Albuquerque Biological Park: Aquarium and Botanic Garden
For those of us born and raised in the desert, this attraction quenches years of soul thirst. The self-guided aquarium tour begins with a beautifully produced 9-minute film that describes the course of the Rio Grande from its origin to the Gulf Coast. Then, you'll move on to the touch pool, where at certain times of day you can gently touch hermit crabs and starfish. You'll pass by a replica of a salt marsh, where a gentle tidal wave moves in and out, and you'll explore the eel tank, an arched aquarium you get to walk through. There's a colorful coral-reef exhibit, as well as the culminating show, in a 285,000-gallon shark tank, where many species of fish and 15 to 20 sand-tiger, brown, and nurse sharks swim around, looking ominous.Within a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot conservatory, you'll find the botanical garden, split into two sections. The smaller one houses the desert collection and features plants from the lower Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, including unique species from Baja, California. The larger pavilion exhibits the Mediterranean collection and includes many exotic species native to the Mediterranean climates of southern California, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. Allow at least 2 hours to see both parks. There is a restaurant on the premises.In December, you can see the "River of Lights Holiday Light Display" Tuesday through Sunday; and June through August you can attend Thursday evening concerts.

Turquoise Museum
Don't be put off by the setting of this little gem of a museum in a strip mall west of Old Town. For those with curiosity, it's a real find that's been featured in Smithsonian Magazine and on 60 Minutes. The passion of father and son Joe P. Lowry and Joe Dan Lowry, it contains "the world's largest collection of turquoise" -- from 60 mines around the world. You start through a tunnel, where turquoise is embedded in the walls, and move on to exhibits that present the blue stone's geology, history, and mythology. You'll see maps showing where turquoise is mined, ranging from Egypt to Kingman, Arizona, and find out how to determine whether the turquoise you're hoping to buy is quality or not. Lowry, Sr., will fill in any details and even tell you more about turquoise you're wearing. There's also a real lapidary shop; jewelry made there is sold in a gift shop that's open until 5pm. If you're lucky, one of Lowry's grandkids will tell a joke like this one she told me: What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer. Plan to spend about 1 hour here.

American International Rattlesnake Museum
This unique museum, located just off Old Town Plaza, has living specimens of common, uncommon, and very rare rattlesnakes of North, Central, and South America in naturally landscaped habitats. Oddities such as albino and patternless rattlesnakes are included, as is a display popular with youngsters: baby rattlesnakes. More than 30 species can be seen, followed by a 7-minute film on this contributor to the ecological balance of our hemisphere. Throughout the museum are rattlesnake artifacts from early American history, Native American culture, medicine, the arts, and advertising. You'll also find a gift shop that specializes in Native American jewelry, T-shirts, and other memorabilia related to the natural world and the Southwest, all with an emphasis on rattlesnakes.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque
The hotel is conveniently located in northeast Albuquerque in the uptown area. We are close to shopping, restaurants and the Uptown business district. Albuquerque Intl ARPT 9 MI, NE Taxi-Rental Car - Fee. Amtrak Station 5 MI, NE Taxi- Fee. Downtown 5 MI, NE Taxi-rental car - ...

Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North
The Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North is a southwestern Santa Fe style hotel featuring an open ten-story atrium with lush greenery and a rock waterfall. Ideally located off Interstate 25 in the Journal Center business complex, the hotel is just minutes from the airport, historic Old Town and the Sandia Tram. Downtown Albuquerque is four miles south. The full-service Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North hotel offers deluxe acommodations featuring Marriott's luxurious new bedding package and ...

Quality Inn & Suites
High-speed Internet available. Hot items on FREE Deluxe Continental Breakfast. Outdoor pool, hot tub and exercise room. FREE cable, 25-inch TV with ESPN and HBO. FREE local calls and newspaper. Meeting room available. Two-room suites available. Restaurant next door with room service available. Restaurant on premises. One mile from convention center. Pet Accomodations: 10.00/stay per pet Pet Accomodations: ...