Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum: Explore the Explora to Your Mind’s Delight

As the winner of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, there’s no question about the stellar attributes of Albuquerque's Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum. Most of Explora's exhibits are tabletop sized to suit the kids, but you don’t have to be a tot to appreciate them. You just have to have a childlike sense of wonder. Interactive exhibits will give you a hands-on experience with a wide variety of subjects. Build a dam or a maze at the water exhibit, experiment with sound, make art out of recycled materials, build a pulley system, or do a chemistry experiment. The Explora Science Center and Children's Museum is suitable for toddlers through adults. Explora is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum
1701 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 224-8300

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History: Atomic Age

The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is the place to find out everything there is to know about the Atomic Age, from the early research that led to the development of the atomic bomb to what’s going on today in nuclear research and development. Here you'll learn about nuclear pioneer Madame Curie, view 1950s Cold War-era kitsch, and stroll among vintage planes and missiles. The museum's many interactive exhibits make this a fun trip, even for those who aren’t particularly science-minded. It's a large space, so plan to allow yourself two to three hours to cover the whole thing. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
601 Eubank Street SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 245-2137

American International Rattlesnake Museum: Scary Fun for the Whole Family

Keep your expectations small and go for the kitsch of this funky little museum and you’ll have a good time at Albuquerque's American Internaional Rattlesnake Museum. Over 100 rattlers behind glass and some nature videos in two tiny rooms isn’t exactly the Smithsonian, but hey, what do you expect for a mere $5 admission? The small scale might be just right for kids, who can wander around looking at the scary critters in a minimal amount of time. The gift shop is the focus here, with all kinds of reptile kitsch to take home, like rattlesnake mugs, plastic tarantulas, and oddball t-shirts.

American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 242-6569

Buffalo Wild Wings

The new Buffalo Wild Wings is scheduled to open for business on September 9th.

Guild Cinema: Restoring Cinema

Neighborhood cinemas are a dying breed, which is why it’s important to patronize those still alive and kicking. Guild Cinema is one such place worth visiting. This independent theater shows art, cult, and foreign films to audiences fed up with chain theaters that cost an arm and a leg just to get in the door, not to mention the exorbitant prices at the snack bar. Here you can see quality films that you may have missed at your typical first run joints. In addition to films The Guild also features a fair number of special events, including presentations on certain aspects of cinema, retrospectives, and individualized showings of popular films, such as a mom’s matinee, film club offerings, etc. Be sure to check out the Guild’s midnight movie night featuring some of the most beloved cult films around. With five dollar matinees, student specials, and other sweet deals you’d be remiss to pass up a chance to visit Guild Cinema. 

 
3405 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 255-1848
 

Pro’s Ranch Market: Mexican Cuisine in Albuquerque

At weekends Pro's Ranch Market is the perfect place to fill up on a buffet style lunch while getting your shopping done. Enjoy tacos, Quesadilla, burritos, tamales, and more with a complimentary salsa bar. Once you've eaten your fill start shopping. The market features an impressive, and cheap, selection of produce, meat, salsa, tortillas, candy, and dairy. The candy aisle is worth visiting. You won't find typical candy like Hershey Kisses here. The traditional Mexican candy that lines the aisle is both pleasing to the eyes and sweet tooth. If you are looking for fresh specialty items, or just a good deal Pro's Ranch Market is the place for you.

Pro's Ranch Market
4201 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 833-1765
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pros-ranch-market-albuquerque

Sandia Peak Tramway: The View From the Top

Prepare for a breathtaking view if you take the Sandia Peak Tramway up to the highest point in the Sandia Mountains. At 10,378 feet, you get a gander of an 11,000 square mile panorama, including the surrounding Rio Grande Valley, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north, some extinct volcano cones to the west, and the vast expanse of desert stretching off into the horizon. It’s the longest passenger tram in the world, at 2.7 miles. At the top, you can walk to different viewing stations, go for a hike, or grab a bite at the restaurant. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors. Kids’ prices are staggered, ranging from free to $17, depending on their age.

Sandia Peak Tramway
40 Tramway Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-7325

Anodyne: A Hip Albuquerque Bar

As the word implies, Anodyne in Albuquerque offers relief from the gritty reality of the world at large. If you like pool, snooker, pinball and a huge selection of beer from around the world, you'll like Anodyne. It’s the spot to see youngish hipsters in their element, whether or not you want to hustle a cue. Anoydne's got a friendly vibe and a great jukebox. Settle in on one of the couches with a bottled brew or one of the local craft beers on tap. There’s also a full bar, if you prefer something stronger. It’s a chill spot and a great alternative to the downtown club scene. Go early for Anodyne's happy hour, when drinks are 50 cents off and pool is $4 an hour instead of $6.

Anodyne
409 Central Avenuve NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 244-1820

La Cumbre Brewing Company: Local Brews

Relax with a cold brew at La Cumbre Brewing Company. The casual environment is the perfect place to kick back with friends as you enjoy the house beers brewed on site. You can even bring your dog inside. The homey atmosphere makes this the perfect neighborhood bar. No food is served but you are welcome to head over to one of the food trucks outside for some tasty grub. Order the beer sampler which comes with four, four ounce beers to try a variety the flavors on tap including seasonal offerings. The beers are all reasonably priced at around $4. Parking can be a hassle but once you're inside you'll forget all your troubles. 

La Cumbre Brewing Company
3313 Girard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 872-0225
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-cumbre-brewing-company-albuquerque

 

Tours of Old Town: Days of Old

In 1706 Old Town was founded in what is now Albuquerque, NM. Tours of Old Town, Albuquerque’s premier historical experience, gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of this iconic town firsthand. Tours of Old Town offers many exciting tours chock full of historical information. History buffs will love the historical tours through “Duke City”, including information pertaining to the many Native American tribes inhabiting the area at that time. Ghost tours take place at night and document Old Town’s haunted history, while an even later moonlight tour examines the seedy underbelly of Old Town and it’s dangerous saloons and salacious dance halls. The history of Old Town is not always pleasant, with atrocities like lynching being the norm at the time, but it is worth knowing. History has never been quite as interesting as at Tours of Old Town, where it comes alive before your eyes. 

Plaza Don Luis N-120
303 Romero St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 246-8687
 
 
 

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