With 36 acres of gardens and conservatories, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden is an oasis in the desert of Albuquerque, not too far away from Broadstone Towne Center. Visit the Sasebo Japanese Garden for the elegant stone lanterns, serene koi ponds, and glittering waterfalls. At the Butterfly Pavilion, you can watch hundreds of varieties of butterflies flutter among blossoming nectar plants. The Children’s Fantasy Garden delights the kids as they enter through a rabbit hole and wander through a larger-than-life expanse of giant sculptures of bees, birds, plants, and vegetables. Check the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s website for a list of plants in bloom in various seasons. The garden's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and until 6 p.m. on weekends.

Rio Grande Botanic Garden
2601 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 248-8500

Joining the burgeoning trend of brewpubs crafting their own beers, the Marble Brewery has fast become one of Albuquerque’s favorite chill spots. A friendly atmosphere, ten beers on tap and a menu of sandwiches and snacks keeps customers coming back for more. Try the Marble Red Ale brewed with caramel malt, or a chocolaty Oatmeal Stout that’s practically a meal in itself. Sit out on the patio, belly up to the 40-foot bar, or choose a table inside and play one of their board games with friends. You can tour their brew room too, but call ahead to make sure one is available when you drop in. Check out the Marble Brewery's website for a schedule of live performances. Carry out beers are available in six-packs, growlers, and kegs.

Marble Brewery
111 Marble Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-2739

Don’t let the plain exterior of the Golden Crown Panaderia fool you. This neighborhood bakery in the Old Town section of Albuquerque is a local favorite, beloved for making tasty baked goods for three decades. Green chile bread is their standby, but other favorites are their empanaditas (half-moon-shaped turnovers filled with fruit), biscochitos (Mexican anise cookies), pecan cakes, and sandwiches. They’ve recently expanded their repertoire with the addition of fresh-baked pizzas. Choose green chile, blue corn, spelt or whole wheat crust and top with Genoa salami, cheddar, asadero or provolone cheese. Cozy up inside at one of their three small tables, chill out on the patio, or take it home. Pizzas take 45 minutes to prepare, so call ahead to avoid a long wait.

Golden Crown Panaderia
1103 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-2424