexico. Ancient ruins (Paquime; trading partners of Chaco Canyon), an old Spanish hacienda, Mennonite colonies where cheese is made, famous pottery in Mata Ortiz, and the quaint, quiet little town of Old Casas Grandes. I rode my motorcycle down over Thanksgiving. Here's my trip log:
http://jillgat.blogspot.com

If you have another week, you can also head down to Copper Canyon and Tarahumara Indian country. I highly recommend this whole area of Chihuahua, Mexico!