August 2025 | Issue No. 63 |
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Hello and welcome to my August newsletter, I'm so glad you're here. It's been awhile since we explored the city, so I was thinking it's a good time for another neighborhood highlight. It goes without saying that Old Town is one of the most recognizable areas of Albuquerque, it was also the first neighborhood in the city. Officially established in 1706, construction followed the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza and church, surrounded by residential and business areas. The heart and anchor of the plaza and neighborhood is the San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793 after the original structure collapsed. Long before the official designation, the land was traveled and inhabited by numerous Indigenous tribes, creating trade routes and communities. The city's strong ties to the Anasazi, Dine, Pueblo, Apache, Tiwa people among others, began much earlier and remains an integral part of the identity and soul of Albuquerque. Today, Old Town is relatively unchanged from how it looked centuries ago. Many of the original buildings around the historic plaza have been converted into the restaurants, art galleries and shops of Old Town. It has retained charm and warmth throughout the years, keeping the architecture alive by way of love and care from residents, patrons, business owners and shopkeepers. Be sure to keep reading for very special offers from THREE of my all-time favorite shops as we celebrate all things Old Town! |
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The land that is now Albuquerque was originally settled by the Tiwa people dating back from 1250 to the 1500s. The first residents to set up year-round communities were the Pueblo people. Today New Mexico is home to 23 recognized tribes, including 19 Pueblos established as sovereign nations in and around the city. The yearly Gathering of Nations Powwow, the largest powwow in North America, is a celebration of Indigenous heritage attended by thousands. Each April, the enduring legacy of tribal members and the long history on this land is honored. The powwow is held in Albuquerque because of the extensive trade that was done over the centuries by many tribes in North & Central America, and the Old Town area was the center of trade before the Spanish settlement. This annual gathering pays tribute to the contribution of culture, art and stewardship by sharing stories and continuing traditions that shine a light on the crucial part the tribes played by being the first inhabitants on this land. |
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Most of the historic buildings in Old Town were built between 1870 and 1900, however some predate that era. Adobe architecture is the predominant style around the plaza and surrounding neighborhood. With soft colors and contours, it was made to blend seamlessly with the desert landscape. Flat roofs, long portals and bancos, for relaxing and people watching, add to the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere you immediately feel upon entering into Old Town. Exploring the various patios tucked away from the main streets, many invite you in with fountains, gardens, and rough brick pathways from long ago. You definitely feel a sense of stepping back in time. Its a lovely place to just wander and discover something new no matter how many times you've visited. Known as a crossroads of the Southwest, Old Town is a City of Albuquerque historical zone, and home to many families whose ancestors were responsible for establishing and growing the city from the early years to the modern day. |
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Old Town National Register of Historic Places: -San Felipe de Neri Church, 1793 -Salvador Armijo House, 1840 -Our Lady of the Angels School, 1878 -Antonio Vigil House, 1879 -Charles A. Bottger House, 1912 |
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West Old Town is the broader residential neighborhood surrounding Old Town, and my neighborhood from 2003-2017. I still have a rental property in the area, will always consider it home. I enjoy the warmth and feeling of homecoming that always greets me when I spend time there. Pueblo-Spanish style architecture is abundant, although contrary to popular belief, the historic areas of the city actually have some of the most diverse architectural styles. Stucco exteriors and Southwestern aesthetics are generally found more abundantly in the older areas of town, whereas other parts have adopted a decidedly more modern architectural influence. Popular destinations like the ABQ BioPark Zoo and Botanic Garden can be found within the confines of the broader neighborhood, as well as the Bosque that runs adjacent to the area. Old Town serves as a central location for accessing the city and home to many favorite destinations for locals. It is a must for anyone visiting from out of town, a top destination for visitors to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October and a favorite stop for shopping and sightseeing. |
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Old Town is a popular tourist destination for Albuquerque visitors, spanning roughly ten blocks of buildings surrounding the Plaza. Favorite museums including the Albuquerque Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Explora, and the Rattlesnake Museum draw travelers seeking an educational experience. It has remained one of the best areas in the city for shopping, with many small businesses, gift shops, art galleries, as well as restaurants and tasting rooms. You'll find more than 150 shops in and around the plaza and surrounding patios. Many are locally owned and feature curated collections of art and wares handcrafted by New Mexican artists and creatives. It's the perfect place for one stop shopping, there's likely a shop or small business who sells exactly what you're seeking-many with one of a kind treasures and finds. Most shops are closed in the evening, but open extended hours for 2nd Saturdays. Many galleries, shops and businesses host special events during these evenings, encouraging shoppers to visit and enjoy a night out in Old Town. |
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The Albuquerque real estate summer market is beginning to wind down and the fall season will be here before we know it. Can you believe it's already mid-August?! Buyers: it's the last month to get in before the busy fall market starts and competition heats up. Sellers: as we head into mid to late September, the fall market begins to take off. There's time to get your home ready if you've been thinking of selling. Call me now to schedule a time to discuss a strategy to be sure your home is in top shape for finding the perfect buyer quickly. I'm always here to answer any real estate questions you may have to help achieve your goals. |
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Thanks for joining me again this month, I hope you found some inspiration to pay Old Town a visit, even if you don't have friends coming in from out of town. It's easy to get busy with everyday life and forget about the really special areas in our own backyard. I know there's road construction at one popular entrance to the plaza, so now is a great time to pay a a visit to the small businesses and show them some extra love. Old Town is ever-evolving but will always evoke a familiar feeling of nostalgia that's becoming harder and harder to come by lately. I'd love to hear about your favorite place to visit in Old Town, or a cherished memory from the past. Send me a message and tell me about it! |
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3401 Central Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States |
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