This page is a work in progress. Expect changes.
posted: 2019-12-27, updated: 2019-12-27
1. General Orientation
The book to consult and to take with you is Zora O'Neill, Moon New Mexico, 2014 or later. "Moon" is the name of a series of travel books, much like the "Fodor's" and "Frommer's" series. O'Neill's guide is written for the young, active, budget-conscious traveler. As a food writer, she also puts much emphasis on restaurants, food, and eating.
Wikipedia has useful articles on Albuquerque , New Mexico, history of New Mexico, and related topics.
For current events, Reddit has an active Albuquerque discussion group. I sometimes post and comment there. Another source of information are the local papers: the daily Albuquerque Journal and the weekly Alibi. The official Albuquerque and the official New Mexico tourism websites might also be worth looking at.
Albuquerque's airport (airport code ABQ) is served by many airlines, as well as the city bus (routes 50, 222, and 250), and is located near the downtown. It is more convenient and cheaper than flying into the Santa Fe airport. One can also rent a car at ABQ.
2. History and Peoples of New Mexico
New Mexico is best appreciated through awareness of its peoples and their histories.
Zora O'Neill's book offers a concise history of the state and its four different peoples: Native Americans, people of Mexican descent, people of Spanish descendant, and Anglos. Briefly, humans first arrived in New Mexico at least 12,000 years ago, and possibly much earlier. Traces of their ancient pueblo settlements can be found throughout the state, including in the Albuquerque area. Today there are about 18 different federally-recognized Native American pueblos in New Mexico.
Coronado and later Spanish conquistadors in search of gold and silver began arriving in the 1540s. They brought colonization, Christianity (the Roman Catholic version) and conflict, particularly with the indigenous Native peoples. Laid out by the Spanish, Santa Fe, capital of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its central town square plaza was laid out in 1610, that is, about a decade prior to the English arriving on the east coast of America.
New Mexico was part of Mexico until only recently. Consequently Mexican custom and culture is an indelible feature of New Mexico. After the Mexican-American War ended in 1848, New Mexico became a United States territory. Subsequently, on January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state. More can be learned at the local Albuquerque Museum.
3. Albuquerque
City attractions -- all of these are accessible by riding ABQride (the city bus service).
- Museums: NM Museum of Natural History and Science (strongly recommended so much so that I became a member), Albuquerque Museum, Nuclear Museum, and others.
- ABQ Biopark (a zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden)
- Sightseeing: the old, historical plaza of Albuquerque's Old Town.
- Hiking: the Bosque Trail along Rio Grande, the Sandia foothills accessed from the Copper Avenue trail head. Albuquerque has abundant open spaces available for hiking, bird watching, etc.
- Railyards Market (Sundays, May to October only, 10am - 2pm)
- Catopia cat cafe.
- Blake's Lotaburger -- New Mexico's own fast food joint.
Region -- within 10 miles of the city
- Petroglyphs National Monument -- it includes two Petroglyph sites (Rinconada Canyon and Boca Negra Canyon) as well as the Albuquerque Volcanoes. All are must-see places for anyone interested in the natural and cultural history of the region.
- Sandia Mountain crest (10,600 feet). Starkly and steeply rising 4000 feet from the east side of Albuquerque are the Sandia Mountains. There are three ways of getting to the crest at the top: the fun way, the long and interesting way, and the grueling way. The fun and scenic way is by the Sandia Tram. The long and interesting way is to drive the Sandia Crest Byway. You will definitely need a car for a roundtrip of 50 miles or more. Finally, the grueling way is hiking up the mountain on the La Luz trail. It is 7.5 miles one-way and takes a good amount of physical strength. I know. I've done it.
4. Albuquerque Region
5. Santa Fe and Taos
6. Outlying New Mexico
7. Being Careful -- Places to Avoid
Like many American cities, Albuquerque has problems with crime and homelessness. One particular region to avoid is what locals call the "war zone". It is region around Central Avenue (the main east-west drag through the city) between San Mateo Blvd on the west and Wyoming Blvd on the east. During the day time, the region is not especially dangerous. I ride through the region on public transit without worry. However, after dark, I avoid the area. Considering Albuquerque's auto theft problem, it is best to avoid parking in the region at any time. Most of all, do not stay at any of the old motels on Central. To see why, do a web search on "Bow and Arrow Motel Albuquerque". Incidentally, I live less than a mile north of the War Zone.
Albuquerque is a city built for the automobile. Within city limits is the interchange between two major interstates: I-40 running east-west across America and I-25 running north-south. Therefore, the pedestrian must be especially careful and defensive when crossing busy intersections. I strongly recommend against riding a bicycle on city streets.
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