Albuquerque, New Mexico (Old Town)

The population of Albuquerque is obviously much too large to be technically classified as a small town. However, we still recommend its historic Old Town district because of its self-enclosed setting among this large metropolitan area. Its Spanish-mission plaza courtyard dates back to 1706 and is surrounded by over 100 restaurants, boutiques and galleries. If you are a ‘two-fisted shopping bagger’, this is the spot you have salivated for. I highly recommend the nearby Paseo Del Bosque paved bike trail with easy access to the Rio Grande River. Albuquerque lays claim to the hot-air balloon capital of the U.S. Indian Petroglyphs National Monument is just west of town. If you are interested in escaping the Albuquerque summer heat, hop aboard the Sandia Peak Tramway. This 2.7-mile gondola ride claims to be the world’s longest aerial tramway and will transport you to the refreshingly cool 10,300-feet-elevation observation deck for panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley. It is generally believed that the growing village was named by the provincial governor Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes in honor of Don Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, viceroy of New Spain from 1653 to 1660. One of de la Cueva's aristocratic titles was Duke of Alburquerque, referring to the Spanish town of Alburquerque.