For 30 years, this candy maker has supplied people around the world with mouth-watering sweets. A giant candy cane leans against the doorway and has been a landmark in Albuquerque for decades. This would not be a true New Mexican candy shop unless it used pinon nuts in some of its confections. Chocolate covered pinons range reasonably in price. One of Buffet's signature items is The Horny Toad, confections that lie on a bed of pecan or pinon and are draped with dark or milk chocolate. Dozens of other assorted candies are also available.
Contact Information: 7001 Lomas North East, Albuquerque, NM 87110, United States +1 505 265 7731
If your children are bored and antsy at the historic sites in and around Santa Fe, treat them with a trip to the Santa Fe Children's Museum. The museum is packed with hands-on exhibits like a climbing wall, obstacle course, bubbles, music, and a working greenhouse featuring daily scavenger hunts. For the fearless, there are even snakes on exhibit. The gift shop has an array of educational toys, puzzles and games to remember your trip by.
Contact Information: 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States +1 505 989 8359
Learn and play at a center that challenges people of all ages and backgrounds to explor learn and critically think. Explore art, science, technology, culture and fun. The museum contains a collection of over 250 interactive science, technology and art exhibits such as an experiment bar and a high-wire bike and robotics lab. Demonstrations, theatre performances and a variety of programs and activities are also offered. The museum store provides a wide array of bilingual and educational items.
Contact Information: 1701 Mountain Road Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States +1 505 224 8300
Absolute Nirvana Spa & Gardens is the only Indonesian Spa in all of Santa Fe which offers special Asian massages and therapies. Apart from the facials, manicures and pedicures are a host of treatments like Thai massages, rose petal baths, Brown Sugar and Papaya Extravaganza. Buy a gift certificate for birthdays or anniversaries. A day at Absolute Nirvana Spa & Gardens promises revitalization of body, mind and soul.
Contact Information: 106 Faithway Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States +1 505 983 7942
This is an awesome orchestration of natural wonder. Sleek and graceful sharks glide about their sovereignty, a 285,000-gallon climate controlled, simulated natural habitat. Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is contained and capsulated in this state of the art facility which brings life from the exotic seas to the high desert. Among the oceanic life exhibited you will see stingrays, sand tigers, sea horses and sea dragons. Albuquerque Aquarium is definitely a must-visit to marvel at the aquatic life!
Contact Information: 2601 Central Avenue Northwest, Intersection of Central and New York Avenues, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States +1 505 764 6200
Along the Rio Grande the city of Albuquerque has set aside hundreds of acres for your enjoyment. Tingley Aquatic Park is a great place for picnics and family gatherings. At the Rio Grande Zoological Parkyou can see exotic animals from around the globe and check out the Albuquerque Aquarium. Then take a leisurely stroll through the thousands of plants in the Rio Grande Botanic Garden.
Contact Information: 903 Tenth Street Southwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States +1 505 764 6200
In 1942, the Japanese took over 1,800 men from New Mexico captive on the island of Bataan. After the brutal death march and three years of captivity, less than half of these soldiers returned home. The Bataan Memorial Military Museum and Library is dedicated to the memory of these soldiers and their families. You will find military manuscripts in the library section, and over 30,000 military artifacts in the museum. On occasion, you may encounter a veteran from the death march who'd be glad to recount his story in person. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Contact Information: 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States +1 505 474 1670
In New Mexico, the chile is a revered spice. Locals pile them on hamburgers, pizza, and load them in their sauces. This shop is a tribute to the red and green pod. You will discover sauces and salsas in varying degrees of warmth, as well as powdered mixes to make your own salsa. Blue corn is another taste treat indigenous to the area, and there are plenty of blue corn products available here. If you are looking for a gift item, the store carries a nice selection of gift boxes and baskets.
Contact Information: 109 East Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States +1 505 983 6080
From April to October, this playground is open for the young and the young at heart. It offers more than 23 rides, games of skill, arcade and redemption deals and a variety of great food and gifts. Centrally located in Albuquerque for a convenient playful getaway, this place is sure to put a smile on your face and a little extra spring in your step.
Contact Information: 4800 Osuna Road Northeast, San Mateo, Albuquerque, NM 87109, United States +1 505 881 9373
Contemporary art and modernism fascinated world-famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe. This namesake museum spotlights her work, but also showcases the work of many other established artists. The exhibits change about three times a year, so no matter how many times you visit, you'll always see something new. In addition to the static displays, there are a number of rotating exhibits. The O'Keeffe Cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat, and the Museum Shop offers gifts. Please note that admission is free the first Friday of the month, from 5-8 p.m.
Contact Information: 217 Johnson Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States +1 505 946 1000
If you are up to the challenge of a hike through four life zones, that climbs from 7,080 feet to 10,280 in just under eight miles, La Luz Trail offers you an alpine escape from the concrete jungle. On weekends, the trail is crowded with day hikers, joggers and their pets. The trail switchbacks upward among granite spires, ponderosa pines, and quaking aspens. Near the top, the trail forks. The right fork takes you to Sandia Crest; the left fork terminates at the Sandia Peak Tramway. Take along plenty of water.
Contact Information: 2113 Osuna Road Northeast, Cibola National Forest, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States +1 505 346 3900
Take a walk through time from the big bang through the ice ages in one of the premier natural history museums in the country. Also, discover a great collection of massive dinosaurs while you watch technicians work on actual fossils. You can also experience the Dynamax Theater with its multi-story screen and super sound system. Step into the Time Machine and stop by the Lode Star Center that includes a high-tech, 175-seat theater, telescope and planetarium. The STARTUP Gallery tells the story of Albuquerque's role in the development of the computer. The Nature Works store in the museum features a unique inventory of items related to dinosaurs, birds, and various species of animals and scientific gadgets.
Contact Information: 1801 Mountain Road Northwest, Alburquerque, NM 87104, United States +1 505 841 2800
You will find something for everyone here at the largest state fair in the nation. Start with the Professional Rodeo Association performances in Tingley Coliseum followed by a concert that will showcase 20 internationally known entertainers. Stop by the midway and checkout the excitement of rides and games of skill. The snacks are plentiful with the classic cotton candy, caramel apples, and snow cones. The exhibit halls are packed with the finest arts, crafts and livestock that New Mexico has to offer. The Spanish and The Indian Villages feature great music, dancing, artwork, demonstrations and traditional food.
Contact Information: 300 San Pedro Northeast, Expo New Mexico Grounds, Albuquerque, NM 87108, United States +1 505 265 3976
Built by the Spanish conquerors in the 1600s, this building is now on the list of American Treasures and is a Registered National Historic Landmark. It houses the most extensive museum collection, spanning the history of Santa Fe and the Southwest. Native Americans ply their arts and crafts outside the building facing the central Plaza, just as they have for over 400 years. Jewelry, pottery, kachinas and more are spread out on blankets for you to admire and purchase. This is wholesale shopping at its best, so be sure to check it out.
Contact Information: 105 West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States +1 505 476 5100
For anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of flowers and plant life, this is the Garden of Eden. The Desert Pavilion features an ultra modern glass conservatory which produces heat filtered, ultra violet rays to allow Xeric species to bloom year round. The Mediterranean Pavilion is home to fragrant plant life and lush walled gardens. The PNM Butterfly Pavilion and butterfly-hummingbird garden are majestic. You will leave feeling like you have come upon your own secret garden. Exhibits explore the phenomenal process of photosynthesis, providing a fascinating kaleidoscope of color.
Contact Information: 2601 Central Ave Northwest, Opposite Alburquerque Aquarium, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States +1 505 768 2000
With everything from rare and exotic animals to comical and common species, the zoo offers award-winning natural habitat displays of white tigers, polar bears, big cats, great apes and just about everything else that came off Noah's Ark. Do not miss to feed the seals and sea lions. Shop for hats, toys, film and gifts in the gift shop, open daily. Snack bars are open and an extensive menu is offered at the Cottonwood Café. Catering services are also available for group or corporate events.
Contact Information: 903 10th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States +1 505 768 2000
This tramway lifts you from the Sandia foothills through five natural life zones to the top of the Sandia Mountains, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Time and terrain seem to move in harmony as passengers scout the rugged canyons and lush forests for bighorn sheep and deer. The tram docks alongside the High Finance Restaurant. This is a must see. With 2.7 miles of sky-view travel, be sure to visit this spot while in Albuquerque.
Contact Information: 10 Tramway Loop Northeast, End of Tramway Road, Albuquerque, NM 87122, United States +1 505 242 9133
Since the 1880s, people have been riding the railway between Santa Fe and Lamy. The was a point when this was the primary means of transportation between the two towns. Now, however, the daily trips have become a popular tourist attraction. As you travel the railway, you'll see some spectacular panoramic views of the high desert landscape. Special trips like the Mardi Gras Trip, the Ghost Story Trip, and the Holiday Lights Trip are planned throughout the year. You can choose to travel coach, silver or dome. Reservations are highly recommended.
Contact Information: 410 South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States +1 505 989 8600 / +1 888 989 8600
Archbishop Lamy commissioned this French Romanesque cathedral in 1869, and it took more than 15 years to complete. It is still maintained by the archdiocese of Santa Fe. This long-standing landmark houses many religious relics, including the chalice used by Lamy and the oldest Madonna in the United States. The exquisite stained glass windows of the St. Francis Cathedral were created in France, then transported to Santa Fe via ship and covered wagon. Admission is free.
Contact Information: 131 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, NM 87504, United States +1 505 982 5619
Located at the Santa Fe Community College, this planetarium educates the public about the stars and space in general. Events are scheduled and vary each month, check the website for upcoming programs. Tickets go on sale at the door, 30 minutes before the program begins. Note that latecomers are not admitted; show begins promptly.
Contact Information: 6401 South Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508, United States +1 505 428 1677
