Edward Abbey may have thrown out his trash onto its highways (during those long drives to and from his desert sabbaticals), but Albuquerque is worth not passing by. Known to many as the gateway to the Southwest, Albuquerque is authentic and eccentric. It is full of gangsters, intellectual elite, jocks, spiritual gurus, outdoor adventurers. Drive thirty minutes and you are in Santa Fe. Although it is known for the annual air-balloon fiestas and wine festivals, Gardenia restaurants and speedy  more...