Today's main emphasis was on museums.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Exhibits inside and out make the museum even more interesting.

Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.

The exhibits were varied and comprehensive. I liked the Atomic Age in Pop Culture. I was drawn to the cultural items surrounding the dawning of the Atomic Age, taking a lighter look at the impact of atomic discovery. The exhibit included the music we listened to and the movies and television we watched.  Products such as toys, games, food and appliances were often influenced in modern design and name by the atomic world.
This totally cracked me up. Note the mushroom cloud worn by the contestant for the Miss Atomic pageant. These events were held during the Atomic Age to celebrate the City of Las Vegas's modernity. Las Vegas decided to combine two of its major attractions – nuclear bombs and showgirls – into a beauty contest. Who knew?
We knew we needed to eat authentic and Sadie's came highly recommended. New Mexican cuisine is what the state is known for. Its defining ingredient? Chile. For nearly 500 years, cooks here have been blending Native American foods—like blue corn and squash—with chile peppers, wheat flour, pork and other ingredients the Spanish settlers brought with them from Europe and Mexico. It was beyond delicious and don't even get me started on the sopaipillas. It was the perfect break between museums.
Since Albuquerque is so famous for its hot air ballooning, we thought a visit to its ballooning museum was a must.
The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum showcases a vast collection of balloons, art work, and aerial artifacts.


This museum dedicated, to the worldwide history, science, and art of all types of ballooning and lighter-than-air flight, surprised and delighted us. It is one of those places that we are so glad to have discovered- much like the town of Albuquerque itself.