Browse the Stacks at the Albuquerque Main Library

If you love getting caught up in a good book in your free time, you’ll likely enjoy hunting for new reading materials at the Albuquerque Main Library. This public library is conveniently located right in Albuquerque city limits, and there is even a parking garage nearby that offers two hours of free parking to library visitors.

Wander through the stacks to find fiction and nonfiction titles to take back to Broadstone Towne Center, or if you’re having trouble finding a book on your own, join one of the library’s book groups to discover new reading materials to discuss with fellow area bookworms. In addition to books, the Albuquerque Main Library offers music and DVDs that you can check out with a library card.

Tech-savvy visitors can use the 39 library computers to catch up on work, or bring your own laptop and take advantage of the building’s free Wi-Fi.

Albuquerque Main Library
501 Copper Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-5170
www.abclibrary.org

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

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

Chillz Frozen Custard: Chill Out With a Cold Treat

Chillz Frozen Custard is a less fattening alternative to traditional ice cream that offers the same sweet, refreshing taste without all of the calories. This Albuquerque custard shop offers a different flavor of the day for every day of the month, ranging from dulce de leche to mocha cheesecake and even maple bacon. Visitors can enjoy their frozen treats inside of the colorful, welcoming shop, or take them to go to if you prefer to eat at home.

Chillz Frozen Custard’s catering and wholesale options are just as popular as its retail store, and there is even a private party room if you want to bring a large group out for a sweet treat.

Chillz is open 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Chillz Frozen Custard
2720 Central Street
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 265-5648
www.chillzcustard.com

KiMo Theater: An Albuquerque Institution Since 1927

The KiMo Theater is the most historic movie theater in Albuquerque, first opening its doors way back in 1927. Not much has changed since then to the building’s beautiful Pueblo Deco-style and three-story design, and although a fire destroyed much of the building in the 1960s, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places a decade later and re-opened to the delight of area residents.

Today, the theater is open every night of the week for visitors to see live performances, films or even to take tours of its three levels. In the cinema portion, the KiMo Theater shows only classic movies and cult films spanning many different genres, and it also hosts live performances from many local theater troupes.

If you’re looking for a unique date night or a way to experience a piece of Albuquerque history, visit the KiMo Theater!

KiMo Theater
423 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-3522
www.kimotickets.com

Lucky 66 Bowl: Shoot for a Strike at This Hip Bowling Alley

Lucky 66 Bowl is a popular bowling alley in Albuquerque that offers a fun, modern take on the retro sport. Inside, the bowling center features well-maintained wooden lanes complete with bumpers for the little ones. Colorful murals line the walls, and there is even a full-service pro shop that offers shoe and ball rentals included with the cost of your game. In addition to bowling, Lucky 66 has a billiards area with pool tables and other fun games, while outside there is a sand volleyball court with volleyball leagues for of-age guests.

If you want to enjoy a drink with the festivities, pop into the attached Dewar’s Pub, a bar with affordable drinks and fun karaoke on the weekends. With lots of discounts for seniors and military personnel, bowling at Lucky 66 Bowl might be one of the most affordable ways to have a good time near Broadstone Towne Center!

Lucky 66 Bowl
6132 Fourth Street NW
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-2506
www.lucky66bowl.com

From Veggies to Soaps, Downtown Growers Market Takes Local Shopping to the Next Level

Every sunny Saturday morning for nearly two decades, Downtown Growers Market has been transforming Albuquerque's Robinson Park into a hub for fresh food, live music, and local art. From the end of April through the beginning of November, the region's farmers and culinary artisans come out to sell their products directly to customers—and chat with them in the process.

As local musicians set an upbeat soundtrack in the background, browse the many booths at Downtown Growers Market. You can grab a hot cup of house-roasted coffee and a breakfast burrito at Java Joes (just around the corner from the market in a permanent location) and then pick up organic, GMO- free fruits and veggies from Amyo Farms. Grab beautiful stoneware pots in which to store your findings from Pottery by Karin. You can even find fresh herbs and plants at Crack Pot Herbs, colorful bouquets at Jemez Mountain Flowers, and locally sourced, herbal beauty products at South Valley Soap.

Downtown Growers Market
Robinson Park
8th Street and Central
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-2230
downtowngrowers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/downtown-growers-market-albuquerque

Go Laser-Tagging or Go-Karting at Hinkle Family Fun Center

For nearly 20 years, Hinkle Family Fun Center has brought the people of Albuquerque together in a spacious 14,500-square-foot facility. Its owners know a thing or two about family bonding, considering that they're all part of the namesake Hinkle clan. Gene E. Hinkle and wife Betty debuted the spot back in 1994, and it's been offering families a rainy-day alternative to playing outside ever since.

Many locals flock here with their little ones for the bumper cars alone, which are ringed with glowing neon lights in a mirrored, low-lit arena. The space is evocative of the laser tag gym right upstairs, another popular attraction for families who have slightly older kids. Tackle a mission in the laser tag arena or play a round of mini golf at Hinkle Family Fun Center. Go-karting, paintballing, and the rock-climbing are also on tap at the family fun center, so there's a little something for everyone.

Hinkle Family Fun Center
12931 Indian School Road
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 299-3100
www.hinklefamilyfuncenter.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hinkle-family-fun-center-albuquerque

New Mexico Jeep Tours: 20,000 Acres of Wilderness Awaits

New Mexico Jeep Tours takes guests just outside of Albuquerque to a sprawling private ranch. It boasts 20,000 acres of sandy wilderness, speckled with everything from gnarled trees to prehistoric ruins. Depending on the tour that you choose, you can explore the historically and naturally rich space by foot or by vehicle. Either way, you'll get a rare glimpse into the breathtaking backcountry of New Mexico.

Embark on the simply (and accurately) named Most Popular tour, you'll spend most of your time seated in the all-terrain Jeep, but the durable vehicle will still get you up close to the remnants of early Spanish villages, including petroglyphs and even bits of broken pottery. Take the photography tour for a chance at the best snaps of the ranch's wild horses and vista views, or the Hikes and Jeep tours if you'd like to get some exercise while you explore.

New Mexico Jeep Tours
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 252-0112
www.nmjeeptours.com
www.yelp.com/biz/new-mexico-jeep-tours-albuquerque

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