Hello & welcome to my August 2022 newsletter! Last week I had company in town & realized it had been awhile since I visited Tinkertown Museum. This was a great chance to show off one of Albuquerque's quirky beloved destinations & soak up the inspiration of this magical spot. Have you been to this delightful little museum? Its located an easy ½ hour drive from Albuquerque along the Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) that also leads up to breathtaking views atop the Sandias, with abundant wooded scenery & fresh mountain air. For those of you who haven't visited, you are in for a treat! The museum is open for the 2022 season every Friday through Monday from April 1st to November 1st (10am-4pm). Admission prices are very affordable so it's a fun outing for the whole family to enjoy (visit their website for more information & to purchase tickets).

Tinkertown is a folk art museum created & built by Ross Ward (1940-2002). The building that houses the museum began as a four room summer cabin & was transformed into a 22 room experience. It took Ward over 40 years to complete his creative vision which includes 20,000+ hand carved miniatures in various old time scenes. Prepare to take a trip back in time as you explore the worlds Ward shares with you through this legacy art.  Under the stewardship of his wife, Carla, the museum continues to delight patrons from near & far each season. Established in 1983, the museum is celebrating its 39th season this year!

Ward collected Old West memorabilia & exhibits along his journeys, then added his own hand carved miniatures to bring them to life. Some of the scenes you'll find are 1880's miniature animated western town, circus & much more. His attention to detail makes you feel like you're actually visiting in their world for a bit. The interactive nature (bring quarters!) of the exhibits allows visitors to experience old arcade contraptions & animated dioramas that are both delightful & inspiring.

Perhaps the most unexpected element is the 1936 35' antique wooden sailboat, Theodora R, that spent ten years on the high seas. Now nestled in the Sandia Mountains, she is a reminder to visitors inspiring them to live their dreams & see the world. I think that's a message we can all benefit from right about now.

To me, Tinkertown Museum is the embodiment of the soul of New Mexico…the entrepreneurial spirit of an artist inspiring others by doing what they love & creating a living from it. There are so many examples of this spirit in Albuquerque. This is one of many reasons that our real estate market continues to grow year after year. Give me a call today if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Albuquerque. You can also visit my website for more information on the ways I can help you accomplish your 2022 real estate goals.