National Atomic Museum
"I am become death, the shatterer of worlds." Shortly after the successful detonation of the first atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer, who headed the Manhattan Project, said this, quoting from ancient Hindu texts. This and other valuable information highlight the 51-minute film Ten Seconds That Shook the World, which is shown daily (throughout the day) at this museum, an experience worth fitting into a busy schedule. The museum itself offers the next-best introduction to the nuclear age after the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos, making for an interesting 1- to 2-hour perusal. It traces the history of nuclear-weapons development, beginning with the top-secret Manhattan Project of the 1940s, including a copy of the letter Albert Einstein wrote to President Franklin D. Roosevelt suggesting the possible need to beat the Germans at creating an atomic bomb -- a letter that surprisingly went ignored for nearly 2 years. You'll find a permanent Marie Curie exhibit in the lobby and full-scale models of the "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" bombs, as well as displays and films on the peaceful application of nuclear technology -- including nuclear medicine -- and other alternative energy sources.

Petroglyph National Monument
These lava flows were once a hunting and gathering area for prehistoric Native Americans, who left a chronicle of their beliefs etched on the dark basalt boulders. Some 25,000 petroglyphs provide a nice outdoor adventure after a morning in a museum. You'll want to stop at the visitor center to get a map, check out the interactive computer, and, in summer, hook up with a ranger-led tour. From there, you can drive north to the Boca Negra area, where you'll have a choice of three trails. Take the Mesa Point Trail (30 min.) that climbs quickly up the side of a hill, offering many petroglyph sightings as well as an outstanding view of the Sandia Mountains. If you're traveling with your dog, you can bring her along on the Rinconada Trail. Hikers can have fun searching the rocks for more petroglyphs; there are many yet to be found. This trail (located a few miles south of the visitor center) runs for miles around a huge rincon (corner) at the base of the lava flow. Camping is not permitted in the park; it's strictly for day use, with picnic areas, drinking water, and restrooms provided.

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.

Holiday Inn Express ALBUQUERQUE (I-40 EUBANK)
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Albuquerque offers 104 guest rooms. Several rooms have balconies with unobstructed views of the Sandia Mountains There are 6 Jacuzzi Suites with 27" color televisions and combination microwave/refrigerator/freezer units. Each room has a clock radio, in-room coffee maker, and a wall-mounted hairdryer. Hotel amenities include: Indoor pool, Sauna, Hot tub, Fitness center, Complimentary breakfast bar, and a meeting room that can accommodate 30 persons. Complimentary ...

Doubletree' Hotel Albuquerque
The Hotel is located in Downtown Albuquerque at 201 Marquette Ave. NW (at the 2nd street intersection) The Hotel is physically connected to the Convention Center via a carpeted ...

Nativo Lodge
Nativo Lodge will charm and inspire you with inviting spaces that capture the rich and colorful spirit of New Mexico. Conveniently located in north Albuquerque, the lodge is adjacent to the Journal Business Center just off I-25, minutes to Old Town, Balloon Fiesta Park, Sandia Casino, Albuquerque Airport, and the finest shopping and dining that Albuquerque has offer. Spacious and comfortable guest rooms feature Native American accents, wireless Internet, in-room coffee, dual line phones with ...