Yes, there are at least ten really cool places to visit in Albuquerque New Mexico. I’ll start with the obvious ones that are well known.
1.Sandia Peak Tramway -10 Tramway Loop NE
This is a really awesome ride up to the top of the mountain. Once there you can look down at the lights of the city that never sleeps. Actually we do sleep, we just leave our lights on.
2. Petroglyph National Monument – 6001 Unser Boulevard NW $1 weekdays $2 weekends
This is where you can go see ancient graffiti. My dad used to tell me that he did most of it. I am not sure I believe him. Then again.
3.The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center-2401 12th St. NW
This is fun free and there is almost always something happening. Though it is hard to leave without buying something from the gift shop. Here is a link to their website http://www.indianpueblo.org/
4.The Tony Hillerman Library- 8205 Apache NE
This is one of the hidden ones. Well, I knew Tony Hillerman. He came into a video store where I was working and struck up a conversation. I ended up taking all of his fiction writing classes at UNM. He was one of the nicest guys I ever met. There is a display of Hillerman memorabilia in the library. Then if you are not into his mystery fiction the library is surrounded by the Albuquerque Rose Garden. When the roses are blooming they are just breath taking. Even when they are there is a place to sit and eat your lunch, read a book, or just be serene.
5. The National Atomic Museum-601 Eubank Blvd SE $8.00 adults $7.00 children and seniors.
See old planes, missiles and learn the history of the Atomic/Nuclear age. As Mr Spock would say, “Fascinating.” You could learn a lot here, or just enjoy the gift shop.
6. Albuquerque Balloon Museum – 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Learn the history of not only hot air balloons but all balloons. If you can’t make it to Albuquerque during Balloon fiesta (first part of October) then this is the next best thing.
7. Old Town-North Plaza & San Felipe
Gift shops abound in old town. You can spend days walking around the plaza. There are places to eat and even some B&Bs; nearby. Oh and don’t forget the church, San Felipe de Neri. I like to just look at it and wonder about the history. Then there is the bandstand, a couple of old cannons. If you stand still and listen you can hear the history, or at least someone screaming at their kids. It is said some of the buildings are haunted. I know some of the restaurants are.
8. The Rattlesnake Museum- 202 San Felipe Street NW
Yes, this is the place where late night talk show host Craig Ferguson stops by to visit his relatives. Little does he know that not too far away is the Erna Fergusson Library 3700 San Mateo NE. Yes I know there is an extra S in Erna’s name but it is a nice library and still better than talking about rattlesnakes.
9. Albuquerque Aquarium- 2601 Central NW
This is the place where you can see sharks in the middle of the desert. Not their natural habitat. The city government wonders why they are in the red. Could this be one of the reasons? Yeah, let’s fire some teachers and buy a couple more sharks. Still it is kind of neat.
10. John Lewis Mechanical Antiques-4805 Menaul NE
I found this treasure when I had my word processor repaired there. The old typewriters, adding machines with handles and Victrolas drew me in. Not to mention old cash registers that made that loud clanking sound I remember from my childhood. It is free and well worth the time. At least for and antique like me.
I hope you found someplace you would like to visit. You did didn’t you? So stop by Albuquerque and spend some time.
