You will find this mural in downtown Albuquerque. It is simple, but still demands your attention…read more It overlooks a small private parking lot and there is metered street parking available so, parking to get a quick closer look is relatively easy. This mural is the work of Ben Johnson who painted the piece in 2018. It is still in great shape and looks awesome. It is a basic mural with simply the words "STAY GOLD" in tall thin letter. The words are set against a two-tone blue background. The mural is painted on the side of the Wing It Up restaurant and you will find a retaining wall that is painted on the opposite side of the parking lot. It is not park of the mural, but comlliments the mural well. I am not sure of the mural's meaning, but I am assuming that it has something to do with that it is on Gold Street. I personally think that it would have been cool if the mural featured gold paint. Anyway, as with most murals that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

I really love this library location! I attended a toddler reading session today (Monday). The…read moreseparate playroom is really nice & the kids area itself has a lot of books that are great. I felt safe while in the kids area - noting that since it's DT. Parking was a breeze- I found a spot around the corner with $1/hour rate. I'd attend this every week if baby sessions were available on weekends! But for those that parents that happen to be available on weekdays, this seems like a gem.

I have been to public libraries in 5 other large cities in the US west. This is easily the worse…read more It started with the 8 or 10 men hanging around on the street near by. Then the three men hanging around the entrance. I was parked in a lot that required payment. I tried to pay but failed. Inside, a lady was extremely helpful with me looking at old copies of the Albuquerque Journal. When I returned to the Parking, I had a ticket. I immediately called the out of state phone number telling them the text system didn't work and I offered to pay the $6. Very quickly she told me to call Disputes and hung up. So I went back to talk to the people at the Main Desk about how confusing the parking was for a first time visitor. Zero customer service, helpfulness or give a darn. Only in a library, could you treat customers like this and remain in business!!!!!

The Occidental Life Building is a beautifully sculptured work of art in downtown Albuquerque…read more Each morning I park my car, walk to work and on the way I see this amazing piece of architecture. I wonder about it quite frequently as its design is so different from anything you'll see in this area. It was built in 1917 and is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the NM State Register of Cultural Places. I'm writing this review today because its Halloween and this building has such a Gothic feel to it. I can imagine this building being used as a haunted house on this chilly night. Spooks jumping out from every corner. Cobwebs hanging from the lighting fixtures. Adventures poking out from every bend of the hallways. In some rooms the floor boards are twisted and warped and make a creaking sound with each step sending chills down your spine. Whats missing though is the gargoyles that would be on the 2nd floor corners overlooking the crowd as they shuffle in this eerie ghostly edifice. Back to Reality: Currently it houses an array of businesses including Legal Aid and Animal Protection of NM. If you have a moment drive by or walk around take pictures enjoy thinking about what life must've been like in 1917 when this building first opened its doors. I can imagine all the Ooh's and Aah's from the crowd as they've never seen anything quite like it.

They are advertised as open. However I drove 20 minutes and paid parking for it to be closed. Very…read moredisappointed for the false advertisement

They're finally open again, yay!…read more I'm a firm believer that art should be accessible and it's awesome that places like 516 exist. Today I went with a friend to first Friday and this is the first time 516 has been open during the event for quite awhile. They had a great exhibit focused on Haitian and francophone Caribbean art. Again, it's free art open to the community so I'm just thankful that it exists. Even if a specific exhibit isn't your exact preference, it's always worth going back.

A great outdoor facility with amphitheater and stage area. The giant red chair was a great…read moreaddition as lots of people were getting their photos done. Our group had a good time but it was really cold.

Visited this fountain on a road trip, ending in an ABQ Braking Bad tour that we created for…read moreourselves. The plaza this fountain sits in was used in an episode of Breaking Bad and was right across the street from our Hyatt Regency hotel. We reached the plaza and fountain at the end of the day so it made the lights in the fountain rather cool looking. Seems like a nice place to play in the water, but I'd keep an eye out for the multiple homeless people (most of which seemed to be on drugs). Keep a tight reign on your children if this is your version of an inexpensive water park.

Food is always delicious. Prices are reasonable. I have noticed they sometimes forget things in to…read morego orders, but overall rare. I always get the chicken quesadilla and the cheesy crispy potato taco. Tip: you can't order online or call in food here. Must go in person to place an order. 21+ only.

I really like the food and drinks here (several gluten free options). Great local bar/venue vibes…read moreand I've had good to great service each time I've visited. Last time i was in Albuquerque my wife and I went twice! Their kitchen is also open till 10 which is nice in this neighborhood without too many regular late night food options. Would recommend and i look forward to going back.

Decent prices, good burgers, good beers with a decent variety of taps. Interesting crowd out back…read moreon the outside patio. They had a DJ inside that made it too loud to have a conversation but I might be a little old to say though. That said, I did feel the younger folks were getting better service than me from the late 20s early 30s waitress.

Just an ok spot for me. They have some local beers as well as national beer. Inside was a little…read moredivey (and nothing wrong with that!) Service was friendly. Beer that I tried had only ok (a vanilla cream ale).

Kimo, how do I love thee? For your bizarre glowing eyed skeletons, and your red velvet drapes. And…read moreis it haunted? Hmmmm. We may never know. Gem of downtown Albuquerque, the Kimo theatre is home to Burlesque, live theater, comedy shows, and the silver screen. Yes. All of these things. I love when they do film festivals. Nights upon nights of old film noir and classics. And every February, Southwest Burlesque makes me want to quit my job and become a dancer. The Nutcracker every December. Ah, the memories. Literally, my only complaint is the seating. It's very old school. Which is fine, but those comfy new-fangled seats in the new theaters have me (and my tush) spoiled. Hint - restrooms are on the sides down a hallway that doesn't seem like it belongs to the building.

The Kimo is a gem in the Albuquerque area! Tonight we attended the Kimo's 90th anniversary…read morecelebration and it was simply magical. Mayor Berry had a real silver screen installed as well as new carpet to compliment the well preserved vintage space. The Kimo is a destination for all lovers of the arts. It is host to book readings, poetry, and movie showings. For tonight's event, we were treated to Buster Keaton's "The General" with the Alloy Orchestra playing the score live for just $0.50 per ticket with free water, popcorn, and cake. (Concessions typically not included in movie ticket pricing.) The movie was outstanding and the Alloy Orchestra was a once in a lifetime experience. The Kimo has so many of these incredible events that people need to know more about. I know our family will be attending more of them!

This is a delightful shop! It's full of handmade art and amazing treasures made by local artists!…read more The selection includes ceramics, home goods, jewelry, cards, art and more. I really recommend this place to anyone!!!

When one visits Patrician Design, the first thing one notices is color - engaging color. You…read morecannot help but feel uplifted by the colorful merchandise displayed artistically throughout the store. The merchandise is whimsical, useful, beautiful, and purposeful. Local and regional artists are frequently highlighted and many one of a kind pieces can be found on the walls and shelves. The inventory changes frequently and there is something for every price range and every type of customer - from the visiting tourist to the collector looking for the next addition for their collection. If you need design services, there is none better than Patrician Design. The sense of color in the store is the sixth sense that owner Patti Harrell Hoech brings to any project. She also brings wisdom and design understanding for commercial and residential applications. Continuity of theme is the starting point with Patrician Design in each of their projects. The use of color can be restrained (neutrals) or riotous as a summer garden in full bloom. Whatever the client's needs, Patricia Design provides comprehensive, professional design consultation. One does not have to be in the Albuquerque area to experience Patti Hoech's insight. Whether in California or Minnesota, Patrician Design delivers the design concepts, furniture, color schemes, swatches, and samples to satisfy the client and create a uniquely professional or personal space.