Museums, hotels, casinos, cultural center

I have to admit that I often traveled to Albuquerque to see my family when I was growing up, but until recently I never really explored the city and surrounding areas. Not only did I find some unique activities and sights, but I'm ready to return and further explore the city's history and character.

Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is a 6 1/2 hour drive from Denver or a 1 1/2 hour direct flight. Depending on what you want to see and do here, it could be a weekend or a full week of culture, food and more.

According to Visit Albuquerque, Denver ranks third (ahead of Phoenix and Dallas) among the top five cities from which visitors come to Albuquerque.

Here are a few things I experienced during my trip that I believe can only be found in and around Albuquerque.

1. Albuquerque is home to what is estimated to be the largest collection of petroglyphs in the country at Petroglyph National Monument, with perhaps as many as 25,000 petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are rock carvings created by chiseling into the surface of rock and were probably made between the 1300s and the late 1680s by ancestors of the Pueblo people.

Interpretive signs provide insight into the meaning of the various drawings, such as the depiction of a tribe or clan – or one of my favorite signs, depicting a macaw parrot, is said to have represented “the complexity and development of Pueblo culture through trade and communication of ideas.” Mesoamerican cultures.” When visiting here, it's important to know that there are a few different locations that you can travel between to wander around and view the rocks.

Tip: This 17 mile long area is completely exposed. So if it's sunny, it's hot and you need water and a hat. However, if it's cold, you'll need a warm coat (and also water and a hat).

2. While no one gets a college degree from a weekend stay, the University of New Mexico is the only place in the United States where you can earn a minor in flamenco dance. Visitors can watch a flamenco dance performance – for example Tablao Flamenco – and also sign up for a flamenco dance lesson.

The National Institute of Flamenco is based here and hosts summer camps and an annual flamenco festival in June. The institute partners with UNM's Department of Theater and Dance to offer the country's only accredited dance program with a flamenco emphasis.

Although I had no expectations before seeing a flamenco performance, I was deeply touched by this dance style that has its roots in Spain. When I spoke to one of the dancers after the exhilarating show, I learned that it was “like jazz,” as she described it, offering a unique experience every time.

Tip: Combine flamenco with petroglyphs if a performance is planned in the park.

3. New Mexico is one of two states with an official state cookie, and here it's the Biscochito (or Bizcochito, pronounced BIZ-co-cheeto). This cinnamon-dusted shortbread cookie is a local favorite worth trying. Golden Crown Panaderia also has a delicious blue cornmeal version. Thinking beyond the traditional, this family-run bakery offers green chili bread and a 24-hour vending machine where you can pick up some cookies at any time – the only vending machine or “cookie ATM” for a government cookie.

Tip: Order a dozen of these because you're sure to eat more than one.

4. The largest concave fresco in the United States is located at the Welcome Center of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and in Torréon. Inside this tower there are benches where visitors can sit and view the 4,000 square meter painting “Mundos de Mestizaje” by artist Frederico Vigil. It's literally dizzying! Tours of this painting are offered, showing people, food, buildings, animals and other depictions to tell this immense story. You can register for a tour in advance on the center's website.

Tip: Plan your visit around one of the many featured events, including dance performances, poetry readings, live music and more. La Fonda del Bosque is the on-site restaurant for a weekday lunch or Friday evening dinner.

5. If you stay at the Hotel Albuquerque or Hotel Chaco next to the Sawmill Market, you'll be within easy walking distance of many of the city's museums and Old Town. However, it's worth renting a car to take a day trip to Acoma Pueblo and its sightseeing sky city. The drive there takes about an hour, then the tour takes another 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Acoma Pueblo claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, with a history dating back to 1150 AD. You'll begin your experience at the Haak'u Museum and Sky City Cultural Center, which are well worth exploring. Additionally, you can shop and dine at the Y. Visit the 'aak'a Café and then pay a fee to join the tour. The shuttle bus takes visitors to the top of the 370-foot-tall Table Mountain, where they are guided through the village and enjoy the magnificent views. One of the interesting things we learned on our tour is that this is a matriarchal society.

Tip: Bring cash to purchase some locally made items toward the end of the tour.

6. There are several galleries at the Albuquerque Museum that are worth visiting, but one of them is simply called “Only in Albuquerque” and is a history of the city. Take a few minutes to go inside and learn about the Duke of Albuquerque, Route 66 and much more.

Tip: Visit the gift shop where you can purchase many locally made items including Kei & Molly Textiles and kitchen items.

7. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization founded by the state's 19 pueblos. Pueblo is a term that describes a tribe or village of a tribe and is also used by some people instead of “reservation.” Each pueblo is a sovereign nation. Modern pueblos can include casinos, hotels and other businesses, as well as tours of historic buildings. If you can't make it to one of the state's pueblos during your stay in Albuquerque, stop by the center to see a live dance performance, view (and perhaps purchase) jewelry or pottery, explore art on display, or dine there the Indian Pueblo cuisine.

Tip: Plan your time here to include a meal and watch a dance.

Each of these places and activities can be experienced year-round, but some also include annual events. So check the calendar to include – or avoid – these celebrations too. If you want to visit museums, be aware that many places in Albuquerque are closed on Mondays.

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