Farmington has historic and outdoor finds that can keep you occupied for at least a day or two. A town of 36,500 residents, it sits at the junction of the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers. Adorned with arched globe willow trees, it's a lush place by New Mexico standards. A system of five parks along the San Juan River and its tributaries is its pride and joy. What's most notable for me, however, is the quaint downtown area, where century-old buildings still house thriving businesses, and some trading posts with great prices. It's also an industrial center (coal, oil, natural gas, and hydroelectricity) and a shopping center for people within a 100-mile radius.For visitors, Farmington is a takeoff point for explorations of the Navajo Reservation and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. For outdoor lovers, it's the spot to head to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness; world-class fly-fishing on the San Juan River; hiking through the Angel Peak Recreational Area; and even a trip up to Durango to raft, kayak, ski, and mountain bike. Nearby towns of Aztec and Bloomfield offer a variety of attractions as well.