The middle of Spring.  I drove from Santa Fe to Albuquerque early in the morning for an appointment I wasn’t too happy about. So when I left the medical building I felt suddenly so free. Time for something fun! It didn’t take long to decide where I wanted to go because I had been thinking about it for some time. After making the wrong turn once and then getting lost in the unknown backstreets of Albuquerque I was at my destination: Old Town Albuquerque.Â
Old Town Albuquerque, was officially designated a village in 1706. Here is the heart of Albuquerque, then and now. This is the center from which the sprawling city grew. At different historical periods Old Town was the home of Mexicans, the Spanish, and people of United States. And for an eternity before them it was the home of American Indians. In spite of it’s turbulent beginnings, the city was given a beautiful, cared for retreat in the middle of the sprawling, hyper city of Albuquerque.                              Â
San Felipe de Nero Church
 I was lucky this particular morning I to find a parking space directly between the park and the church in front. Shown above is San Felipe de Nero church, built in 1793 ands listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take note that this is the oldest building in the city. The original San Felipe de Nero that stood here was destroyed by fire. In all, that is over 300 years of service. Visit by entering through the gift shop. Â
 Start where I did that morning at the church. Then wander the surrounding streets. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants and art galleries that you can get lost in. It doesn’t really matter what corner you turn, what store you’ll find and don’t want to leave. Or what restaurant where you linger over a meal. Spending a morning or afternoon in Old Town is a great way to start your adventures in this lively, colorful Southwest city.
