Celebrating its tricentennial in 2006, Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., boasting a unique multicultural heritage and history. Learn more about Albuquerque and why it’s a great location for Meridium Conference 2008 at http://www.itsatrip.org/.

Travel
The state’s largest commercial airport, Albuquerque International Sunport is a world-renowned, full-service facility that is served by these airlines: American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Mesa, Great Lakes, Northwest, Skywest, Southwest and United and US Airways. There are nonstop flights to and from 27 major cities in the United States. Lack of congestion at the Sunport means visitors experience very few ground delays. Learn more about getting around in Albuquerque, from taxi and shuttle service to car rental and other transportation.

Arts & Entertainment
In addition to indoor pursuits like shopping at the more than 3,000 shops and galleries, Albuquerque is also the hot air ballooning capital of the world: Balloons dot the clear blue skies almost every morning, and, at night, the city glows with antique neon signs, relics of Albuquerque's place on historic Route 66.

The Albuquerque area offers a wide variety of arts and entertainment, as well as dining and nightlife. Visit the Albuquerque Aquarium and the zoo at the Albuquerque Biological Park or take the kids to Hinkle Family Fun Center or Uncle Cliffs just for the fun of it. The Albuquerque area is also host to:

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Explora Museum
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History
• Rio Grande Botanical Garden
• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History
• New Mexico National Parks
• Rio Grande Botanical Garden
• Rio Grande Nature Center
• State Parks

The neighborhoods of Albuquerque have their own unique feel and character. Visit Historic Old Town, Nob Hill, and others to find local shops, historic locations, and restaurants of every variety.

Weather
Albuquerque features spectacular weather, with 310 days of sunshine, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, including golfing, biking and skiing. In late April, daytime highs approach 80°F and nightly lows are in the upper 40s.

So where did Albuquerque get its name anyway?
The old town of “Alburquerque” was founded in 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost. Alburquerque was primarily a farming community and military outpost along the Camino Real. The town of Alburquerque was built in the traditional Spanish village pattern: a central plaza surrounded by government buildings, homes, and a church. This central plaza area, now known as "Old Town" has been preserved and is open to the public as a museum, cultural area, and center of commerce.

The village of Alburquerque was named by the provincial governor Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes in honor of the Duke of Alburquerque, viceroy of New Spain from 1702 to 1710. The first "r" in "Alburquerque" was dropped at some point in the 19th century, supposedly by an Anglo-American railroad station-master unable to correctly pronounce the city's name. In the 1990s, the Central Avenue trolley buses were emblazoned with the name Alburquerque (note the extra "r" as the fifth letter) in honor of the city's historic name.
Source: http://abqstyle.com