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Albuquerque: A Great ExperienceTips from the Compulsive TravelerBy J. J. Scott
A past experience. Explore 400 years of
Albuquerque history through permanent displays and special exhibitions at the
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.
A settling experience. The free walking tour of Old Town explores the 300-year-old district reminiscent of the early settlement. Learn more about the history plus some of the local legends with the Old Town Walking Tour. The excellent shops, galleries, and restaurants retain the Southwest style. The Walking Tour starts at the Albuquerque Museum.
An atomic experience. Visit the National Atomic Museum to see the replicas of “Fat Man” and “Little Boy” – the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki plus a history of the nuclear age including peaceful uses of nuclear energy. www.atomicmuseum.com
A gem of an experience. Learn the facts about turquoise including where it's found, what it looks like, plus view rare and spectacular turquoise specimens from all over the world. A must before buying turquoise items.
A Native American experience. The new
cultural center at Pueblo Acoma “Sky City” offers galleries and changing
displays as well as educational programs.
A high flying experience. The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum features one of the finest collections of ballooning equipment and memorabilia in the world. It owes it name to Albuquerque balloonists Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, who along with partner Larry Newman, made history when they completed the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by gas balloon in 1978. www.balloonmuseum.com A viewing experience. Expansive by day and magical by night, the view from the “World's Longest Tramway” is impressive. The 2.7-mile aerial tram arrives at the top of Sandia Peak where there are forest hiking trails, a ski area, and dining. www.sandiapeak.com/tramway.html
For more information check: www.abqcvb.org Recommended accommodation: Nativo Lodge’s design highlights the area’s Native American heritage including a multi-story shaman statue in the lobby. Located just north of the city it offers easy parkway access and several dining options. www.nativolodge.com |
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Founded in 1706, Albuquerque is
one of the oldest inland communities in the United States and at 5,314 feet it
is the highest metropolitan city on the American mainland. The area’s
attractions are many and varied ranging from Acoma's Sky City, the oldest
continuously occupied city in the U.S.; to the annual International Balloon
Fiesta, the world’s largest; to a nearly 3-mile aerial tramway up into the
Sandia Mountains, with the longest single-span tram on Earth. Albuquerque has
something wonderful for everyone to experience not to mention four seasons, low
humidity and sunny days.
Wander the sculpture garden that includes
a massive display depicting the first Spanish settler’s arrival.
A timely experience. Travel through 12 billion years of the
earth’s history at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. Visit the era of
the dinosaurs, mammoths, and more. Check out the LodeStar Astronomy Center and
the DynaTheater.
The Albuquerque BioPark is made up of the Albuquerque Aquarium, a Botanic Garden, a zoo and
Tingley Beach. Truly something for everyone from delicate jellyfish to circling
sharks to butterflies to cacti. 
A cultural experience. Trace Pueblo
Indian culture and history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. Each
weekend traditional dance performances and artist demonstrations are scheduled.
Traditional and contemporary artwork from the 19 Pueblos is available in the
store.
But the highlight is a visit to
sky-high Acoma Pueblo, oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S.
Experience more with visits to The National Hispanic
Cultural Center, The American International Rattlesnake Museum, and Petroglyph
National Monument , the Nob Hill area and, of course, historic Rt. 66.