Embrace Your Inner Explorer at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Many would agree that Albuquerque boasts one of the most unique landscapes and some of the most fascinating wildlife in the country, and you can learn all about both at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. This unique park and nature center is a great place to spend the whole day, as it takes about that long to explore all of its paved trails, bosques, and riverbanks.

Venture through the metal tunnel until you reach the nature center itself, which contains exhibits explaining the unique bosque landscape, activity rooms for the little ones, and a small gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Venture out into the park and hike or bike along the paved and dirt trails, have a picnic lunch at one of the wooden tables, and even bring binoculars for some interesting bird watching.

If you have kids, you might even enjoy the educational science programs held throughout the summertime!

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-7240
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-grande-nature-center-state-park-albuquerque

Bond With Your Barista at Espresso Fino in Albuquerque

If you think of your morning coffee as one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole day, you’ll appreciate the extra effort put into each cup at Espresso Fino. This Albuquerque coffee shop is a favorite amongst the area’s coffee connoisseurs and casual sippers alike, but no matter how knowledgeable you are about coffee, there’s no denying that this is one of the tastiest cups in town.

Inside, Espresso Fino is all exposed brick walls, chrome finishes, and minimal furnishings, but the local artwork and glowing star-shaped light fixtures add a touch of personality to the space. Order from the menu of classic cappuccinos, lattes, espresso shots and drip coffees, or grab an iced coffee on a hot New Mexico morning. Pair your beverage with a homemade empanada and a good book at one of the outdoor sidewalk tables at this charming local coffee shop!

Espresso Fino
222 Gold Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(575) 779-6078
www.espressofinoabq.com

Saggios: Grab a Slice With a Beer on the Side

If you love pizza (and really, who doesn’t?), Saggios is one of the tastiest and most unique pizzerias in town. When you first enter its doors you’ll notice the colorful murals of scenes from classic movies, as well as the vintage Mercedes Benz that serves as a soda fountain.

Order a handcrafted pie with your choice of toppings from the full-service ordering counter, or if you’re not in the mood for pizza, try one of Saggios’ hearty sandwiches, calzones, pastas or salads. Of-age guests like to enjoy beer or wine with their meals, but if you bring the kids, the decadent cheesecake is just as tasty. Whether you’re looking for a spot to go for dinner with the family or a laid-back place that can accommodate a large group, just about everyone loves Saggios.

Saggios also offers takeout and online ordering on all of its menu items.

Saggios
107 Cornell Square
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 255-5454
www.saggios.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?

Extraordinary Dessert Recipes Using Fall’s Favorite Crop, Apples!

You love apples, but you’re getting a bit tired of making the same apple pie year after year. Luckily, fall’s favorite fruit is incredibly versatile, making it easy to create all kinds of different desserts with apples. Here are three great options perfect for your next dinner party or even just a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Spicy Apple Cake [allrecipes.com]
If you’re looking for a recipe that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, this one is a great option. This moist cake is packed with two cups of Gala apples,plus cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a flavor that’s undeniably autumnal. Add a creamy cinnamon frosting on top and this will quickly become one of your go-to dessert recipes.

Souffled Apple Pancake [foodandwine.com]
For something a bit more elegant and unique, this souffled pancake will impress even the most cultured dinner guests. It’s inspired by similar old-fashioned German recipes, and it makes just as great a breakfast as it does a dessert. Simply top with your favorite maple syrup and enjoy!

Spiked Apple Crisp Shooters [bettycrocker.com]
When you need a dessert recipe that’s good for a large group of adults, single-serving dessert shooters are always a good idea. Tart apples give them a great fall flavor, while butterscotch schnapps, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle make them taste truly decadent, despite their small size.

Art Attack: Where Aspiring Artists of All Ages Can Paint Custom Pottery

Have you always wanted to try your hand at making your own pottery? At Art Attack, you can do just that in the company of your friends, family, or even your coworkers. This social painting facility offers a wide variety of different pieces of pottery for you to choose from, including mugs, bowls, and even adorable animals that the little ones will love. There are more than 50 different paint colors that you can use to decorate your piece, as well as rubber stamps and paint pens to use for more intricate details.

The friendly, helpful staff will offer assistance and make sure that your creative juices are flowing, and they can even give you suggestions if you’re stuck on a certain detail. Once you complete your project, the employees will fire it in the kiln and deliver it to you dried and ready to use at home!

Art Attack
3137 San Mateo NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 298-3275
www.artattacknm.com

Happy Veterans day!

Today is a day to honor the men and women who have bravely fought and continue to fight for our country. Thank you for your service!

Interested in Modern Architecture? Explore Your Interest on Pinterest!

With its sleek, clean lines and open design scheme, modern architecture is fascinating even to those with no architectural experience. Here are two Pinterest boards with so many photos of modern homes and buildings that the possibilities for browsing are practically endless.

Modern Architecture
This particular Pinterest is dedicated to the more traditional styles of modern architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright homes feature wall-to-wall windows and natural elements that bring the outside in, while minimalist buildings designed by more current architects offer a tour of some of the very best modern structures from around the world.

Futuristic Architecture
If you take your love of modern architecture a step further, this board features homes so unique that they’re almost futuristic. Some of these buildings actually exist in cities around the world, while others are simply dreamed up and drawn in a cartoon-like way. Buildings like the twisted Cayan Tower in Dubai and the proposal for the open Hong Kong Alternative Car Park Tower, with its sides cut open in a way that almost looks like the building is sliced in half, are just a few of the fascinating buildings on this board.

Election Day

Today is Election Day. Be sure to get out and vote!

Monroe’s Restaurant: Feast on Mexican Fare for Less

While Monroe’s Restaurant began as a small drive-through Mexican restaurant in Old Town Albuquerque, today it is a very popular brick-and-mortar eatery with fans all across the country. The restaurant hasn’t forgotten its humble beginnings, however, and it still maintains the same relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and menu of traditional dishes made with old-fashioned recipes.

For breakfast, the restaurant offers a menu of classic Mexican and American dishes, including enchiladas and eggs served with hot coffee. For lunch, you’ll find hearty cheeseburgers and other styles of sandwiches, Monroe’s famous chili, and classic Mexican fare platters served with Spanish rice, beans, and sopapillas for one low price. There are even vegetarian dishes for guests who don’t eat meat.

Monroe’s is easy to find because of the large heart-shaped sign situated out front, and once you step inside, you’ll find a spacious dining room with lots of small tables perfect for a party of four.

Monroe’s Restaurant
6051 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 881-4224
www.monroeschile.com

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