Old Town Albuquerque

When you are speaking at an event there is often not much time to explore. However, I arrived early the day before the RV show in Albuquerque started so I was able to venture down to Old Town. I planned to walk a couple of blocks to Central and catch a bus. Problem was, the bus stops were not well marked. (Later I discovered you could see a sign from the other side of the street, but that didn't help me on my side.) I ended up walking almost two miles. I didn't mind the exercise, though. It felt good even though temperatures were in the 30s.

Old Town is built around a plaza.San Felipe de Neri Church is the oldest building in Albuquerque and is on the north side of the plaza. Galleries, eateries and gift shops line the other sides and stretch out into the nearby area.The sanctuary in the church is beautiful, still decorated with red poinsettias.

I had a nice lunch and visited many of the shops. The artwork is outstanding - some very talented artists. I did go in the gift shop for the Rattlesnake Museum, a street over from the plaza, to get some postcards. The museum has the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world. I got a peek at the first tank and that rattlesnake was huge!

I was able to get the bus on the way back after asking where the stop was- one walking trip was enough! And I even got a free ride because the machine that accepts cash wasn't working. The bus would be a good way to get round Albuquerque if your RV is parked somewhere near a bus line. It was $1 to ride, a pretty good deal. Then you don't have to worry about parking, though that's not a problem for a regular vehicle. Nob Hill is another interesting area. The RV Show was a good one. I'm told the Denver one will have twice the visitors. More about Denver in the days to come. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

 

Comments

[Janice Evans]

We thoroughly enjoyed Old Town Albuquerque on our very first RV'ing trip following retirement. . .didn't know about the buses. . .but our favorite thing was the tram to the top of Sandia Peak. ..so worth it!

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Thanks, Janice. I'll try the tram on a warm summer day if I get the chance! In the low 30s down in Albuquerque, I figured the tram would get down at least another 10 degrees cooler!

Jaimie

[CoolJudy]

Next time in Old Town ABQ try lunch at the Church Street Care, located on the street behind the cathedral. It has a wonderful courtyard eating area if you walk thru the main restaurant. Also check out the bronze sculptures surrounding the history museum in the next block over. Large parking lot is adjacent.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Thanks for the suggestions, Judy. I can see I need to go back. It was pretty cold so I didn't wander too far from the square.

Jaimie