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

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
 

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
 
 
 

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

Pin It on Pinterest