If you are going to Carlsbad, NM then just head down I-20 and turn right at Pecos. There is really nothing out there. I know, I grew up out there. There is a show on PBS on Sat mornings down by a guy in Austin called The Daytripper. He has done some pretty good stuff. You can check out past episodes at
http://www.thedaytripper.com It might give you some ideas for places like Abilene, etc. It had a good show on Monahans too.
Btw, if you do get out by El Paso...there is a great steakhouse in Fabens, Tx called Cattleman's Steakhouse.......real original name.....lol but it is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 steakhouses in the US........by eastern news papers and magazines, not just Texas Monthly.......lol