If you are planning a vacation to the southwest, you might want to consider visiting Gallup New Mexico. Located along Route 66, this small city has several attractions, including Red Rock Park, which is home to many Anasazi archaeological sites. The Red Rock Museum covers the Anasazi heritage and features pottery and silver. There are also many Native American crafts to view at the Gallup Cultural Center. The Rex Museum covers the local history and is a good place to learn about the area’s past.
Visitors to Gallup should plan a vacation around the town’s events. Gallup hosts the second largest hot air balloon rally in the world, and the event takes place on the first weekend in December. The breathtaking view of over 200 hot air balloons against the backdrop of deep canyons is truly spectacular. For more activities, check out the annual Glow in the Rocks celebration, which features Indian dancers and more. This event is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on your family.
While the city’s history is rich in Native art, you can also explore the town’s contemporary scene by attending a local art gallery. Art galleries located along MainStreet’s Art & Cultural District present new shows every month. Sculpture, photography, and abstract art can all be found in local galleries. You can even check out a live show during Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Week.
The Rex Museum is located on South 2nd Street and started out as a brothel. Later, it became a grocery store. During the 1940s, this historic building became an attraction for Hollywood. Today, it is the center of pawn transactions. In addition to Native American crafts, Gallup has several historic trading posts. You can check out some of the old buildings and see how life was in the old days.
If you want to experience historic style in the area, consider staying at one of the town’s historical hotels. The El Rancho Hotel boasts a beautiful lobby that features pictures of former Hollywood guests. There’s also the 1928 El Morro Theatre, a restored, original 1928 movie theatre. The lobby is full of memorabilia and depicts the history of the town. The town also boasts several freight trains passing by.
Besides the Gallup Native Arts Market, there are also many family-friendly activities you can enjoy in this town. If you’re looking for Navajo art and crafts, Gallup is your best bet. Hundreds of local artisans create beautiful items, and you can buy directly from the artisans. If you’re interested in purchasing art, make sure to visit the Gallup Native Arts Market, which is held each August. If you’re looking for unique gifts, you can also check out Tanner’s Indian Arts and Perry Null Trading Company. You can also shop at the City Electric Shoe Shop.
If you have an interest in local history, you can visit the Rex Museum. Once a brothel, this museum traces the history of the area, including the Navajo Code Talker soldiers. The Rex Museum also has a large collection of artifacts and pays homage to the Navajo Code Talker soldiers. The Rex is an excellent choice for a family vacation to Gallup New Mexico.