Albuquerque's original town site, known today as Old Town, is the central point of interest for visitors. Here, grouped around the plaza, are the venerable Church of San Felipe de Neri and numerous restaurants, art galleries, and crafts shops. Several important museums are close by. Within a few blocks are the 25,000-square-foot Albuquerque Aquarium and the 50-acre Rio Grande Botanic Garden (near Central Ave. and Tingley Dr. NW), both well worth a visit.
But don't get stuck in Old Town. Elsewhere, you'll find the Sandia Peak Tramway, the new Balloon Museum, and a number of natural attractions. Within day-trip range are several pueblos and significant monuments.
Downtown Arts Hub
In 2006, 516 Arts, 516 Central Ave. SW (tel. 505/242-1445; www.516arts.org), opened in a bright and airy exhibition space. The organization presents museum-style art exhibitions, poetry events, live performances, gallery talks and educational programs. The art is high quality, eclectic, and often a bit bizarre for my tastes, but hey, I'm just a Santa Fe girl. Recent events included the national exhibit Trappings: Stories of Women, Power and Clothing and poetry readings by Jimmy Santiago Baca, Erika Sanchez, and Arturo Sandoval. Open Tuesday to Saturday noon to 5pm.
