One of the most fun museums I've ever been to has to be Explora! (yes, it has exclamation points in its name), located on the west side of Albuquerque.
It's an interactive museum--all of the exhibits are things you can touch and play with.
Most of the topics are science and technology, and the different exhibits are fun to play with.
Want to learn about aerodynamics first-hand? Try and float various items on a stream of air!
Sound waves? Light? Gravity? Learn about all of these while interacting with objects and instruments.
Even better, Explora! has special events like Adult Night. If you've ever been to a science museum and watched kids play with the children's exhibits, trying hard not to move them out of the way and play with the exhibits yourself, you're in luck--this is exactly what it's for. We had a blast making giant bubbles and playing with blocks without worrying we were going to get kicked out.
If you want to have a fun day out, I totally recommend checking out Explora!
xoxo Sarah
Showing posts with label Albuquerque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Albuquerque. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
W is for Watermelon @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
Sandia, in Spanish, translates to "watermelon". So, the pretty Sandia Mountains are really the Watermelon Mountains.
Because, at sunset, the Sandias turn a lovely pink shade in the fading light. Sorry I don't have a picture of it (it only lasts a minute or two, and I'm often not near my phone), but here's a great shot of the mountains.
Why the odd name?
Because, at sunset, the Sandias turn a lovely pink shade in the fading light. Sorry I don't have a picture of it (it only lasts a minute or two, and I'm often not near my phone), but here's a great shot of the mountains.
xoxo Sarah
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Bonus V: Valency Genis Art @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge @Valency
So I decided to do this extra post because my friend, Valency, is a talented artist and because she lives in New Mexico, it's perfect for my A-Z Challenge theme!
Valency got her BFA degree at the University of New Mexico, and has been creating what she calls vegan taxidermy ever since. Her extraordinary pieces resemble, well, decapitated Dr. Seuss creatures, and each one is lovingly crafted to find their forever home. Some of her creations have gone to people from Pixar, and even Vincent Price's daughter took one home!
She recently had a very successful show in Chicago, and I know she's creating new creatures for some upcoming events. If you like her work, she ships all over the world.
Before I link to some pics of her amazing work, Valency can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ValencyArt/
And on Instagram and Twitter as @Valency
xoxo Sarah
Valency got her BFA degree at the University of New Mexico, and has been creating what she calls vegan taxidermy ever since. Her extraordinary pieces resemble, well, decapitated Dr. Seuss creatures, and each one is lovingly crafted to find their forever home. Some of her creations have gone to people from Pixar, and even Vincent Price's daughter took one home!
She recently had a very successful show in Chicago, and I know she's creating new creatures for some upcoming events. If you like her work, she ships all over the world.
Before I link to some pics of her amazing work, Valency can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ValencyArt/
And on Instagram and Twitter as @Valency
xoxo Sarah
Monday, April 25, 2016
U is for University (UNM) @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
The main campus for the University of New Mexico, a large public university, is located right in Albuquerque. If you can't make it to the main campus, there are four satellite campuses around New Mexico.
It was founded in 1889, and is very close to Nob Hill and central Albuquerque. It offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs, and offers a variety of associate and certificate programs as well as graduate and professional programs.
UNM is well-known for its research programs, and has a hospital associated with campus as well.
The UNM mascot is the Lobo (wolf), and their athletic teams play NCAA Division I in the Mountain West Conference.
We haven't seen any games yet, but it's definitely on our list! Hubs and I love college sports.
xoxo Sarah
It was founded in 1889, and is very close to Nob Hill and central Albuquerque. It offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs, and offers a variety of associate and certificate programs as well as graduate and professional programs.
UNM is well-known for its research programs, and has a hospital associated with campus as well.
The UNM mascot is the Lobo (wolf), and their athletic teams play NCAA Division I in the Mountain West Conference.
We haven't seen any games yet, but it's definitely on our list! Hubs and I love college sports.
xoxo Sarah
Saturday, April 23, 2016
T is for Tram @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
One way to get to the top of the lovely Sandia Mountains is to take the tram. The Sandia Peak Tramway begins in the foothills at the base of the Sandias and runs over two and a half miles to the top. It's one of the most popular things to do in Albuquerque.
It's supported by two towers between the first and last station, and took two years to construct. It was built by a Swiss company in the 1960s, and made its first trip up in 1966. The journey takes about fifteen minutes each way, and each tram car has a guide on it who will talk you through what you're seeing--the landscape, the different rocks, the trees.
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| Picture from the Summer Tram Photo Gallery |
There's even a restaurant at the very top, so you can stop and have something to eat and enjoy the gorgeous views.
From the top, you can get to the Sandia Peak ski area as well as hike various trails. The tram is also one of the outlets for the La Luz Trail we discussed on L, and a lot of folks take the tram down after they've hiked all the way up.
At any rate, this is one unique way to see New Mexico!
xoxo Sarah
Friday, April 22, 2016
S is for Sandia and Skiing! @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
The beautiful Sandia Mountains border Albuquerque on the eastern side. While Albuquerque itself is at about 5,500 feet in elevation, Sandia Crest is its highest point at 10,678 feet, and the mountains provide a lot to do.
Hiking is a popular activity, and from the Crest, you have breathtaking views of Albuquerque and beyond. There are over twenty trails, and they range from easy to very difficult, so there's plenty to satisfy every hiker.
Sandia Peak is also known for its skiing. The ski area is on the eastern side of the mountain, and is a short drive for those with the urge to enjoy some winter sports.
xoxo Sarah
Hiking is a popular activity, and from the Crest, you have breathtaking views of Albuquerque and beyond. There are over twenty trails, and they range from easy to very difficult, so there's plenty to satisfy every hiker.
Sandia Peak is also known for its skiing. The ski area is on the eastern side of the mountain, and is a short drive for those with the urge to enjoy some winter sports.
xoxo Sarah
Thursday, April 21, 2016
R is for Rio Grande @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
The Rio Grande ("Grand River" or "Big River" in Spanish, in case you've never really thought about it) runs from Colorado into New Mexico and then forms the border between Mexico and Texas as it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Rio Grande runs through Albuquerque, and you can enjoy it in non-motorized craft. There's a lot of wildlife to see near the river, and the plant-life is green in the desert landscape.
There's even a Rio Grande Nature Park Center in northwest Albuquerque, which is worth a look!
See you next time for S! I hope you're enjoying the blogfest.
xoxo Sarah
The Rio Grande runs through Albuquerque, and you can enjoy it in non-motorized craft. There's a lot of wildlife to see near the river, and the plant-life is green in the desert landscape.
There's even a Rio Grande Nature Park Center in northwest Albuquerque, which is worth a look!
See you next time for S! I hope you're enjoying the blogfest.
xoxo Sarah
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
P is for Petroglyph National Monument @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
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| Picture from Wikipedia |
There's a visitor's center, but there aren't any petroglyph viewing areas there, so you'll have to go to the trails, which you can hike.
There are three trails where you can see petroglyphs and one without any. It's very neat to be able to be up close and personal with such vivid history.
xoxo Sarah
Monday, April 18, 2016
O is for October: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge
Considered to be the most photographed event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the U.S. and is held every October.
The Fiesta has many events, including mass ascensions, special shapes, and even special events and competitions.
What makes ballooning in Albuquerque so good? It's what's known as the Albuquerque box--predictable wind patterns that are great for ballooning. Below is a diagram of how the winds in the Albuquerque box work from Balloon Fiesta Park. The balloons rise and are taken south by southerly winds, then rise and are swept north in the higher altitude by northerly winds. When they drop in altitude, they are caught by the southerly winds again which bring them back to the park.
Of course, things don't always go so neatly, so each balloon has pilots and crew. This includes people to keep track of and chase the balloons down and help load them back up after landing.
The Fiesta has many events, including mass ascensions, special shapes, and even special events and competitions.
What makes ballooning in Albuquerque so good? It's what's known as the Albuquerque box--predictable wind patterns that are great for ballooning. Below is a diagram of how the winds in the Albuquerque box work from Balloon Fiesta Park. The balloons rise and are taken south by southerly winds, then rise and are swept north in the higher altitude by northerly winds. When they drop in altitude, they are caught by the southerly winds again which bring them back to the park.
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| Pic from Wikipedia |
Of course, things don't always go so neatly, so each balloon has pilots and crew. This includes people to keep track of and chase the balloons down and help load them back up after landing.
If you visit, going up in a balloon can be quite expensive (during the Fiesta they're more expensive and run about $300 per person, give or take) but it might be worth it if it's on your bucket list!
Otherwise, enjoy the festival and the colorful balloons.
xoxo Sarah
Saturday, April 16, 2016
N is for Nob Hill #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z @abqnobhill
Nob Hill in Albuquerque is actually named after Nob Hill in San Francisco, and is considered to be the commercial area alongside Central Avenue (which we discussed on C day as also being U.S. Route 66) and the surrounding residential areas. Nob Hill is east of the University of New Mexico, and encompasses a roughly square shape that runs from Lomas on the north side, Girard on the west, Garfield/Zuni to the south, and Washington on the east.
Nob Hill (which turns 100 this year) is a vibrant community filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Events are often held along Central (like Route 66 Summerfest).
It's a great place to enjoy a small-community feel in a city, and a wonderful place to enjoy a night out, whether you want to go to the cinema, go dancing, or enjoy a nice meal out.
Stay tuned for O!
xoxo Sarah
Nob Hill (which turns 100 this year) is a vibrant community filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Events are often held along Central (like Route 66 Summerfest).
It's a great place to enjoy a small-community feel in a city, and a wonderful place to enjoy a night out, whether you want to go to the cinema, go dancing, or enjoy a nice meal out.
Stay tuned for O!
xoxo Sarah
Friday, April 15, 2016
M is for Museum (Nuclear Science & History) #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (yes, I'm aware it technically starts with N, but I'm taking liberties here) is located in Albuquerque, and is a great way to spend some time.
We've gone once so far and we had a great time. It's easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and, best of all, is very interesting.
When we visited, there was a Modern Marvels from the History Channel show that they broadcast in the little theater. It was about 45 minutes long, and gave a great history of the Manhattan Project and nuclear science in general. It was worth watching before we went and explored the rest of the museum because we found we recognized names, locations, and dates from the show as we walked around.
The museum itself isn't huge, but it's laid out in a way that makes it easy to explore. There are interactive and kid-friendly areas scattered about and not one large kid area--great to hold their interest as you all walk through. The exhibits are labeled well and are often in chronological order, so you can follow nuclear history through...history.
There are special exhibitions as well, so check their website to see what's there.
I'd definitely go back, and I'd encourage anyone visiting Albuquerque to budget half a day or so to this fun museum.
xoxo Sarah
We've gone once so far and we had a great time. It's easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and, best of all, is very interesting.
When we visited, there was a Modern Marvels from the History Channel show that they broadcast in the little theater. It was about 45 minutes long, and gave a great history of the Manhattan Project and nuclear science in general. It was worth watching before we went and explored the rest of the museum because we found we recognized names, locations, and dates from the show as we walked around.
The museum itself isn't huge, but it's laid out in a way that makes it easy to explore. There are interactive and kid-friendly areas scattered about and not one large kid area--great to hold their interest as you all walk through. The exhibits are labeled well and are often in chronological order, so you can follow nuclear history through...history.
There are special exhibitions as well, so check their website to see what's there.
I'd definitely go back, and I'd encourage anyone visiting Albuquerque to budget half a day or so to this fun museum.
xoxo Sarah
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
K is for Kirtland AFB #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
Kirtland Air Force Base is a big part of Albuquerque. It's in the southeast part of the city, and adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport (the airport).
It was born out of three private airfields in the late 1920s, and actual construction was completed in the early 1940s. Before it was named for Col. Roy C. Kirtland, it was known as Albuquerque Army Air Base. During WWII, B-17 and B-24 bombers were trained there. After the war, the base was placed under a different command and took up the task of test flight activities for the Manhattan Engineering District, the same organization that produced the atomic bomb.
In 1973, Kirtland enlarged due to the combining of Kirtland, Manzano, and Sandia bases.
Kirtland is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year!
It's currently the sixth largest base in the U.S. Air Force, and is known for being home to the Nuclear Weapons Center, and is also home to other well-known research facilities such as Sandia National Laboratories.
Stay tuned for N!
xoxo Sarah
It was born out of three private airfields in the late 1920s, and actual construction was completed in the early 1940s. Before it was named for Col. Roy C. Kirtland, it was known as Albuquerque Army Air Base. During WWII, B-17 and B-24 bombers were trained there. After the war, the base was placed under a different command and took up the task of test flight activities for the Manhattan Engineering District, the same organization that produced the atomic bomb.
In 1973, Kirtland enlarged due to the combining of Kirtland, Manzano, and Sandia bases.
Kirtland is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year!
It's currently the sixth largest base in the U.S. Air Force, and is known for being home to the Nuclear Weapons Center, and is also home to other well-known research facilities such as Sandia National Laboratories.
Stay tuned for N!
xoxo Sarah
Monday, April 11, 2016
I is for Isotopes Baseball #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
One nice thing about Albuquerque is that they have a Minor League Baseball team! The Isotopes are part of the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
Albuquerque and New Mexico is often associated with nuclear research and technology (Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos, and the Manhattan Project), the name is very appropriate. And the Isotopes do have an interesting connection with The Simpsons television show.
They play at Isotopes Park, and in 2016 they have their home opener on Friday, April 15th.
While not being huge baseball fans (it's a snoozer to watch on TV, in my opinion), the Isotopes games are a lot of fun to go to. There's a good variety of food to eat, and they have some fun giveaways and theme nights.
xoxo Sarah
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| Albuquerque Isotopes logo from Wikipedia |
Albuquerque and New Mexico is often associated with nuclear research and technology (Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos, and the Manhattan Project), the name is very appropriate. And the Isotopes do have an interesting connection with The Simpsons television show.
They play at Isotopes Park, and in 2016 they have their home opener on Friday, April 15th.
While not being huge baseball fans (it's a snoozer to watch on TV, in my opinion), the Isotopes games are a lot of fun to go to. There's a good variety of food to eat, and they have some fun giveaways and theme nights.
xoxo Sarah
Thursday, April 7, 2016
F is for 505 #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
New Mexico actually has two area codes: 575 and 505.
The 505 dates back to being one of the original area codes established in 1947.
Due to the demand for new numbers, the 575 was created in 2007. It actually covers more of the state, but the areas with higher populations are still under 505.
Still, the state had one area code for so long that "The 505" is considered a slang term for New Mexico.
xoxo Sarah
The 505 dates back to being one of the original area codes established in 1947.
Due to the demand for new numbers, the 575 was created in 2007. It actually covers more of the state, but the areas with higher populations are still under 505.
Still, the state had one area code for so long that "The 505" is considered a slang term for New Mexico.
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| Picture from Wikipedia |
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
D is for Desert (High Desert Climate, to be precise) #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
Albuquerque's climate is considered to be high desert. It has extremely low humidity levels, which makes even the heat of the summer where temperatures average about 90 degrees F bearable. At night in the summer, it's not uncommon for temperatures to swing lower by 40 or 50 degrees--if you go out, layers are a must.
Winter is dry for the most part, and definitely colder--sometimes just a sweatshirt will be adequate, and other times you'll need to bundle up. They do get snow, but it's more common in the Sandias.
Spring and autumn are more temperate, with pleasant temperatures and lovely weather.
Some folks ask if the weather is like it is in Arizona, and the answer is no, at least not in ABQ, because of the elevation. It doesn't get nearly as hot for as long as in a city like Phoenix, for example.
The elevation makes things challenging for some people--the city is at around 5,000 feet in elevation, but that goes up to about 6,500 in the Sandia foothills. If you're not used to the elevation, due to the thinner air, you might experience headaches and light-headedness during physical activity. Make sure to drink plenty of water--I've taken to carrying around a refillable bottle wherever I go. To feel "normal" here, it took me about four months. Before that, I didn't have headaches, but I did feel winded when carrying heavy things and going up stairs. I tired quickly when exercising, which was sometimes frustrating, but my body wasn't used to the limited oxygen.
Albuquerque averages over 300 days of sunshine (I've seen some estimates as high as 330 days per year), and UV rays are also stronger at higher altitudes, so definitely wear some sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. I wear a moisturizer with SPF in it each day.
xoxo Sarah
Winter is dry for the most part, and definitely colder--sometimes just a sweatshirt will be adequate, and other times you'll need to bundle up. They do get snow, but it's more common in the Sandias.
Spring and autumn are more temperate, with pleasant temperatures and lovely weather.
Some folks ask if the weather is like it is in Arizona, and the answer is no, at least not in ABQ, because of the elevation. It doesn't get nearly as hot for as long as in a city like Phoenix, for example.
The elevation makes things challenging for some people--the city is at around 5,000 feet in elevation, but that goes up to about 6,500 in the Sandia foothills. If you're not used to the elevation, due to the thinner air, you might experience headaches and light-headedness during physical activity. Make sure to drink plenty of water--I've taken to carrying around a refillable bottle wherever I go. To feel "normal" here, it took me about four months. Before that, I didn't have headaches, but I did feel winded when carrying heavy things and going up stairs. I tired quickly when exercising, which was sometimes frustrating, but my body wasn't used to the limited oxygen.
Albuquerque averages over 300 days of sunshine (I've seen some estimates as high as 330 days per year), and UV rays are also stronger at higher altitudes, so definitely wear some sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. I wear a moisturizer with SPF in it each day.
xoxo Sarah
Monday, April 4, 2016
C is for Central Ave (US Route 66) #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
The place where the song says you can get your kicks runs right through Albuquerque!
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| Pic from Wikipedia |
Historic highway U.S. Route 66 is better known as Central Avenue in ABQ. It runs concurrently with I40 through a good chunk of the state, but in Albuquerque it's a centerpiece.
Along Central Ave, you can find plenty of unique restaurants and even the UNM campus. The city has made an effort to embrace the historical route, and often you'll see signage that reminds you of the 1950s and 1960s.
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| Pic from Wikipedia |
If you get a chance to make a road trip through New Mexico, check it out if you have a chance!
On to D tomorrow.
xoxo Sarah
Saturday, April 2, 2016
B is for Breaking Bad #AtoZChallenge #BreakingBad @AprilA2Z @BreakingBad_AMC
Breaking Bad is, probably, and I'm not exaggerating, one of the best-written television shows I've seen in a long time. I almost did an "Awesome Writing in Media" feature on it, but figured I could do this first.
Full disclosure--hubs and I didn't watch it when it aired; we binged on it from start to finish over a period of a couple weeks recently. Thank you, Netflix.
Because when we moved to Albuquerque, most of the time the first question out of someone's mouth was, "Have you seen Breaking Bad?" So it was mandatory viewing. "Yeah, bitch!" as Jesse Pinkman would say.
Even only having been sort-of familiar with the city (we've lived in New Mexico since last summer), it was evident that the location was its own character on the show. No, it didn't overshadow Walter White or Jesse Pinkman, but the city shone in its own way. I'm one of those people who Googles stuff about shows afterward--trivia, filming locations, etc.--and one thing was that it was almost filmed in LA, but New Mexico offered attractive tax breaks. While that's obviously a good reason to film a big-budget show not in Los Angeles, I can't imagine Breaking Bad would have been as awesome if it had been set somewhere with less character.
Imagine it--no gorgeous Sandias in the background while driving a Pontiac Aztec. No scrubby desert in which to drive your meth-lab-RV out to cook. No Grove Cafe [link has spoilers!] for chamomile tea with stevia. No car wash.
Notes:
--The car wash is Mister Car Wash now, but the address is the same. We've been there--they do a good job. It's been remodeled, but there are pictures of the cast on the walls. They embrace the tourism!
--We went to The Grove in 2011--the food is great but it tends to get very busy and parking can be a nightmare. Have patience.
--I have no comment about RV meth labs, but we have seen a few oddly-placed ones when we road-tripped to Colorado...
It's been a fun experience to watch the show and point out places we recognized. There are filming location tours in the area (one even has an RV that they take you around in), but most are easy to find if you look them up in the interwebs. But please don't throw pizzas on the roof of the White's house. It's just not polite.
See you next time for C!
xoxo Sarah
Full disclosure--hubs and I didn't watch it when it aired; we binged on it from start to finish over a period of a couple weeks recently. Thank you, Netflix.
Because when we moved to Albuquerque, most of the time the first question out of someone's mouth was, "Have you seen Breaking Bad?" So it was mandatory viewing. "Yeah, bitch!" as Jesse Pinkman would say.
Even only having been sort-of familiar with the city (we've lived in New Mexico since last summer), it was evident that the location was its own character on the show. No, it didn't overshadow Walter White or Jesse Pinkman, but the city shone in its own way. I'm one of those people who Googles stuff about shows afterward--trivia, filming locations, etc.--and one thing was that it was almost filmed in LA, but New Mexico offered attractive tax breaks. While that's obviously a good reason to film a big-budget show not in Los Angeles, I can't imagine Breaking Bad would have been as awesome if it had been set somewhere with less character.
Imagine it--no gorgeous Sandias in the background while driving a Pontiac Aztec. No scrubby desert in which to drive your meth-lab-RV out to cook. No Grove Cafe [link has spoilers!] for chamomile tea with stevia. No car wash.
Notes:
--The car wash is Mister Car Wash now, but the address is the same. We've been there--they do a good job. It's been remodeled, but there are pictures of the cast on the walls. They embrace the tourism!
--We went to The Grove in 2011--the food is great but it tends to get very busy and parking can be a nightmare. Have patience.
--I have no comment about RV meth labs, but we have seen a few oddly-placed ones when we road-tripped to Colorado...
It's been a fun experience to watch the show and point out places we recognized. There are filming location tours in the area (one even has an RV that they take you around in), but most are easy to find if you look them up in the interwebs. But please don't throw pizzas on the roof of the White's house. It's just not polite.
See you next time for C!
xoxo Sarah
Friday, April 1, 2016
A is for Albuquerque #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
Albuquerque--New Mexico's largest city (but not the capital--that's Santa Fe), is probably best known to most folks due to a certain cartoon rabbit's wrong turn.
But it's so much more than that. It's relatively in the middle of the state, and sits at about 5,000-6,000 feet above sea level. The population of the area is a bit over half a million people.
Bordered by the Sandia Mountains on the eastern side and sloping down westward, the sunrises and sunsets are something to behold. The scenery is lovely--yes, it's mostly brown, but there's something beautiful about it.
There's a lot to do, a lot to see, and so. Much. To. Eat.
So instead of making that left turn at Albuquerque, stop by for a bit.
I'll be hitting a lot of Albuquerque stuff in the coming days as well as New Mexico as a whole. I hope you enjoy my A-Z Challenge posts!
xoxo Sarah
But it's so much more than that. It's relatively in the middle of the state, and sits at about 5,000-6,000 feet above sea level. The population of the area is a bit over half a million people.
Bordered by the Sandia Mountains on the eastern side and sloping down westward, the sunrises and sunsets are something to behold. The scenery is lovely--yes, it's mostly brown, but there's something beautiful about it.
There's a lot to do, a lot to see, and so. Much. To. Eat.
So instead of making that left turn at Albuquerque, stop by for a bit.
I'll be hitting a lot of Albuquerque stuff in the coming days as well as New Mexico as a whole. I hope you enjoy my A-Z Challenge posts!
xoxo Sarah
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