May 10 – 16, 2021
We started the day in Carlsbad at 3300 feet above sea level. Our drive to the northwest took us up to 7000 feet before dropping down to 5000 feet as we entered Albuquerque. Anticipating the elevation changes we had released as much residual air from our ziplock vacuum storage bag as we could (something we failed to do last time) and lowered the air in our sleep number bed.
American RV Resort
For our third time here in Albuquerque, we returned to our tried and true RV park – the American RV Resort. It’s easy to get to and big rig friendly (in the new section). Unfortunately it is close to I-40 and gets a lot of road noise but we still like it. We did have some concern about the power lines running above our site and the position of our satellite dish but we managed to work around that.
Old Town
I really enjoy walking around Old Town Albuquerque and investigating the various shops. That’s what we did during our first full day here. We had planned to grab lunch at our favorite restaurant – High Noon – but they were closed that day.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Later in the week we decided to go to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – something we had missed on our earlier visits. Having visited the Taos Pueblo on another trip, we thought this would be a great way to learn more about the Pueblo people.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is responsible for preserving and perpetuating Pueblo culture, and advancing understanding – by presenting with dignity and respect – the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico. It is located at the heart of nearly 80 acres of land owned by the 19 Pueblos and governed by the 19 Pueblos District (a sovereign government formed by the Tribal Councils of the 19 New Mexico Pueblo Communities) at the former location of the Albuquerque Indian School (1881-1982). The Center is comprised of museum and gallery space, a collection of murals and other Native arts and artifacts, a library, archives, an education department, a teaching kitchen/restaurant, and cultural programming and events – each celebrating the Pueblo culture of New Mexico.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The permanent exhibit contains the “We Are Of This Place: The Pueblo Story“. This gallery details the history, trials and tribulations of the Pueblo Indians. Other galleries house temporary exhibits and artistic collections. The museum also contains a store and restaurant. In the center of the museum is an open courtyard area where cultural dances are performed. Adorning the walls of the courtyard area are several larger-than-life murals.
We debated about having lunch at the restaurant in the Cultural Center but elected to drive back into Old Town and eat at High Noon (which was open that day).
Dinner at a Speakeasy
For my birthday celebration, Bill made reservations at a prohibition style speakeasy – Vernon’s Speakeasy.
Flash back to the long-gone days of the Prohibition Era when the ever so popular “speakeasy” was a place where one could imbibe in their favorite alcoholic beverage while enjoying the posh atmosphere, elegant food, and unsurpassed service under the safe keeping of the Boss, and a hidden password protected door.
Vernon’s Speakeasy
When Bill made the reservation, he was given directions to the building (there were no signs) and told that he would be contacted with the password on the day of the reservation. Once in the parking lot, he sent a text stating that we were outside. A return text instructed us to wait in our vehicle while they prepared our table. After a brief wait, we were instructed to knock on the door and wait for “the Boss” to ask for the secret password.
Luckily we had the correct password and were granted entrance where “the Boss” explained the rules. He also indicated punishment for rule breakers by picking up and waving a baseball bat.
After agreeing to behave, we were allowed to enter through the secret door behind the Boss (see the bookcase) and shown to our table in the room with live entertainment. There were other rooms but we didn’t feel the need to investigate.
The meal was excellent and the experience was awesome! What a fun evening!!
An Early Departure
On a lark, we decided to depart Albuquerque a day early so that we would have time to check out an unscheduled National Park. Find out which one in our next post.
