Albuquerque is a city
of diversity. Geographic and historical circumstances have brought
Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures together to create
a unique multicultural community. The land awes and inspires with
its changes from the Sandia and Manzano Mountains to the east, the
river valley that splits the city in half, to the West Mesa escarpment
with its ghosts of volcanic activity. The weather is mild
and it is not unusual for a seventy-degree day during the winter
where people can be seen snow skiing at Sandia Peak Ski Area in
shorts. Albuquerque is a year-round destination for travelers, offering
recreational activities such as white water rafting, the Kodak Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta, gambling for the high stakes enthusiast,
hiking, skiing, world class bird watching, and great dining. The
mixture of old-world and new architectural styles is stunning. In
spite of the size of the city and all of the amenities that go with
big city life, Albuquerque manages to retain a small town charm.
Old Town Whether you stroll through this historic district on your
own, or tour with the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town is the
perfect place to begin exploring The Duke City. At the heart of
this district is the original central plaza that is lined with over
a hundred quaint little shops. Like everything else in Albuquerque
a visit to Old Town is a delightful mix of old and new, with sights
that range from Civil War cannons to the Church of San Felipe de
Neri. A stroll around the plaza will give you a glimpse into the
rich history of the area as well as a taste of the tremendous artistic
talents showcased in places like The Adobe Gallery. Stop
in The Candy Lady for a delectable chocolate that will tempt the
child in everyone. While there, take your sense of humor to the
adult room for some raucous renditions of the old family recipes.
Go further back in time with a trip through the New Mexico Museum
of Natural History, or satisfy your childlike curiosity in the Explora!
Science Center.
Downtown
The hub of business and government activity in
the city is the bustling downtown area. But business is not the
only activity that takes place in this cultural center. The Civic
Plaza is host to myriad activities and during summer months,
Summerfest
is held. This is a celebration of
New Mexicos many cultures that showcases the food, music and dance
of a different ethnic group every Saturday. If the Civic Plaza is
downtowns outdoor venue, the KiMo Theater, renovated in 1999-2000,
is the citys crown jewel of indoor venues for the performing arts.
Midtown This region of Albuquerque boomed following
the second World War when Route 66 became an artery for interstate
travel and migration to the west. The residential neighborhoods
are quaint, tree-lined streets with sprawling, 1950s ranch-style
homes and a sprinkling of well-groomed parks. The uptown district
is the retail center of the city. Two large, indoor shopping malls,
Winrock Center and Coronado Center, lie within a mile of each other.
Restaurateurs have taken advantage of the traffic generated by these
centers. The Japanese Kitchen sushi bar caters to local businessmen
and shoppers alike. If you are overwhelmed by the districts hole-in-the-wall
and specialty eateries, try the hotels Classic Grille, offering
meals with a Southwestern flair. If you're visiting over the weekend,
be sure to drop in for the Fajitas-and-Margaritas-for-Two special.
Nob Hill/University This eccentric area is a mix of art deco, Spanish colonial,
Pueblo, and modern architectural styles. It has undergone a recent
facelift and the Nob Hill Merchants Association has revitalized
and reclaimed this formerly run-down neighborhood. Once-bland strip
malls now house a mix of retailers, galleries and coffee houses
that cater to students from the nearby University of New Mexico
as well as the locals who drop in for a little gossip. Closer to
the university is a variety of restaurants, delis and sidewalk cafes
that offer fare from the far reaches of world. The award-winning
Olympia Café has offered authentic Greek cuisine from
the same location since 1972. Just east of the Nob Hill area lie
the New Mexico State Fair grounds, home of the sixth largest state
fair in the US.
Northeast
Heights
The sheer, pink granite Sandia Mountains provide
a picturesque backdrop for this sprawling area which contain some
of the newest developments within the city limits. One of Albuquerques
landmark features is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. For an
unforgettable evening, punctuated by one of the most awe inspiring
views in the
Western United States, catch a ride
on the tram to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy a sunset
meal at the High Finance Restaurant. A drive past the opulent
mansions that perch on the boulder strewn foothills of the mountains
will take you to the hikers' Mecca of Albuquerque. Elena Gallegos
Park offers miles of trails through the sage and juniper hills.
On the north end of the mountains, La Luz Trail winds to the soaring
heights of Sandia Crest, where hang gliders ride the warm air currents
that rise from the valley floor.
West Mesa The silicon age drives the economy of one of the fastest
growing regions in the country. The Intel Corporation has sparked
a massive boom on the citys west side. As new neighborhoods sprawl
across the mesa, their growth is steered by the basalt escarpment
of Petroglyph National Monument. A hike down the trails of
this unique treasure offers visitors a glimpse into New Mexicos
prehistoric past. Shopping abounds at the new Cottonwood
Mall, the states largest indoor mall. The Hilton Garden Inn, across
the street from the Intel complex, offers a central location for
the visitor with business on the west side. A drive down Coors Boulevard
after dark offers a remarkable vista. The city becomes a sea of
light that stretches from the distant mountains to the cottonwood
Bosque of the Rio Grande.
North Valley/South
Valley The Rio Grande Valley offers the visitor a glimpse at what
the Spanish explorers saw in the fifteenth century when they rode
north along the Rio Grande del Norte. The economic diversity of
the city unravels as you follow Rio Grande Boulevard from
north to south. Some of the homes in the south valley have withstood
the test of time for hundreds of years. Nestled among these ancient
dwellings are the Albuquerque Country Club and the Rio
Grande Zoological Park. A new addition to the south valley is
the Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, where you
can dine with the sharks in their exclusive restaurant.
The North Valley is home to some of the citys
more prominent families. The world famous racing family, the Unsers,
have an estate here. Set in the adobe walls that surround the estate
are wheels from cars that actually ran at the Indianapolis 500.
Giant, ancient cottonwoods shade bridle paths and walking trails.
The River Horse Ranch offers visitors an opportunity to take guided
or unguided rides along the banks of the river. A nice way to end
the day is a visit to the Anderson Vineyards, where you can taste
one of New Mexicos premier wines.
East Mountains Surrounded by majestic ponderosa pines and expansive vistas,
this area is growing faster than some people like. Populated with
a mix of income groups, age groups, and ethnic backgrounds, the
east mountain area is seen as a retreat from the hustle and bustle
of the big city. You can ski Sandia Peak Ski Area in the
morning and golf at Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club in the afternoon.
Lodging in the East Mountains is limited to bed and breakfasts and
Elaines is a peaceful place to end the day. The frenetic pace of
the city is forgotten as visitors can enjoy a hot drink by the fire,
or sit on the porch watching the hummingbirds chase each other among
the pines.
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