Sometimes big joy comes in tiny packages... Tinkertown…read morereally is the perfect quirky roadside stop near Albuquerque, and it's great for children and adults alike. There's something magical about a place built from pure imagination, one small detail at a time. It's a bit overwhelming, but in the most positive way possible! You'll marvel at the walls made of glass bottles, random trinkets, and all the miniatures on display. Bring some coins to operate the animated displays! And do spend some time in the gift shop! Free parking.

We first discovered Tinkertown, back in 2019, as a random 'hidden gem' road trip pit stop-…read morerevisiting NM years later, bringing our 3yr old to vacation with family, we knew we had to bring her here- Anticipating her enjoyment, we were thrilled with her magical joy discovering the displays whimsy & silliness- the moving parts, the hidden characters, the humorous scenes- she had a blast Last visit, we weren't able to visit the boat portion, it was a very interesting exhibit feature-learning about the founder's around the world journey was so captivating- very glad we were able to walk through there is so much art creativity and passion within the museum; definitely a must-visit, multiple visit recommended ::NOTE:: price has changed to $6 per person (cards accepted) & they no longer give out a handful of quarters-you're encouraged to bring your own quarters to truly see all the museum moving pieces-

Tips: buy tickets ahead of time online (time slots do sell out often), arrive 10 minutes early…read more(there is a direct connected parking lot for the museum with spots reserved for their guests), and be prepared to learn so much! The front door may be locked if you don't arrive in time, my tips are yours to success :)) This museum is family owned, and the layout in a beautiful historical castle is just amazing. Antiques adorn every room. The displays are well lit and have information for you to read and over 50 QR codes to scan for more interactive experience. Every room is curated by specific topics and designed to showcase an amazing collection and teach the patrons so much. Whether you're interested in the mining aspect, different countries that used turquoise over the generations, spotting imitations, what mines produce different variations, or learning about the family who started the museum, there is something for all. There are sample stones and areas set up to test your own knowledge at different turquoise and spotting fakes. And a mine you can go inside. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to going back next time in town. Dont forget to stop and browse the collection for sale in the gift shop. I picked up a few pieces from the sleeping beauty mine, my fav!

This is a comprehensive, family owned museum all about turquoise! The collection is vast with a…read moremulti faceted view of turquoise across time and the world! I really appreciated the opportunity to visit this museum and learn more about turquoise and more.

What a great museum! The docents are amazing and passionate about the history of this place. Hoping…read moreto return very soon.

If you are a history buff or interested in the history of Fred Harvey, the Harvey Girls and the…read moreHarvey hotels and restaurants this is a must stop. We arrived a few minutes before the Fred Harvey Whistle Stop Cafe closed at the museum and Francis, the woman who runs the restaurant graciously sat us down and told us what was left for the day. Mr. B had the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings and I just wanted a slice of the incredible looking carrot cake. Francis brought the food out, and it was amazing. The decor of the cafe, and the food gave you the feeling you are sitting in grandma's kitchen having a home cooked meal. The chicken and dumplings were full of flavor, and absolutely delicious. The carrot cake was moist and honestly the best slice of carrot cake I have had. Once we finished our meal, Francis gave us a tour of the museum. It was like stepping back into history with original dishes from the Harvey House restaurant, there is local history and railroad history too. It was well worth the stop, and I highly recommend a visit. It is a bit confusing to find, but it sits right at the railroad, just follow the signs. There is a nice size parking lot, so that is easy and everyone at the cafe and the museum are extremely kind, helpful and very knowledgeable about the history.

7-17-25 $5, worth it…read more I don't know why, but I didn't ask the ladies name that was working there today, shame on me, she was pleasant and should be acknowledged. Here's to you, thank you. This was a bonus stop that you can only do when you are doing a road trip. I just never know where you're gonna be. I love the history of Route 66 back in the day my family had a Hugh connection with that road. We've been on most of it, but not all of it and it's always fun to hit another part. I'm not sure why I had to buy another hat, but I did. The museum was fabulous. Not just the cars, but all the paraphernalia, and the old signs were great.. I WOULD RECOMMEND

Took this picture because our younger son's room was painted these colors when he was a teen. Nice…read morelittle stop to break up your road trip. I come from a family of car restorers and these are very nice indeed!

Santa Fe Botanic Garden is truly my happy place in Santa Fe…read more This garden is such a gift to the community! It's beautifully designed, thoughtfully cared for, and filled with native New Mexico plants that really help you understand and appreciate the landscape we live in. Every visit feels zen and inspiring at the same time! Beyond the gardens themselves, this is a WONDERFUL place for community. They offer so many meaningful programs, lectures, and opportunities to learn and grow, whether you're a seasoned plant person or just starting to notice what's blooming around you. It's one of those places that makes you feel welcome, curious, and connected. The staff and volunteers are absolutely AMAZING. Kind, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can feel how much care goes into everything here. They're also breaking ground soon on a new children's garden area, which is so exciting and such a beautiful investment in our future. This place truly thinks long-term, about education, stewardship, and community. If you're a plant nerd, bug nerd, hummingbird nerd, or just someone who loves being outside and learning something new, this is the place for you. I can't recommend it highly enough!

I took my family there today. For the $16 admission price it was not even close to worth it. There…read morewas not a lot to see and not even a restroom for our older family members, the only option being a port-a-potty. I was sorely disappointed and will not return or recommend to others. A more appropriate price would have been something like $5.

New Mexico 01-2024 ABO Ruins Salina Misson in the Mountaire area of New Mexico. Medieval…read moreArchitecture looks like castle ruins. It was extremely cold with the wind whipping wildly. It was like 6 degrees !! It's located in the mountains and it's a beautiful drive up the ruins. It's Free to check it out. Check out all the photos, it's absolutely amazing there!

We visited Gran Quivira while passing through the area. I had never heard of the Salinas Pueblo…read moreMissions and didn't know much about it. In researching it, I got the impression all 3 sites were comparable. Unfortunately having visited Gran Quivira and seeing the pictures at the park headquarters, I think the other 2 sites were better. The have larger structures still standing. Gran Quivira may be the largest of the three, but outside of the main church, there's not much left. The ruins tend to be pretty low and largely overgrown. The main church has walls maybe 15 feet tall made with local stone. This site has not just ruins of the mission, but also of a village that sprouted up around it. We walked around it and saw it in maybe 30 minutes or less; would have been less if we'd used the ramp but it was closed due to the possibility of lightning. Gran Quivira was alright, but I'd check out Abo or Quarai instead if you get the chance. The fact that we saw the impressive ruins at Chaco Culture NHP the day before may have left me less impressed. Check these out if passing through, but I wouldn't go out of my was to see Gran Quivira.

Every summer I visit museums participating in the Blue Star Families program. I came across Origami…read morein the Garden on the blue star family website. The Garden is a stunning, peaceful, and unique art installation. I've been fascinated with origami since I was a child and to see massive origami sculptures spread across the garden is so amazing. Each piece tells a beautiful story in front of the backdrop of the New Mexico landscape. I am so glad that I've been able to visit twice in the last month. I've had such a good time walking through the beautiful garden and listening to the large chimes on the trees and reading the pieces. There's also beautiful depiction of unfolded origami, which is so unique and stunning. If you make the stop, I recommend visiting the gift shop. They have tons of origami paper to choose from paper, crane decor, sculptures for purchase and paintings for purchase. I purchased one of their double happiness, double crane red T-shirts and it's a new favorite of mine.

Such a beautiful space, incredible art, and gorgeous views... it's very soothing for a stroll, and…read morethe juxtaposition of art and nature is perfect. Everything is nicely curated and the pieces are stunning. I couldn't get enough of that giant vase of flowers, which rotated in the wind. You can learn to fold some basic origami at the gift shop. Staff is very friendly. They have Japanese parasols you can borrow if the sun is too harsh. Entrance and parking are free, but please make a donation!

I really love this museum, I can't wait for it to reopen to see the improvements they are making!…read moreMy favorite part is walking through earths full timeline, and the discovery area with the live animals. It's so bright and a huge space! I think they're well balanced by having great info for adults, but making the space extremely visually engaging for children. The movie area is cool, but the 3D glasses tend to give me a headache. Def worth stopping by, and I can't wait to review again after they reopen!

Nice little museum with some interesting exhibits. Clean and well laid out. Was there for a private…read moredinner and then walked the museum. Wasn't planning to stay as long I did. I have more to see. If I don't go back it will be OK, but living near Chicago I can see most if what they have here.

You want to know the history of the United States? Yes, one is to read books...but a better option…read moreis to go experience history. At Los Alamos, New Mexico, they have the Bradbury Science Museum...a free entrance Museum that teaches everyone about The Manhattan Project. Very humbling experience, to go to where the atom bomb was created, how WWII ended, and what happens when you create something so powerful (can't undo what has been done)... Thank you Los Alamos and Bradbury Science Museum for making this trip memorable. Kudos to you all! =)

This is a small museum that is a science based museum. Here's my assessment:…read more It lacks focus. It's a small museum covering the nuclear history but also weather balloons and electronics. It simply doesn't adequately cover any of it. Especially given the incredible history of Los Alamos. If you're in town it's worth stopping by but not worth a special trip just to see it.