February 2025 | Issue No. 57

Happy February!

February is the border between winter & spring

Hello and welcome to my February newsletter. I'm so glad you're here. It has been a cold winter so maybe you are looking for indoor activities to pass the time. Last month I shared some of my favorite vintage shopping destinations with you, this month I wanted to keep that train of thought going with other spots to enjoy inside while we wait for springtime warmth to reemerge. Albuquerque has so much to offer that enriches our lives. We don't have to travel far and wide to experience inspiring, educational or creative activities-they are right at our doorstep. What's your favorite way to pass the time during the winter?

Visit a museum

Visiting one of Albuquerque's museums is the perfect way to escape the weather outside-when it's too cold or too hot! This is definitely one of my top ways to spend time. No matter what your interest, there is likely a local museum where you can spend time and learn something in the process. In addition to regular exhibits, there's a good chance you'll also stumble upon a limited engagement. I recently visited Albuquerque Museum and was blown away by Broken Boxes: A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialogue, voted in the top 50 of 2024 art exhibitions. Hurry if you want to see this one, it's on display until March 2, 2025. 

If you're seeking something to shake up your routine, check out the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology where you can play ancient board games while eating pizza (they even have a few GF options). Right?! They have a free printmaking class coming up on February 22 from 10am-noon, if you are looking to learn a new skill. Other favorite museums:

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Balloon Museum 

Immerse yourself in play

With 16 interactive spaces, Electric Playhouse is a destination that's fun for all ages. From games to music shows and concerts to dining to special events, this unique space offers ways to get active and explore motion activated games and experiences. They offer space for celebrations, private events, field trips, even filming locations. You can customize the experience for a party or just pop in with general admission to enjoy access to 2 hours of fun throughout the venue. 

Learn about nature

The ABQ BioPark Aquarium is a great way to spend a winter day. Since opening in 1996, it has welcomed visitors from around the world. From sharks to turtles to fish and sea otters, the Aquarium is filled with many species, all mesmerizing and entertaining. This is a great place to unwind and leave the noise of the outside world behind. The ABQ BioPark complex also includes the Zoo, Botanic Gardens and Tingley Beach. I love to go for a brisk walk in the zoo during the winter for a different setting and change of pace. It's normally not too crowded and the animals are more responsive-I had a cockatoo talk to me and a wolf whistle every time I tried to walk away. I find that it makes exercising more enjoyable when it's cold outside and motivation is lacking. Combo tickets are available if you are visiting more than one location in the complex and if this is a favorite way to spend time, you might want to consider a membership to the New Mexico BioPark Society for savings on visits as well as special events. My BioPark membership is one of my favorite yearly investments, for myself and the Albuquerque community. Other nature centers to explore:

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Explore a cultural center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is one of Albuquerque's beloved gathering places to learn about and support Pueblo Culture. The space is located on 80 acres of land owned by the 19 Pueblos and offers creative experiences including museum and gallery space, a collection of Native art and artifacts, a library and archives, a teaching kitchen and cultural programming. The Indian Pueblo Kitchen is an unforgettable Indigenous dining experience. Make sure to stop in the Indian Pueblo Store to add a piece of handmade art or jewelry to your collection and support the talented artists. Other centers to visit:

National Hispanic Cultural Center

South Broadway Cultural Center

Browse Your favorite art gallery

Visiting a local art gallery is always the right way to spend time indoors. There are so many incredibly talented artists and creatives in Albuquerque, this is a great way to add some peace and inspiration to your day and also support the local community by purchasing art to adorn yourself or your home. Located in the Patio Market in Old Town, Ghostwolf Gallery is a favorite that focuses exclusively on displaying contemporary fine art and craft by New Mexico artists. They are gearing up for their annual “Women's Work” exhibition in celebration of Women's History month in March. The dates for this highly anticipated exhibit are March 5-30, with the opening reception on March 7th, during First Friday ARTScrawl. A few of the other galleries to go for inspiration and gift giving:

Santisima

Mariposa Gallery

Harwood Art Center

See a Movie on the Big Screen

Always an easy go-to activity is going to a theater to see a film on the big screen. Albuquerque has both corporate theaters where you can see all the latest releases with XD experiences, as well as small local theaters like the Guild Cinema, Albuquerque's oldest still-running theater. The Guild shows limited release, international and art-house movies. Last month I rented out an auditorium at the Cinemark Century Rio Plex for a Saturday matinee customer appreciation event to watch Mufasa: The Lion King. It was the perfect outing for a cold January afternoon and was a cozy setting to visit with friends and customers before the movie. There's just something special about experiencing a film on the giant screen with surround sound that truly offers an escape from the world outside for a couple of hours.

Locals Deals!

Did you know that many of our local museums offer free days/times? The February Community Day at New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is February 16th, where they are celebrating the opening of the Museum’s new Bradbury Stamm Construction Hall of Ancient Life. You can join them that day for activities and free museum attendance for New Mexico residents! Albuquerque Museum is free on Sundays before 1pm and the first Wednesday of every month. The Balloon Museum is free on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the first Friday of every month, all day (not including Balloon Fiesta). These are just a few of the places offering days/times to visit for free. Check individual websites for more information and additional opportunities to visit, support and access permanent and limited engagements. The ABQ BioPark offers discounted entrance pricing for New Mexico residents as well. Visit their site for more information on pricing and reserving tickets in advance.

Check out these year-end 2024 Albuquerque Real Estate Market stats. Prices continued to increase last year, but at a more normal pace of 4% than the previous 4 years. Inventory continues to be a little low, but we're seeing a more balanced market between buyers and sellers heading into the 2025 spring market. 

How do you prefer to spend time indoors? Did I miss your favorite spot? Some other ideas that I also love are visiting a local library-there are 19 to choose from around Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, an indoor gym with a climbing wall, or maybe a little friendly bowling competition is more your speed. No matter what you are in the mood for, you certainly have plenty of options around the city. 

Send me a message if you own a small business and would like for me to share an offer in an upcoming newsletter. I'm always on the lookout for places to highlight and hopefully send some new customers, visitors or followers your way to keep our local community and economy growing and prospering. 

"See" you next month!

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