Albuquerque is one of the most progressive cities in the country, receiving top awards from national organizations such as:
- #1 Best Place for Business and Career (Forbes Magazine, May 2006)
- Top 50 Best Places to Live and Play (National Geographic Magazine, September 2007)
- Top 25 Most Memorable Summer Vacations (Woman’s Day, July 2007)
Albuquerque celebrated its Tricentennial in 2006, but the history of our area dates as far back as 2000 B.C. to the Pueblo people who maintained a vast network of trade, consisting of masonry, jewelry, and art, with other Pueblos in the Southwest. The first Spanish explorers arrived in 1540 with General Francisco de Coronado, and was settled as a city in 1706 under the rule of King Phillip of Spain.
Today Albuquerque celebrates its rich cultural heritage in Old Town, an easy bus ride from UNM, packed full of quaint shops, restaurants, and a historic church. The largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world makes its home in Albuquerque, when hundreds of balloonists gather every October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. These are only two of many of the city's wonderland of artistic, outdoor, and entertainmesnt activities.
The Sandia (Watermelon) Mountains are said to get their name from the beautiful red color they turn at sunset. You can enjoy the view in the opposite direction, by taking a ride on the world’s longest single-span aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tram, which scales the west side of Sandia Crest. With a large array of activities to enjoy, Albuquerque is truly one of the best places to live, play, or hold your conference!
