Mini-tour of Albuquerque NM plus misc.
MISC 1: On Sunday, I get to go to Rio Chama for brunch to celebrate Sam’s birthday. Look up Rio Chama Restaurant and look for the upcoming review. This may become a tradition as we did the same last year. Perhaps I can get a menu to give even greater details!
The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come immerse yourself in our 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.
Whether you want to shop for authentic Native American jewelry, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, enjoy Albuquerque events and festivals, sample local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has you covered.
For business or pleasure, Albuquerque is a must-see destination in the American Southwest. Albuquerque—It’s a Trip®—you’ll never forget.
It’satrip, found in a google search for Albuquerque Day Trips, has a lot of what most people would come to Albuquerque for. When I travel, I like to explore also off the beaten path. When I visit Albuquerque, I usually look for what is not available in Santa Fe. It is a big city and has lots to offer and can be overwhelming too.
From this site I chose the topic: African Americans….here’s a little about what I found:
African American Culture & HeritageAlbuquerque is home to a rich and thriving African-American community including artists, entrepreneurs, families and individuals all tightly woven within the fabric of the city. The Black presence here reaches back to the first wave of Spanish explorers, and the history of this community includes societal and cultural challenges that, while similar to other cities, is unique to this region.
Perhaps the most infamous name in local Black history is that of Estevanico, sometimes referred to as “Esteban,” or, “Stephen the Black.” Born in 1503, Estevanico was a Spanish Moor from North Africa enslaved at a young age by the Portuguese and sold in 1520 to Andres Dorantes de Carranza, a Spanish nobleman. In 1527, Estevanico and Dorantes sailed from Europe with the explorer Panfilo de Narvaez on an expedition to conquer Florida. This expedition turned into one of the most epic journeys ever recorded and eventually led to Estevanico–the first African known to have set foot on the continental U.S.–becoming a central figure in the establishment of New Mexico.
In 1539 Estevanico found himself going north on another expedition to find the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. Sent ahead as an advance scout, Estevanico continued alone to present day New Mexico, one of the first non-Natives to set foot here. Almost as quickly as he arrived, however, Estevanico’s exploits were cut short. As he approached the Zuni pueblo of Hawikuh he was killed by suspicious villagers.
Fast forward from that auspicious beginning to the 1870s, when Albuquerque saw the first growth spurt of its African American population with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad. Black communities became established in the South Broadway and Barelas areas along the railroad corridor. From the 1920s through the 1940s, Black businesses thrived in spite of the discrimination inherent in the pre-civil rights era. Establishments such as the legendary swing club, Chet and Pert’s, catered to the small but growing Black community. Over the next few decades the population of African Americans in Albuquerque grew steadily, with another bump coinciding with the opening of Kirtland military base.
Today, African-Americans comprise just over 3% of Albuquerque’s population. While the community may not be large, its members contribute enormously through the arts and other cultural activities. If you’re interested in exploring Albuquerque’s African American community, there are a number of events, groups and resources that provide an easy entry point.
For cutting-edge theater and performance, check out Out Ch’Yonda, located at 925 4th Street, a few blocks south of downtown. Be it beat box music, poetry, dance, fringe theater or anything else, Out Ch’Yonda is never boring. 505-385-5634.
The best resource to get started for finding African American artists is the New Mexico African American Artists Guild, put together by painter and printmaker Kenneth Winfrey. It’s the most comprehensive list of websites and gallery locations in the Albuquerque area for African American artists working in all media.
If you enjoy sculpture, Fred Wilson, along with wife Kristen, is one of Albuquerque’s premier large format artists. Ike Davis, who does his thing on the western edge of the city, has been an Albuquerque name for more than 20 years.
One of the more interesting galleries in the East Nob Hill Area is Pearls of the Antilles, a pan-African artists’ collective. You’ll find Pearls at 3716 Central SE, 505-265-0982.
For music, be sure to check out what’s happening at The New Mexico Jazz Workshop, which includes the popular Jazz and Blues series during …..the above from www.itsatrip.org Visit this site for more details and ideas.
So to expand some of the news, here’s a few other ideas:
New Mexico at Christmas
By Teresa Plowright, About.com
Filed In:Family Vacations
Christmas Wedding
4. New Mexico at Christmas
New Mexico is one of my favorite regions in the US, and though mainly known as a summer destination, it also shines — literally– at Christmastime.
With its large Hispanic population, the celebration of Christmas is a major festival. A beautiful aspect of this celebration is the appearance everywhere of “luminarias”: “little lanterns” in Spanish, these are little paper bags with sand (for stability) and a small candle inside. inside.
Thousands of these small flames line streets, staircases, doorways. You can enjoy luminaria displays in Old Town Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or in smaller and Taos. (Taos is a great place to visit with kids, not least because of its unique three-story native American pueblo: read about visiting Taos New Mexico.) Taos also offers great skiing a short drive away.
Below are some details on holiday events:
Albuquerque, River of Lights
At the Albuquerque Biological Park throughout December: featuring hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in various themes; family activities; entertainment; food and crafts; dinner with Santa; dinner with Father Time.
Albuquerque and Santa Fe: Luminaria Tour
On Christmas Eve, the main plazas of both cities are decorated with thousands of luminarias. In Santa Fe, cider is served, carols are sung and groups walk to the nearby Cross of the Martyrs.
Old Town, Albuquerque: Holiday Shop & Stroll
Early in December, this event features late closing for shops, free rides between Old Town and the River of Lights (above), lighting of the holiday tree and a children’s parade with Santa Claus.
Native American Dances
Various animal dances occur during the winter season, including the buffalo, eagle or game animal dances on and following Christmas, at the Jemez pueblo.
*photo courtesy of NewMexico.org.
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You can see why I like google. Now if I were planning a trip for, and I could, I’d ask what do you most want to know or see in Albuquerque NM. I’d also know what is your most pleasant experience when you are travelling and how much do you WANT to do in one day? What sort of pace would you like? If you are coming to NM for the holidays, a convention, or on a business trip, contact me here and let’s define what would add to your trips success!
So prepare for more fun than you thought would be possible in a day!
Blogsville: www.about-chicagoil.com
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