Albuquerque CVB Guide - (Page 42) shopping destinations C ombine walking, shopping and dining in four specialized urban landscapes including: historic Old Town, a revitalized Downtown, retro-chic Nob Hill, and a 30-acre outdoor lifestyle mall at Albuquerque Uptown. Each shopping destination is a walkable pedestrian scale experience, with one affordable bus route, Albuquerque’s Rapid Ride linking all four parts of town. Historic Old Town is a cultural shopping destination with a strong sense of place, history and identity, built around a central plaza that recalls the origins of Albuquerque. Talk to artisans to continue the cultural conversation that defines this union of people, arts, food and family heritage. Hand-crafted jewelry in silver, turquoise and other signature Southwestern stones, native rugs, weavings, pottery, tile, tin and hand-tooled leather define traditional lifestyles and offer authentic treasures to carry home. A 20-minute walk through Old Town’s neighborhoods, or a Segway tour are unique options for transportation between Historic Old Town and revitalized Downtown. Attention to revitalization, a growing contemporary arts scene, and hip urban shopping opportunities define past, present and future with a compelling cosmopolitan energy. The Downtown District merges historic preservation with a contemporary urban spin. Gold Street boutiques offer jewelry, maternity, lingerie, children’s wear, spa treatments and dining. Central Avenue is alive with the energy of both new businesses and lifetime institutions, including homemade chocolates, handmade hats, interior design, antiques, and art galleries. At the top of the hill to the east, Albuquerque’s quintessential Nob Hill on Route 66 is another walkable mix of urban finery, marked by retro neon signs from mid-century. Art is everywhere, from designer jewelry, to a generous selection of high-end boutiques for men, women and children. Find designers from Lucky Brand and Blue Cult to Michael Stars, Velvet, 7 For All Mankind, and Frankie B. A search for home furnishings in Nob Hill will deliver everything from Western Americana, antiques, hand-carved wood, and Mexican and South American import furniture. A new lifestyle mall at Albuquerque Uptown, marked by a large neon Q at the juncture of Louisiana and I-40, combines clean contemporary architecture, flagstone and glass, wide pedestrian walkways, and well-known national brands, not found in other parts of the city. Uptown has views of the city, and a curtain of mountains in the east. This open-air mall takes advantage of Albuquerque’s predictable sunshine and stunning views in all directions. Cottonwood Mall on the west-side of town and Coronado Mall, just north of Albuquerque Uptown offer all the benefits of indoor shopping at any time of year. Take Albuquerque’s Rapid Ride, Route 766 from Old Town to Uptown, stopping at Downtown and Nob Hill in between. The bus, with attractive bus stops, and free wireless connections, runs Monday-Saturday every 10 minutes and Sundays every 22 minutes. www.itsatrip.org Courtesy of Miscellaneous Publications 42 http://www.itsatrip.org
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