At its heart is Old Town, just minutes from Casa La Huerta, the site where the original city was founded in 1706. Cobblestone streets and adobe walls characterize this neighborhood where Native American and Spanish cultures still mingle. You'll also find a certain level of kitsch, deposited from the hey-day of US Route 66 that runs through the heart of town. The downtown area's décor consists of neon signs and funky souvenir shops. Head farther out and you'll find expansive homes and lush vineyards in the North Valley, where Casa La Huerta is located, and Cottonwood Heights.
Albuquerque stays true to its roots. Hispanic flavors can be found in many of the city's restaurants (prepare for the ear-popping heat of New Mexico's favorite ingredient, the chile pepper). Native American arts and crafts adorn many a gallery window. But despite its old age—the city celebrated its 300th birthday in 2006—Albuquerque is nothing short of cosmopolitan, boasting funky boutiques, top-notch performance venues and exciting nightlife. To top it all off, the city's proximity to the stunning Sandia Mountains makes it a great home base for Southwest discovery.