There are many things attractive about Albuquerque, a modern New Mexico city steeped richly in culture and heritage, where you breathe the high desert air, take in an occasional whiff of sage and enjoy, on average, 310 days of sunshine per year.

The Albuquerque metro area, with just over 765,000 population, is a sports lover’s paradise as it is 4,500 ft. above sea level and provides gorgeous vistas for almost any outdoor activity. It is situated on the Rio Grande (“Big River”).

The first Indian settlers in the region date backwards to 2,000 B.C. or so historians tell us. But the first white settlers were Spaniards who arrived with General Coronado in 1540. The Spaniards continued to populate the area, founding their first central settlement in 1706 where the river makes a wide curve and protective mountains rise to 6,500 ft.

The first “city” was named in honor of a Spanish duke, LaVille de Alburquerque. The first “r” was later dropped from the city’s name.

Religious people, the initial adobe building erected was a chapel. This served the people until the late 1790s, when it was destroyed by raging waters. The church that was rebuilt on the site stands to this day as a place of worship, and a beacon of hope and prayer in the Old Town.

The “Old Town,” as the first settlement area has come to be known, continues today with its quaint shops and bazaars that feature native arts and crafts. It also hosts many cultural events and local celebrations. 

Albuquerque was not incorporated as a city until 1891. Today, its total built-up area sprawls outward for about 400 miles. But it wasn’t until the Route 66, famed both in travel and song, was rerouted east to west through the city in 1937 that it began to really become alive. Tourist and would-be California-bound fortune seekers then found the city.

Albuquerque now definitely is a multi-cultural metropolis. Who would ever guess today that the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument at one time were the main reasons for a visit there?

Yes, the Pueblo people were found to have a sophisticated culture plus advanced skills in stone masonry, ceramics, arts and crafts. The first Spaniards marveled at these talents when they arrived on the scene. To this day, these talents still are practiced by the Pueblos.

Starting with the Petroglyph National Monument, among other Albuquerque attractions of note are the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, American International Rattlesnake Museum, Turquoise Museum, Unser Racing Museum, National Atomic Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Biblical History, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and the list goes on and on including the Rio Grande Nature Center, a Wildlife Nature Park, Acoma suspended “Sky City” and over 20 top-notch golf venues.

While modern Albuquerque has quite a diverse population, the city actually is a blend of the old with the new. The “new” finds it as a national leader in high-tech research with various noted facilities plus the University of New Mexico. It is a fascinating place, as the locals say, “with one foot in the past, one foot in the present and both eyes on the future.”

If you are a runner or a cyclist, the never-too-warm or cloudy weather is near-perfect. Thousands of runners and cyclists agree on this yearly. Special events are held at various times.

Of course, you have heard that Albuquerque is the capital city for hot air ballooning. Some balloon rides can be less than $100.

TheAnderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is on center stage, especially during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each fall. More than 700 balloons life off together, filling the skies of the Rio Grande valley. More than 300 balloonists call Albuquerque their home.

The museum is named for two of the three Albuquerquians who made the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean via helium balloon in August 1978. Making that historic trip were Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman. The museum highlights the science and sport of hot air ballooning. Various other world records are held by local balloonist.

If none of the above attracts you, how about native jewelry shows, skiing and/or snowboarding the slopes in winter or spending a week at a dude ranch?

Also, there are day tours that will lead you to discover the beauty, culture and charm of this land of enchantment. There also are walking tours from downtown to Old Town and vicinities.

Among some famous Albuquerquians were Ernie Pyle of WWII photography and writing fame, Coach John Baker, the motor racing Unser family and renowned mystery writer Tony Hillerman.

And who would have believed that modern-day Albuquerque is home to more PhDs than any other city in the United States.

This isn’t just it for Albuquerque, but it provides a good glimpse into what most tourists are interested in. Still, there’s an abundance of night life, great hotels, fancy and famous eateries in this city that Forbes Magazine has ranked in 2006 as the number one in the United States for business and careers.