In his travels, Bugs Bunny regularly wound up going a direction opposite from what he intended, arriving in such diverse places as the Himalayas or Scotland. The reason for these mixed-up and mistaken destinations? He “shoulda taken that left toin at Albukoikee.”
Albuquerque, New Mexico, settled in 1706, boasts rich history and tradition, making it a great place for a weekend getaway. Visit Albuquerque this spring and discover for yourself why Bugs Bunny should have just stayed there—at least for a weekend. Here are three locations offering a variety of activities that will give you an authentic New Mexican experience.
Photo Provided By El Pinto Restaurant. El Pinto
Eat: El Pinto
Situated in the North Valley of Albuquerque is El Pinto, a world-famous restaurant that offers an authentic taste of New Mexican cuisine. Their salsa is so exceptional that customers requested it be bottled and sold. In the year 2000,
El Pinto started selling El Pinto Salsa so people throughout the country could enjoy it.
Experience: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The goal of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is to help keep the pueblo culture alive. The Center houses a museum of information about the 19 remaining pueblos in New Mexico. The Pueblo House, an interactive part of the museum, gives visitors a glimpse of pueblo culture and explains rules of etiquette for guests to follow while visiting the pueblos. Every spring, the Center hosts an American Indian week called Pueblo Days, full of lots of different activities and information. The Center is located at 2401 12th St. NW Albuquerque.
Photo By Adam Bangerter. The Sandia Mountains.
Explore: Sandia Mountains
The east side of Albuquerque is bordered by the Sandia Mountains. The name, which comes from the Spanish word sandia (watermelon), refers to the color of sunsets that play off the mountains in the evening. Sandia Peak offers a spectacular view of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. The peak can be reached through a variety of ways:
Tram: The Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest passenger tramway in the world, traverses a distance of 2.7 miles. Cost is $20 per adult.
Car: A paved road provides a beautiful drive that follows historic US Route 66 and curves up the back of the mountain. You can bring a picnic and eat at one of the observation stations along the way.
Hikes: There are paths all over the face of the mountain. You can traverse the length of the mountain or hike to the peak. Keep your eyes open for mule deer, golden eagles, and other wildlife.
For other ideas visit
► www.itsatrip.org
► www.cabq.gov
► www.albuquerqueoldtown.com
–Lauren Bangerter
The Sandia Mountains sound beautiful. I’ll have to try the tram when I get around to visiting New Mexico. I had no idea the largest passenger tramway was just next door!