Albuquerque to Holbrook

RESTAURANTS

Duran's Central Pharmacy
Belly up to the lunch counter in the back of this specialty pharmacy or sit at one of the dozen tables on the patio and enjoy authentic Mexican food. Try the local favorite: blue-corn enchiladas.1815 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque; (505) 247-4141

Route 66 Diner
Sit back in one of the green booths that have been resorted to their '50s glory, and enjoy one of the diner's famous malted shakes. 1405 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque; (505) 247-1421

Frontier Restaurant
Open from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., this diner is packed with local college kids late night, but it's also a saving grace for your kid's off-hour cravings. 2400 Central SE, Albuquerque; (505) 266-0550

Shops

High Desert Gallery
Browse through the Byzantine jewelry and hand-blown glass while your kids beeline for the ice cream counter in the back. 308 San Felipe St. NW, Albuquerque; (505) 247-0066

Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild
This large, nonprofit tribal marketplace is where you can find authentic Navajo art pieces, jewelry, rugs, and household items. Jct. 264 and Rte. 12 at Window Rock; (520) 871-4090

Activities

KiMo Theatre
Come stop by this historic, fully functioning 1927 movie and performance theater for a show, or just to peek inside to see where many old-time movie stars, such as Ginger Rogers, got their starts. 423 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque; (505) 768-3522

Historic Old Town Albuquerque
Visit this restored 18th-century village for artwork and turquoise jewelry created by local artisans. Rio Grand Boulevard and Mountain Road

San Felipe Church
The main part of this Catholic church is closed for renovations until fall 2008, but the impressive exterior of the second-oldest church in America is worth a quick visit. 2005 N. Plaza St., Albuquerque; (505) 243-4628

Albuquerque Museum
Join the museum from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays for its Family Art Workshops (free with admission). The museum's permanent Common Ground exhibit houses artwork that shows the progression of art in New Mexico, starting in the 19th century. 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque; (505) 243-7255

Rio Grande Gallery
Besides housing works from local sculptors and painters such as R.C. Gorman, who the New York Times dubbed the "Picasso of the Southwest," this co-op gallery has an entire room devoted to kaleidoscopes. 328 San Felipe NW, Albuquerque;(505) 242-8008

Sandia Peak
Take the tramway to the top of the Sandia Mountains and hike during the day or admire the neon lights of Route 66 at night. 308 San Felipe St. NW, Albuquerque; (505) 247-0066

Tingley Beach
With four sparkling ponds, a train depot, a fishing shop, pedal boats, and plenty of room to run, kids will think they've hit the jackpot. 1800 Tingley Dr. SW; Albuquerque

Window Rock Tribal Park
Peer through the perfect circle window naturally hallowed out of a mountain at this famed rock formation turned national monument. E. Hwy. 264 and Rte. 12, Window Rock; (928) 871-6647

Navajo Nation Museum and Library
Come here to see several photography exhibits, clothing of past Miss Navajo winners, and a room devoted to the enlarged political cartoons published in the Navajo Times. Hwy. 264 Loop Rd., Window Rock; (928) 871-6376

Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park
Start at the Agate Bridge overlook, a bridge made from a fallen petrified tree trunk that marks the beginning of the scenic views. Hit the Rainbow Forest Visitor's Center for the dino skeletons, and then walk along nicely paved trails through the polished trunks and stumps of the ancient trees. The Rainbow Forest gift shop offers inexpensive souvenirs, sunhats, and Route 66 model cars. Petrified Forest Road between I-40 and Hwy. 180

Hotels

Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center
When you stay at this fully restored 1937 Ranch, you can rise with the farmer and help gather eggs and organic produce for breakfast. The property also has six beautiful gardens and an organic-lavender field. From $180 for a queen-size room with a roll-away bed, 4803 Rio Grande NW, Albuquerque; (505) 344-9297

El Rancho Hotel
This historic hotel has a 1930s glamour-meets-cowboy feel—with everything from trophy animal heads and Navajo rugs to movie-star memorabilia. Try the homemade salsa in the onsite restaurant. From $93 for a standard room with two double beds, 1000 E. Hwy., Gallup; (800) 543-6351

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