Albuquerque, NM

Answer 1

Located in the center of New Mexico, Albuquerque is at the heart of American Southwest culture. Over 300 years old, this city has spent centuries soaking in the traditions and mystique that have come to define the region. Through an array of sights, sounds and tastes, Albuquerque, NM has the ability to captivate any visitor.

Southwest America is first and foremost defined by its arid climate. Here, you can expect over 300 days of sunshine a year. In fact, the seasons are so mild that there's hardly a bad time of year to visit.

In Albuquerque, NM, history and culture is apparent at every turn, but nowhere more so than the Historic Old Town. Immediately recognizable because of its Pueblo-Spanish architecture, the old town offers hundreds of shops and several distinguished museums such as the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History.

When understanding the region, it's important to realize that New Mexico is essentially a hybrid of two cultures: Native American and Spanish. There's no better way to learn about this unique blend than to visit both the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

The cuisine in this region, itself, is enough of a reason to visit. Just like everything in Albuquerque, the food is a blend of cultures. Generally spicy, New Mexicans love to infuse their unique chiles into most dishes. Just beware, the flavors can become addictive.

Of course, it would be unforgivable not to address the vast abundance of breathtaking desert scenery surrounding Albuquerque. Along with it there is just about every activity under the sun. Things like hiking, fishing, biking, mountain climbing and even hot air balloon rides are available to visitors.

When visiting a new city, it's great to have a destination where you can bring back some genuinely interesting gifts, not just the usual. Well, this is the perfect city. The entire area is brimming with handmade southwestern artifacts. There are decorative gifts such as jewelry or practical items like detailed bowls. Whatever the gift, it will certainly be original.

Albuquerque, NM may be within the United States, but it is like taking a trip to another world. With constant flights going in and out of their International Sunport Airport, it's incredible easy to visit. And with all that it has to offer, it would be a shame never to enjoy the experience.

Answer 2

Overview

Albuquerque, New Mexico is situated in the Land of Enchantment and is home to over half a million people. It is a blend of rich cultures stemming from Hispanic and Native American roots. Many find solitude in the city of Albuquerque as it continues to flourish and continues to celebrate the people and history of the city and state. Beautiful landscapes surround the city and the city itself is very diverse and all inclusive. You can find pretty much anything and everything in Albuquerque, from small rural, farming communities to every type of restaurant and cuisine, plenty of entertainment opportunities and hundreds of parks to take the family and dogs. It is also home to many universities, including The University of New Mexico which is so large and inclusive, the campus is like a mini-city in itself, especially with the large amounts of people walking it daily.

Arts and Entertainment

New Mexico is famous for their luminarias during Christmas time, which are brown paper bags filled partially with sand and a lit votive candle inside. Annual luminaria tours are extremely popular in Albuquerque and take residents and tourists around in buses to different communities and downtown to witness this beautiful site. This is also a great time to visit the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens to see the River of Lights which is a large array of Christmas lights shaped into fun, animated sculptures. In warmer months, the Botanical Gardens are also home to native New Mexico plants, blooming with beautiful colors and species. You can also take the train from here to the Albuquerque Zoo and back to the Aquarium to see aquatic life. These are all wonderful family friendly activities. Albuquerque is also home to the World’s Longest Tramway which begins at the base of the Sandia Mountains and takes you on a 15 minute ride to the peak of the mountain. If you wish to experience New Mexico culture, be sure to visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to view art, history and artifacts.

Food and Drink

The one thing you need to learn about food in New Mexico before visiting, is the common phrase “Red or Green”. What this indicates is whether or not you want red Chile or green chile on your food. These chiles are popular, unique and come from Hatch, New Mexico. You can find red and green chile in both fine establishments and fast food restaurants. Authentic New Mexican food derives its influences from both Mexican cuisine and pueblo Native American cuisine, but is entirely different than both and should not be confused for either. Authentic foods include enchiladas in casserole form rather than rolled, tamales wrapped in corn husks and filled with pork marinated in red chile, biscochito sugar cookies, and sopapillas which are fried dough eaten like tortillas with meals. Although all types of cuisines can be found all over Albuquerque, you may want to visit a New Mexican one on your trip. Restaurant suggestions include Garcias, Los Cuates, Seraphino’s and El Modelo.

Answer 3

Albuquerque is a truly unique city where modern comforts coincide with natural wonders to create an exciting but safe place to live. The city’s population of over half a million people makes it the largest in the state of New Mexico. Though Albuquerque is not a huge city by any means, it is growing quickly: in 2007, it had the sixth highest growth rate of any city in the United States. Affectionately referred to as The Burque by locals, Albuquerque offers an interesting blend of outdoor activities and high tech businesses.

Albuquerque is home to several large employers, including the Sandia National Laboraties, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. Healthcare is a large industry in the city. Residents of the metropolitan area have several commuting options, which typically keeps traffic to a minimum. The city has a very well developed bicycling network, as well as a good commuter rail line.

The Albuquerque Metropolitan area is a good place to raise a family, as it is a low-crime area with good schools. In fact, Albuquerque is home to several elite high schools and universities, such as the Albuquerque Academy. The University of New Mexico, a top notch research institution, is located in downtown Albuquerque.

Albuquerque is located near several natural wonders, which makes it a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. The Sandias Mountain range runs along the edge of Albuquerque, and is a popular destination for hiking, running, and mountain bike riding. Albuquerque residents are very passionate about exercise, so much so that they’re currently ranked as the fittest city in America. Another popular activity around the city is hot air ballooning; in fact, the world’s largest ballooning festival is held each Fall at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Albuquerque, NM represents a unique crossroads of outdoors activities and high-tech research. It is home to many well known scientists and sports personalities, such as Bill Gates and Kyle Cooper. Though thousands of professionals live in and around the city, there is no shortage of fun outdoor activities to do around the city. Because of good city planning, city residents can get to their jobs quickly, leaving extra time for leisure activities.

Answer 4

Albuquerque is a truly unique destination. With centuries of rich cultural history, over 300 days of sunshine per year, and miles of beautiful rugged mountains, it’s a sure bet for vacation fun.

Albuquerque features a blend of Native American and Hispanic history that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a myriad of age-old customs and traditions.

Albuquerque’s climate makes it an ideal spot for outdoor sports. With the Sandia Mountains bordering the eastern edge of the city, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, rappelling, rock climbing, hang gliding, Mountain Biking and more.

Just west of the city are the petroglyphs, where you can view more than 20,000 images carved into the rocks by an ancient civilization.

Whether you are interested in an active vacation traversing mountain walls, or a immersion into a wealth of Native American history, Albuquerque has it all.