If you are lucky enough to be in town during the anniversary sale the first week in May or for the Big Mountain Marketfest held during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, make it a point to stop by.  Many of the incredible inventory of 19,000 items are on sale and NOT to be missed!

Bien Mur is located at 100 Bien Mur Dr NE.  Take exit 234 off I25 North, turn East and follow the signs.  For more information call 800-365-5400 or visit www.bienmur.com.

The wonderful gift shop offers traditional and contemporary arts, jewelry, pottery, paintings, books, music, and videos.  Avanyu Gallery features changing art exhibitions from award winning Native American artists from the southwest and throughout the country.  If you are hungry after your pueblo cultural experience, try the Pueblo Harvest Cafe and Bakery's Blue Corn Pancakes, or the Chile and Tiwa Tacos.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located at 2401 12th St NW.  From I40 exit 12th St and head North.  Open daily 9 - 5, closed for some holidays.  For more information call 866-855-7902 or 505-843-7270, or go to www.indianpueblo.org.

The Berger family has owned the Palms Trading Post for over 30 years and they work closely with both individual and wholesale buyers.  Their stated aim is to help you purchase the craft best suited to your taste and budget.

The Palms Trading Post is located at 1504 Lomas Blvd NW.  They are open Mon - Sat, 9:00 - 5:30.  For more information, call them at 505-247-8504.

25% of the sales will go to the New Mexico Horse Project (www.nmhp.org) to create and maintain preserves for the descendants of the original Spanish Mustang.  David's photography can be seen at www.davidcramer.com.

Schelu Gallery is located at 306 San Felipe in Old Town.  For more information, call 505-765-5869 or visit www.schelu.com.   

There are also some Sunday morning hikes that leave from the Pino Trailhead at the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area at 9:00 AM.  These hikes are led by a diverse group of guides and topics include GPS, use of map and compass, tracking, trail safety, geology, and foothill archeology. 

The programs are free, but there is a $2 parking fee at the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area.  Elena Gallegos is located in the foothills of the Sandias at the end of Simms Park Road, east of Tramway Blvd, just North of Academy.  For more information call 505-452-5200 or go to www.cabq.gov/openspace.

They have a wide range of original designs in sterling silver and gold paired with semiprecious gems, and wonderfully whimsical, colorful crystal earrings that cry out to be taken home.  Add to that a frequent buyer card and you have the makings of a seriously fun addiction. 

Ooh! Aah! Jewelry can be found in Nob Hill at 110Amherst SE, phone 505-265-7170, and downtown at 311 Gold SW, phone 505-242-7101.

The music is varied and includes Cajun, Folk, Celtic, Blue Grass, Old Time Swing and Blues, and World Beat.  This is a fun way to introduce kids to live music in a relaxed setting, as it is filled with families and there are opportunities to get up and dance or walk around.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $8 adults, $4 seniors & $2 children (3-12) and NMBPS members half-price.  Gates open at 6:00, concerts start at 7:00.    Get more info at www.cabq.gov/biopark or call 505-764-6200.  The aquarium is at 2601 Central NW and the zoo is located at 903 10th SW.