by Bella Cooper

Created on: March 16, 2009

Spring in Albuquerque, New Mexico is just beautiful. With the sun out in the blue sky the weather is just perfect. Here is just a taste of the many fun things that there are to do this time of year.

1. Visit the Albuquerque Rio Grande Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. It contains beautiful gardens both outdoors and indoors in its glass conservatory that holds plants that are native to New Mexico as well as exotic plants. They also have special attractions like the Children's Fantasy Garden and the Sasebo Japanese Garden. A beautiful place to spend a day.

2. Stop by the Rio Grande Zoo and the Albuquerque Aquarium
It is always fun to visit the zoo. It holds over 200 species of animals, including both exotic and those native to New Mexico. Some highlights of the zoo include the hands-on lorikeet feedings and the sea lion exhibit. The Albuquerque Aquarium is also quite fun with its many interesting native and tropical fish. My favorites include the jellyfish and the eels.

3. Attend the Petroglyph Natural Monument
Just outside the city, the Petroglyph Natural Monument is a really special place that you should be sure to check out. It holds many natural resources such as dormant fissure volcanoes and about 25,000 archeological carvings by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. You can walk on the many trails and see many of the carvings up close.

4. Check out he Albuquerque Museum
This museum holds many wonderful exhibits celebrating Southwest culture and history. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Albuquerque Museum gets many traveling exhibits that come through. Check out the website to see what is available at this time.

5. Walk through Old Town
Old town holds the history and heart of Albuquerque. The plaza is really neat with its many traditional adobe-style shops and restaurants and is home to the famous San Felipe de Neri Church.

6. Visit Tingley Beach
There are lakes for fishing, a pond to run your model boats, and lovely surroundings just to enjoy. There is a train station , a gift shop and a caf that sells food. Fun for an afternoon!

7. Stop in the Pueblo Indian Center
This is a great way to learn about Native American culture. There are beautiful displays and if you visit on the weekend you can see fun native dances and ceremonies. You can take walking tours of Old Town through the Albuquerque Museum.

Enjoy your visit to Albuquerque!

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