All About Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE: IT’S A TRIP!

The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come immerse yourself in its rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in our blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year - perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon, and you’ll understand why Albuquerque, NM is a destination like no other.

For more information on the Land of Enchantment, visit www.itsatrip.org to order a FREE Visitor's Guide or call: 1-800-284-2282.

For those wishing to visit Santa Fe (only 50 minutes away), or many of the other outstanding attractions throughout the state go to: http://www.newmexico.org/

Tour New Mexico, Inc. is offering a special pre-conference tour to Santa Fe on November 10, as well as tours throughout the event and a Sandia Peak post-conference tour created specifically for Reform Conference Attendees. To sign up visit http://www.tournewmexico.com and click on Our Tours to view tours offered during for the Reform Conference.

Weather

	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg Humidity	Possibility of Sunshine
November	57°F	31°F	48%	87%

Did you know?

Albuquerque's elevation of 5,312 feet makes it the highest metropolitan city in America. The city encompasses 133 square miles and has a metropolitan population of about 835,000. Over one-third of the state's population lives in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque is in the heart of Indian pueblo country -- the oldest farming civilization on the North American continent. To find out about activities and tips on touring Indian Country during your visit go to http://www.indiancountrynm.org.
The Sandia Mountains at the eastern edge of Albuquerque are the first to be encountered west of the Mississippi River. "Sandia" is Spanish for "watermelon." You can get a spectacular panoramic view of more than 11,000 square miles by taking a 2.7 mile aerial tramway, the longest in North America from the base of the mountain to the top of the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak. http://www.sandiapeak.com.
Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque has been a crossroads since it was founded in 1706. Four flags fly over the Plaza: Spain, Mexico, the United States of America and New Mexico. There are two cannons displayed in the plaza that has been buried by Confederate soldiers after a brief conquest of the plaza during the Civil War. Merchants, soldiers, Indians, explorers and pioneers have paused for food and drink in this shady, old-world plaza. http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com
The charming city of Santa Fe, only 62 miles north of Albuquerque, claims the distinction of having the oldest capitol building in the United States -- the Palace of the Governors, built in 1610. You can take the new Rail Runner from downtown Albuquerque to Santa Fe. http://www.santafe.org, www.nmrailrunner.com.
Albuquerque is the nuclear capital of the United States. Much of the nation's nuclear research program is conducted or supervised here. You can learn more at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History http://www.atomicmuseum.com.
Albuquerque is the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the world, and site of international competitions annually and was the home of Larry Newman, the late Maxie Anderson, and Ben Abruzzo, the three pilots of the world-famous "Double Eagle II," the first manned balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean. To learn about the history of ballooning you can visit the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. http://www.balloonmuseum.com.
You can ride in a hot air balloon year-round, weather permitting. Rainbow Ryders offers sunrise rides over the Rio Grande that include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. http://www.rainbowryders.com
Albuquerque is the home of multiple winners of the Indianapolis 500 Auto Race: Bobby, Al Jr., and Al Unser. The Unser Museum celebrates this racing dynasty. http://www.unserracingmuseum.com
Within a day's drive from Albuquerque are nine national monuments (Aztec Ruins, Bandelier, Capulin Mountain, Salinas, Ft. Union, El Morro, Pecos, White Sands and Gila Cliff Dwellings), and a national park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one of the original seven wonders of the world. http://www.nps.gov/state/NM
Prehistoric Man lived and hunted at Folsom Camp Site near Albuquerque more than 10,000 years ago. Sandia Cave, in which artifacts of primitive man dating back 25,000 years were found, is 25 miles northeast of Albuquerque. http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/
The pueblo, which Coronado conquered and used as winter headquarters in 1541, is a state monument and is located 20 miles north of Albuquerque. http://www.nmmonuments.org/inst.php?inst=4
Petroglyph Park, 9.2 miles northwest of Albuquerque, contains the world's oldest art form and is a fascinating art gallery of an ancient civilization. http://www.nps.gov/petr
Albuquerque is one of the few cities in the nation in which you can golf in the middle of winter in the city, or ski on excellent mountain slopes less than 30 minutes away. http://www.golfnewmexico.com
Albuquerque is the perfect headquarters for a vacation, offering all kinds of outdoor recreation, plus most kinds of spectator sports. Indian pueblos, ceremonial dances, ancient ruins and archaeological sites add greatly to vacation interest. Historic old missions, ghost towns and ruins are part of the charm for tourists visiting the Albuquerque area. www.itsatrip.org
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque features a varied and interesting display showing the rich tradition of folk art from New Mexico's 19 Indian Pueblos. The center includes an Indian market, gift shop and restaurant, plus museum. http://www.indianpueblo.org
Located on top of a 350 foot mesa, 60 miles west of Albuquerque is Acoma, the "Sky City" -- home of the Acoma Pueblo Indians. http://sccc.acomaskycity.org
Albuquerque's Rio Grande zoo is one of the most attractive in the southwest. In addition to elephants, monkeys, cats, giraffes and seals, it has a children's zoo, fowls, reptiles and a world famous exhibit of hoofed animals, including a rare herd of Greater Kudu. www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo
Albuquerque’s newest professional sports team is the 3-A baseball team, the Isotopes, taking a cue from Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons”. http://www.albuquerquebaseball.com

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