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Albuquerque
The biggest city in New Mexico is diverse and unique, which was once described as having one foot in the past, one foot in the present and its eyes on the future. This certainly sums up this multi-cultural city, spread across the desert plains beside the Rio Grande, known for its high-tech research facilities, sentimentally proud of its historic Old Town, and offering a mix of museums, galleries, spicy restaurants and great shopping centres to satisfy the appetite of every kind of visitor.
In 1706 a group of Spanish colonists built a settlement at the curve of the river on the Rio Grand, which was backed by the woodlands surrounding the Sandia Mountains and they named it Alburquerque. Water for irrigation and wood for building was plentiful, and the local Indian pueblos were available for trading. The new town, at first just a cluster of mud houses around a small adobe church, was named for Spain's 10th Duke of Albuquerque. Today the original church, San Felipe de Neri, stands enshrined in the centre of the historic heart of the city, the hub of various special holidays and feast days, drawing visitors and locals alike.
The International Balloon Fiesta is in Albuquerque every October and New Mexico sets it's sights on the skies as hundreds of hot air balloons sail by. Every day of the year, though, the city offers up its attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, museums and vineyards for enjoyment, as well as an array of activities like skiing, golfing, mountain biking, hiking or simply dancing the night away. If all else fails, you can always eat – mild or with chilli, there is nothing to beat New Mexican cuisine to really add spice to life.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
A fascinating insight into the nineteen individual Pueblo communities in New Mexico is explored in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, which displays the rich cultural heritage of the State. The Centre is situated on 12th Street, about a mile northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque, and is a recreation of Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The Centre also features a museum displaying early photographs, artefacts and artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare and different tribal groups perform traditional dances. Those interested in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60 miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in the United States, situated on a 367-foot high sandstone rock.
Address: 2401 12th Street NW; Telephone: (505) 843 7270 (Pueblo Cultural Center); (505) 552 6604 (Pueblo Acoma); Website: www.indianpueblo.org; Opening time: Pueblo Cultural Center museum: 9am to 4.30pm; Pueblo Acoma: 8am to 4.30pm November to March, 8am to 7pm April to October; Admission: $4, concessions available
American International Rattlesnake Museum
The interesting displays in the animal conservation museum in Albuquerque's Rattlesnake Museums offer an educational experience about how rattlesnakes influence the natural environment. Exhibits include artefacts, memorabilia and the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world. The snakes, gathered from North, Central and South America, are kept in specially recreated habitats.
Address: 202 San Felipe NW; Telephone: (505) 242 6569; Website: www.rattlesnakes.com; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Admission: $3.50 (adults), $2.50 (children)
Albuquerque Museum
For an insight into New Mexico's past, the Albuquerque Museum is situated in the Old Town district of the city is home to the largest collection of Spanish colonial historical relics and artefacts in the USA. Exhibits like Spanish armour and swords mingle with a recreated 18th-century adobe house compound. The museum also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the original cowboys who rode the range in New Mexico in the 16th century. There are also hands-on experiences to try like spinning wool and a theatre where films about the city are shown regularly. The museum provides a walking tour of the Old Town area departing at 11am each day except Monday during spring, summer and fall.
Address: 2000 Mountain Road NW; Telephone: (505) 243 7255; Website: www.albuquerquemuseum.com; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; Admission: $4 (adults), $1 (children 4-12). Free on the first Wednesday of every month
International UFO Museum
The famous town of Roswell is located in the south east of New Mexico and has been a popular location for UFO enthusiasts worldwide since the 'Roswell Incident' in 1947, where an alien craft was said to have crashed, containing surviving extra-terrestrials. Conspiracy theorists believe government authorities deliberately covered up the crash. The incident, as well as a large collection of UFO-related material, is highlighted at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Main Street, Roswell. The museum also features a worldwide UFO sighting map and a comprehensive library.
