Take a walk on the natural side of life at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. A day at the zoo is a great way to get away from the metro life and enjoy the world's creatures.

The BioPark Zoo is small, but clean and full of wonderful wildlife. Despite the size, plan on spending a majority of your day here. Five hours in the park will allow you comfortably see the entire venue and maybe grab a bite to eat as well. Kids will love the exhibits and viewing areas that allow them to get up close with exotic critters like birds and large mammals. There are polar bears, large cats, giraffes, and primates too see with peacocks roaming around the zoo with the rest of the BioPark patrons. The Botanic Garden and Aquarium are must-visits.

Classes and camps are available for more in-depth looks at the wildlife of our world. Aquarium overnight stays are awesome ways to spend the night surrounded by sharks! Register for these types of events on the website.

Albuquerque BioPark Zoo
903 10th St SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-6200
www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Blake Handley

If you’re looking for a lunch option that’s unique, flavorful, and also affordable, try Guava Tree Café in Albuquerque. This popular Latin American eatery serves casual sandwiches, Spanish lunch platters, and homemade sides in very large portions, and its fast, friendly service and low prices only add to the already enjoyable experience.

Stop in to try the famous Cuban sandwich or the El Guavo Pollito for a handheld lunch on the go, or if you’re feeling really hungry, order the Almuerzo Ejecutivo filled with fresh veggies, rice, beans, and sweet plantains. Enjoy your food with a traditional Cubano coffee or a fresh juice on the side.

For those who choose to dine in, Guava Tree Café’s eclectic décor features comfortable sofas against small wooden tables and bright, colorful artwork, creating a truly relaxing ambiance that will make you feel like you’re having lunch in the Caribbean. The restaurant also offers takeout on any menu item.

Guava Tree Café
118 Richmond Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 990-2599
www.guavatreecafe.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Robotclaw666

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

• Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
• Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
• Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
• Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
• Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
• Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
• Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
• Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
• Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr T.Tseng