I lived in Albuquerque for 8 years. When you're there, definitely go for a drive to Santa Fe, which is about 65 miles north. Lots of galleries and restaurants. Very artsy fartsy. Lots of good skiing in Santa Fe, Taos, northern NM and southern CO.
Albuquerque has lots of outdoor activities during the summer...but too damn cold for anything there right now. Just the usual bars and clubs. Go to the local college hangout across from UNM called the Frontier. Try the green chile stew with some freshly made tortillas. It'll warm you up quick. Try some New Mexican cuisine at Los Cuates. One of my favorites is at El Patio near the university. Also try Padilla's and Perea's. Cheap, but good, food.
Go for a ride up the tram to the top of Sandia Peak for a good view of the city from 10,000 feet. You can eat up there as well at High Finance restaurant. Cheesy name, not great food, but expensive. You can do some lousy skiing there if there's any snow this year. Albuquerque doesn't very good skiing. It's available if you're desperate. I think it's better during the summer.
As for Socorro, I was there for 4 weeks as a medical student. It blows. Tiny little town. Maybe 8,000 people. Nothing around...at least as far as I can tell.
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