Albuquerque is the straddling “American Nile”. In fact, the Rio Grande is the river near the city, but because it flows through the desert is as ‘exotic’ as the Nile. The city got its nickname from the provincial governor in honor of the viceroy of New Spain. The viceroy was Duke of Alburquerque, but the first ‘r’ was dropped in the 19th century due to its hard pronunciation. The city is frequently called “The Duke City” in the honor of the viceroy too. Even these days the town retains its Spanish historical heritage as well as the cultural life is influenced.
Because of the modern views the city adopted its population began to grow rapidly in the 1990s. In 2006, the population surpassed half a million, but until 2009, it is projected to be more than 600,000. This means that the city in permanent development.
One of the main industries the city has these days is the tourism. Albuquerque is lucky considering its climate; having an average of 300 sunny days a year. The weather is generally sunny and dry, even winter the occasional snowfall often melts by afternoon. Nevertheless, this is not a reason for ski fans not to visit the city because in the Sandia Mountains is enough snow to create decent skiing conditions. The temperatures usually vary between -4 °C and 33 °C, but even during winter the daytime temperatures can exceed 10 °C.
The fast development of the city, which started in the late 20th century the city, is in permanent growing. Because of this, the strip of Central Avenue is the central of Albuquerque’s cultural life, and gives a big-city feeling. The downtown area has also been revitalized meaning that many clubs, restaurants and bars are welcoming the visitors. The pursue of lower taxes and the search for cheap land made the area outside the city borders to be popular among the metropolitan area developers. This way many urban life hubs are created outside the city, bringing a diversity in the social and nightlife of the town.
Those who want to enjoy the entertainment the city offers after the sun sets have plenty of places to choose from. In Albuquerque, you can find the finest restaurant offering traditional food from around the world. You can visit Azuma if you want Japanese food, including sushi. Spending a night at Cesar’s you can taste the very best of the Mexican foods. Traditional Middle Eastern foods can be found in Pars Cuisine and in Mediterranean Café. The fans of pizza and pasta can also find restaurants for their taste, like Saggio’s. Because Albuquerque is linked with the Spanish culture, you can expect many restaurants to offer Paella and Gazpacho.
If you also want to dance, you can choose from the many clubs that are situated in the downtown area, but not only. Maybe the most popular one is the O-PM, which is a high-style bar and dance club open since 2002. Buddha statues and Moroccan henna lamps complete the Asian fusion décor. The far-Asian feeling is at home in Raw. This is a sushi bar and dance club with a DJ spinning the disc six days out of seven. Next door to Raw is the Sauce that is very popular place, having a crowded dance floor. A wood burning oven fires the pizzas in the restaurant area, which has retro furniture.
It doesn’t matter that Albuquerque has no beach on ocean, it has an original Tiki Lounge the Burt’s. Decorated with lifejackets, surfboards, sombreros and Tikis and offering live music is a popular place. For those who want to spend their nights in a more traditional bar, there is the Brewsters. Having in its repertoire live bands as well as DJs, two pool tables, walls covered with traditional Americana collectibles and beer logo banners it’s a classic American bar.
Located just a few kilometers from the city are the Sandia Mountains. Here is situated the Sandia Peak Ski Area which is popular among the tourist as well among the locals. Offering both winter and summer sporting activities it is operating all year long. The city and Sandia Peak is connected via the Sandia Peak Tramway, which is the world’s longest passenger aerial tramway, traveling on a distance of 4,467 meters. After arriving at the peak visitors can choose from hiking, backpacking or mountain biking. In addition skiing is also an option during winter.
For those who would like to rest during their holiday Albuquerque is also a perfect location. The city is the home of many festivals. On of these is the Tricklock’s “Revolutions”, which is a one-month long event. This festival gives the opportunity to watch plays performed by theater artists who came from around the world exclusively for this event. The American Shakespeare Project takes also place in this city. For the lovers of comedy the Blackout is a must, consisting of improvisation, sketch comedy and full length shows. Considered by many the Mecca of performing arts and entertainment capital of the south the city is also the home of the Albuquerque Theater Guild.
For those who would like to walk around the city the Albuquerque Biological Park is a perfect place. This is the home of the local aquarium; where visitors can study Gulf of Mexico saltwater species. You can also find the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and the Zoo here. Those who visit the city with children must visit the Tingley Beach, which has a fishing lake, boating lake and several picnic areas. From the narrow gauge railroad, all this area can be seen.
The New Mexico State Fair is probably the largest fest of the year in the city and the whole state. Started in 1972 with only 13 balloons the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is today one of the largest hot air balloon festival in the US. In 2000, there were 1000 balloons but for security reasons the maximum number was limited to 700.
Having such a rich cultural heritage Albuquerque is in the top holiday spots for the lovers of the Spanish and Mexican culture.
