A weekend in Albuquerque allows access to interesting attractions in all directions. Our first stop is always “Old Town.” It’s not too far from the airport and a good place to get your bearings. Old Town offers quaint, historic and ethnic flavors – all of which make up this city. Indians from nearby Pueblos sell their arts and crafts on the sidewalks. Perhaps the bell will ring from the nearby San Felipe de Neri mission church. On one afternoon, a bridal party gathered at the gazebo in the center Plaza for photos. On another visit, we listened to a choral group entertain the crowd with Christmas carols.
Our first stop is always La Placita for a typical New Mexican lunch. One might assume that any restaurant in Old Town could be a tourist trap, given the many gift shops around. But we found La Placita to be welcoming and serving up delicious food. On one visit, a manager stopped at our table to ask about our meal. I commented on the height and light texture of their sopaipillas and bemoaned the fact that mine tended to be heavier and not so puffy. She took me by the arm and led me straight to an alcove by the kitchen where a cook was making sopaipillas and left me there with instructions to watch and learn. What a treat! With my limited Spanish and his broken English, I learned that the heat of the oil must reach a certain temperature for the sopaipillas to properly rise. It’s not at just any restaurant that you receive an unscheduled cooking lesson like that!
Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Old Town, browsing the wide variety of shops. On past trips, I bought several nice pieces of silver jewelry and a pair of gold and Persian turquoise earrings that I still wear. You can also find colorful blankets for sale, many of which may originate in Mexico rather than an Indian pueblo, so do your homework if that matters to you.
Many Indian Pueblos lie in driving distance from the city but no stay in Albuquerque is complete without a drive West on I-40 to Acoma Pueblo. Many Acoma families now live in nearby villages but a few still reside atop the 365 ft. sandstone mesa. Our first visit to Acoma was a tad primitive but less restrictive. We waited in a small store for their one van to pick us up and transport us to the top. After our tour, we were allowed to wander a bit and then chose to climb down the side of the mesa, affording a different view of our surroundings. On a more recent trip, the small store had been replaced by a proper visitors’ center with more vehicles to drive us to the top of the mesa. We purchased our tickets and a photo permit at the Center. A guide was assigned to lead us around North America’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement. We were told to stay with our group and not wander. There are no fences or rails around the edges of the mesa and the fall could be fatal, so the warning is wise. I purchased a small bear made of horsehair pottery from one local vendor at a reasonable price and have not seen one quite like it since. No smoking and no pets signs are posted and are enforced. Because this is a a small community around private homes, it is important to be respectful.
After our tour, we drove the 15 or 20 miles back to the Interstate and stopped briefly at the casino and hotel operated by the Acoma Pueblo.
Of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, many lie in driving distance of Albuquerque. Each is known for different types of art, pottery, weaving and jewelry. Check locally for Feast Days at each Pueblo and try to visit one. There are rules that visitors must follow, including purchasing photography permits. Always be respectful and note that some celebrations do not allow any photography.
Back in Albuquerque, you will have to make choices because there are so many interesting places to visit. If you are interested in the cultural history of the area Native American groups, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is worth a visit. Should hiking be more to your liking, visit the Petroglyphs National Monument. A few miles North of the city is a tram ride up the Sandia Mountains for a spectacular view of the countryside. On our last visit to the area, we visited a winery North of the city and found some very nice wines. The city is home to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, if that fits your interests.
Getting There: Albuquerque sits on I-40, making it easy to reach by car or airplane. Interstate 25 goes North and South through the city. Major airlines fly into the airport.
Lodging: Most major hotel chains are represented in the area and several bed and breakfast places are located near Old Town.
Fun Facts to Know:
* The city is home to a minor league, the Isotopes.
*Years ago, our family visited the zoo in Albuquerque, and our young son was fascinated by the prairie dogs. Today, the city has its own charity, the Prairie Dog Pals, which helps find suitable habitats for prairie dogs.
*The Best Friends Forever Pet Cemetery in Albuquerque provides a permanent resting place for people who want to be buried with their pets.
*Albuquerque’s Old Town is designated a Historic Site by the National Trust Preservation.
