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During your Albuquerque vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Rio Grande Zoo
More than 1,200 animals from 300 species live on 60 acres of riverside bosque among ancient cottonwoods. Open-moat exhibits with animals in naturalized habitats are a treat for zoo-goers. Major exhibits include polar bears, giraffes, sea lions (with underwater viewing), the cat walk, the bird show, and ape country, with gorillas and orangutans. The zoo has an especially fine collection of elephants, mountain lions, koalas, reptiles, and native Southwestern species. A children's petting zoo is open during the summer. There are numerous snack bars on the zoo grounds, and La Ventana Gift Shop carries film and souvenirs. Also check out the seal and sea lion feeding at 10:30am and 3:30pm daily and the summer Zoo Music Concert Series.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Owned and operated as a nonprofit organization by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, this is a fine place to begin an exploration of Native American culture. Located about a mile northeast of Old Town, this museum -- modeled after Pueblo Bonito, a spectacular 9th-century ruin in Chaco Culture National Historic Park -- consists of several parts.Begin your exploration in the basement, where a permanent exhibit depicts the evolution of the various pueblos from prehistory to present, including displays of the distinctive handcrafts of each community. Note especially how pottery differs in concept and design from pueblo to pueblo. You'll also find a small screening room where you can see films of some of New Mexico's most noted Native American artists making their wares, including San Ildefonso potter María Martinez, firing her pottery with open flames.The Pueblo House Children's Museum, located in a separate building, is a hands-on experience that gives children the opportunity to learn about and understand the evolution of Pueblo culture. There they can touch pot shards, play with heishi (shell) drills, and even don fox tails and dance.Upstairs in the main building is an enormous (10,000-sq.-ft.) gift shop featuring fine pottery, rugs, sand paintings, kachinas, drums, and jewelry, among other things. Southwestern clothing and souvenirs are also available. Prices here are quite reasonable.Every weekend throughout the year, Native American dancers perform at 11am and 2pm in an outdoor arena surrounded by original murals. Often, artisans demonstrate their crafts there as well. During certain weeks of the year, such as the Balloon Fiesta, dances are performed daily.A restaurant serves traditional Native American foods. I wouldn't eat a full meal here, but it's a good place for some Indian fry bread and a bowl of posole.
¡Explora! Science Center and Children's Museum
As a center for lifelong learning, ¡Explora! houses more than 250 hands-on scientific exhibits for visitors of all ages on topics as diverse as water, the Rio Grande, light and optics, biological perception, and energy. It features exhibits utilizing technology that is creatively accessible to the public and exhibits that engage visitors in creating all kinds of art.
ESA ABQ-Rio Rancho
**Extended Stay America Albuquerque-Rio Rancho is designed specifically for people who need more than just a room while away from home. In addition to the comfortable recliner and large work desk, the oversized studio suites feature a kitchen that allows you to prepare meals at your convenience. As a guest of Extended Stay America, you receive complementary movie channels, free local phone calls, voice-mail, and a two-line phone with a computer dataport. Guests also have access to a ...
Best Western American Motor Inn
'From: Interstate 40. (Eastbound) Take Exit 167, and travel south on Tramway and then right on Central to the Best Western American Motor Inn. 'From: Interstate 40. (Westbound) Take Exit 167 to west on Central to the Best Western American Motor ...
Motel 6 Albuquerque West - Coors Road
The great city of Albuquerque is home to many attractions! The Albuquerque West - Coors Road Motel 6 is located just 10 minutes from the Balloon Fiesta Park and the National Atomic Museum, and just 4 miles from the Albuquerque Biological Park, specializing in natural wonders. You must be 21 years of age or older to check-in at this ...
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