Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the gateway to
New Mexico, the portal through which
most domestic and international visitors
pass before traveling on to other towns.
But it's worth stopping for a day or two in
order to get a feel for the history of this
area.
From the rocky crest of Sandia Peak at
sunset, one can see the lights of this city
spread out across 16 miles of high desert
grassland. As the sun drops beyond the
western horizon, it reflects off the Rio
Grande, flowing through Albuquerque
more than a mile below. This waterway is
the bloodline for the area, what allowed a
city to spring up in this vast desert, and it
continues to be at the center of the area's
growth.
The railroad, which set up a major stop
here in 1880, prompted much of Albu-
querque's initial growth, but that eco-
nomic explosion was nothing compared
with what has happened since World War
II. Designated a major national center for
military research and production, Albu-
querque became a trading center for New
Mexico, whose populace is spread widely
across the land. That's why the city may
strike visitors as nothing more than one
big strip mall. Look closely, and you'll see
ranchers, Native Americans, and Hispanic
villagers stocking up on goods to take
home.
Mornings are always unique in this city,
when the clear blue sky often fills with
hot-air balloons. The Albuquerque Inter-
national Balloon Fiesta celebrates the sport
in October, but now visitors can partake of
the city's airy legacy any time at the new
Balloon Museum on the north end of
town.
Climbing out of the valley is Route 66,
well worth a drive, if only to see the rust
that time has left. Old court motels still
line the street, many with their funky '50s
signage. One enclave on this route is the
University of New Mexico district, with
a number of hippie-ish cafes and shops.
Farther downhill, you'll come to down-
town Albuquerque. During the day, this
area is all suits and heels, but at night it
boasts a hip nightlife scene. People from
all over the state come to Albuquerque to
check out the live music and dance clubs,
most within walking distance from each
other.
The section called Old Town is worth a
visit. Though it's the most touristy part of
town, it's also a unique Southwestern vil-
lage with a beautiful and intact plaza. Also
in this area are Albuquerque's aquarium
and botanical gardens, as well as its zoo.
Indian pueblos in the area welcome
tourists, and, along with other pueblos
throughout New Mexico, have worked to
create the Pueblo Cultural Center, a show-
place of Indian crafts of both past and
present. The country's longest aerial tram-
way takes visitors to the top of Sandia
Peak, which protects the city's eastern
flank. To the west run a series of volcanoes;
the Petroglyph National Monument there
is an amazing tribute to the area's ancient
Native American past.
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