Attractions & Facilities
Internationally-Renowned Turquoise Museum Relocating to Downtown Albuquerque
New Mexico’s popular Turquoise Museum is relocating to the former 8,500-square-foot Gertrude Zachary Castle in downtown ABQ in the fall of 2018. The Museum, opened in 1993 by the Lowry’s—a New Mexican family with five generations of turquoise expertise—houses what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of turquoise. The new museum will feature exhibits including: the science and geology of turquoise; turquoise mining; turquoise around the world; hundreds of examples of turquoise jewelry; and an overview of imitation turquoise. There will also be a new research library, a café and a flower shop on site.
New 50-Mile Activity Loop Expands Across City
Albuquerque is nearing completion on its 50-mile bicycling, running and walking loop that connects more than 400 miles of existing bike paths. The loop brings trail users through some of the city’s most popular destinations: beginning in downtown, along the Riverside Trail up to the Paseo Del Norte, on to Balloon Fiesta Park and along the Sandia Mountains.
Plans Proposed for Mountain Coaster atop Sandia Peak
Development plans for the proposed Sandia Peak mountain coaster are hopeful to move forward. The mountain coaster, would be located at the top of Sandia Peak, featuring coaster rides lasting approximately six minutes, giving riders the opportunity to control how fast they move up and down the mountain—the coaster would provide an entirely new way to experience the Sandia Mountains.
Development
Highly Anticipated One Central Opens Downtown
One Central, a mixed-use project located in downtown Albuquerque, is officially open for business. Located on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and First Street, One Central features 68 studio and two-bedroom apartments, a 423-space parking garage, and will house several local businesses that will occupy the ground-level space, including Deep Space Coffee.
Sawmill District Continues Development in Historic Old Town
This area, just north of Historic Old Town, was once dominated by warehouses and industrial buildings, but is expected to be the next hip neighborhood in Albuquerque and will be a hub for local art, entertainment, food and shopping. A warehouse, once home to the Paxton Lumber business, will be converted into the Sawmill Market, a 25,000-square-foot food and market hall. There are plans to renovate more of the buildings as well. The Sawmill District’s location, next to historic Old Town and the majority of Albuquerque’s museums, make it the perfect place for travelers to jump back and forth between historic and modern elements of the city. The district’s newest retailer, Spur Line Supply Co., opened in September 2017 and features clothing, a children’s shop, records, stationary and florals.
Albuquerque Sunport Introduces First International Passenger Service in 8 Years
The city recently announced the first international passenger service out of Albuquerque International Sunport in eight years. The new carrier, Volaris, will offer new non-stop service between Albuquerque International Sunport and Guadalajara. The addition is an effort to make international tourism and trade more convenient out of Albuquerque Sunport. Volaris, Mexico’s largest low-cost carrier, is slated to bring international service to the Albuquerque International Sunport beginning Nov. 17.
