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
 
 
 

Rio Grande Zoo: Lions and Tigers and Bears, and More

A trip to Albuquerque isn’t complete unless you visit the Rio Grande Zoo. With over 200 species of animals, from elephants, to orangutans, to toucans, there’s something for everyone at this spacious, beautifully landscaped 64 acre park. The seals and sea lions are a sleek favorite as they cavort and glide in the water. Ariel, a harbor seal pup, joined the gang in April of 2011. Mornings are cooler and less crowded in the summer months. The zoo is part of the Rio Grande BioPark, which also includes the botanical garden and aquarium. Admission can be purchased separately or discounted for all three venues. The Rio Grande Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rio Grande Zoo
903 10th Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-6200

New Mexico Museum of Natural History: Time Travel Through The Eons

If your idea of a great museum is one with signs that say ‘Please Touch’, Albuquerque's New Mexico Museum of Natural History is just the place for you. Visit the museum's Time Tracks exhibit to journey through billions of years of history from the big bang that created the universe to the present era. You can also mingle with dinosaur bones, visit the cave exhibit, and walk through a volcano. Align yourself with the stars at the Planetarium and check out the museum’s new Lockheed-Martin DynaTheatre, featuring large format, enhanced 3-D films. Allow yourself at least two hours to explore all of the exhibits. The DynaTheatre and Planetarium have separate entrance fees. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except holidays.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History
1801 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 841-2800

Rio Grande Botanic Garden: A Verdant Spot in Albuquerque

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

Buffett’s Candies: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at this Albuquerque Favorite

Buffett’s Candies is an Albuquerque landmark known as much for its homemade sweets as for its retro 50s red and white exterior festooned with a 50-foot striped candy cane. They’ve been making candy in this spot on Central Avenue since George Buffett started the business in 1956 – and he’s still running it 55 years later. Buffett’s is treasured for their delectable pinion candy made with the nut of local trees, but their assortment of chocolate creams, toffees, brittles, and roasted nuts are also favorites. Their motto — “Our candy is made to eat, not to keep!” — states their commitment to using the freshest ingredients without preservatives. Visit their store for a trip back in time, or order online through their website to have it delivered to you in the near future!

Buffett’s Candies
7001 Lomas Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 265-7731

Launchpad: Albuquerque’s Funky Rock Haven

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Launchpad! A spaceship-themed rock venue, the Launchpad has long been a staple for Albuquerque concertgoers, many of whom have some pretty outlandish memories of the place. A great sound system, a full bar, pool tables and balconies make for a great party atmosphere. The crowd changes depending on the music, which ranges from national acts to local bands, and individual singer-songwriters. Rumor has it that the Shins got their start on the Launchpad stage. If live music — be it rock, reggae, indie, blues, or heavy metal — and cheap drinks are your thing, this place just might be your new favorite spot.

Launchpad
618 Central Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-8887

Albuquerque Aquarium: A Desert Oasis of Ocean Life

Get up-close and personal with jellyfish, sharks, and turtles at the the Albuquerque Aquarium. It’s especially refreshing in arid New Mexico to spend the day submerged in the shimmer and flow of aqua-life at their freshwater, riparian, and ocean exhibits. The aquarium's new South Pacific Gallery lets you experience live coral, seahorses, mollusks, and sea stars, as well as the psychedelic colors of a huge variety of tropical fish. The 285,000 gallon shark tank introduces you to the razor-toothed ocean denizens who’ve been around for 400 million years. The Albuquerque Aquarium is part of the Rio Grande BioPark, so you can purchase your admission separately or get a combo ticket for the zoo, botanical garden and aquarium. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 6 p.m. on weekends.)

Albuquerque Aquarium
2601 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 764-6200

ABQ Uptown: Upscale Lifestyle and Shopping Center

Listed as an ‘open-air lifestyle center’, ABQ Uptown is Albuquerque's latest trend in city living. ABQ Uptown has everything you need, from housing to workspaces, to shopping, all in one distinct urban village. Located in northwest Albuquerque, this upscale shopping center is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, with 220,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. Forgo the mall and stroll under the blue New Mexico sky from shop to shop, with national favorites like Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Pottery Barn, and the Apple Store. There’s even a day spa for a soothing facial and massage and a Gymboree for the kids. After your shopping spree you can get refreshed at Starbucks, the Elephant Bar, or Marcello’s Chop House.

ABQ Uptown
Indian School Road & Louisiana Boulevard
Albuquerque, NM 87110

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum: Fly High With the First Ballooners

Spacious skies and gentle, cool morning updrafts have long made Albuquerque a ballooning haven and home to the world’s largest annual Balloon Fiesta. Named after two local champions of the sport, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum gives you the complete lowdown when it comes to the fascinating history of ballooning, from its inception in France in 1783 to the present day. Here you can view replicas of early balloons, participate in science experiments, and view videos of some famous flights. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits. Hands-on workshops for kids and adults are held the second Saturdays of the month. Admission is a bargain at $4 for adults and just $2 for kids and seniors. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87198

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