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.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Whenever I'm in Albuquerque and want to get away from it all, I come here. The center, located just a few miles north of Old Town, spans 270 acres of riverside forest and meadows that include stands of 100-year-old cottonwoods and a 3-acre pond. Located on the Rio Grande Flyway, an important migratory route for many birds, it's an excellent place to see sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, and quail -- more than 260 bird species have made this their temporary or permanent home. In a protected area where dogs aren't allowed (you can bring dogs on most of the 2 miles of trails), you'll find exhibits of native grasses, wildflowers, and herbs. Inside a building built half above and half below ground, you can sit next to the pond in a glassed-in viewing area and comfortably watch ducks and other birds in their avian antics. There are 21 self-guided interpretive exhibits as well as photo exhibits, a library, a small nature store, and a children's resource room. On Saturday mornings you can join a guided nature walk. Other weekend programs are available for adults and children, including nature photography and bird- and wildflower-identification classes. Call for a schedule.

National Hispanic Cultural Center
Located in the historic Barelas neighborhood on the Camino Real, this gem of Albuquerque museums offers a rich cultural journey through hundreds of years of history and across the globe. It explores Hispanic arts and lifeways with visual arts, drama, music, dance, and other programs. I most enjoyed the 11,000-square-foot gallery space, which exhibits exciting contemporary and traditional works. Look for photographs by Miguel Gandert. An exciting 2004 exhibit was Corridos Sin Fronteras, which re-creates the historical development of the corrida (a song portraying an adventure) in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. A restaurant offers New Mexican and American food. It's a good spot to sample authentic regional dishes such as tacos and enchiladas either from a buffet or by ordering from the menu. My favorite is the tortilla burger (a burger served in a flour tortilla, with all the fixin's). Plans are to incorporate a cultural cooking component into the center, which would allow visitors to sample Hispanic foods from all over the world.

Marriott Albuquerque
Located in the heart of uptown Albuquerque and overlooking the Sandia Mountains, the newly renovated Albuquerque Marriott welcomes you to the Land of Enchantment. We are located just steps away from movie theatres, restaurants and shopping and a short drive from the airport, historic Old Town and the Sandia Peak Tram. Each of our comfortable and recently renovated guest rooms are equipped with coffee maker, hairdryer, high speed internet access, iron and board, remote control television, two ...

Residence Inn by Marriott Albuquerque
Residence Inn by Marriott is designed to make you feel at home for a day, a week, a month or more. Our suites give you fifty percent more space than most traditional hotel rooms. The Residence Inn Albuquerque is located two miles from the University of New Mexico and three miles from downtown. Pets are allowed with a non-refundable fee of USD 100. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served daily featuring breads and pastries, cereals and hot oatmeal, eggs, fruits and juices, hot and cold ...

Best Western Rio Grande Inn
Welcome to the Land of Enchantment and the Best Western Rio Grande Inn, the finest resting spot in all of Albuquerque. The ambiance reflects the Santa Fe style and architecture of Old Town, conveniently located nearby, placing the Inn among Albuquerque's finest ...