Fay Abrams founded her first crafts gallery in Old Town in 1974 as a showcase for local artists with a flair for taking ideas and materials far beyond the confines of standard application. They have shaped, forged, hammered and woven stone, glass, wood, fabric, clay, and other materials into objects that are as beautiful and sometimes provocative; as they are one-of-a-kind. Owners Liz Dineen and Jennifer Rohrig will answer your questions about each object with the kind of knowledge, pride and enthusiasm that is normally reserved for a parent discussing her child.
If you are an avid reader, this store, located just north of Coronado Center, will seem like heaven. Menaul Book Exchange has a large selection of new and used books, audio tapes and out-of-print books. You can exchange or sell your old books here, as well as choose new ones. The inventory is extensive with books from all genres, including a nice selection of children's literature. There seems to be an emphasis on romantic and recreational titles. You can rent audio tapes for up to 30 days if you do not want to buy them.
Beware when you walk into this store, it is full of wild things: cougars, scorpions, lobos, mustangs and bears. Actually, these animals are the mascots of local sports teams and they adorn just about anything you can think of. From college to high school to professional sports teams, nearly every organization in the city is represented here in one way or another. You can even find jars of Lobo Salsa, created in honor of the nationally ranked University of New Mexico basketball team.
If you are looking for a book with which to pass some leisure time, you can certainly find one at this wonderful little store. Although the store is small, the inventory is not. You can find used titles from every genre. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, espresso, and cappuccino permeates the air and you can enjoy a cup with your book.
Locals in the know get their massages at the NM School of Natural Therapeutics. The treatments are with students and therefore inexpensive, although they also therefore vary in standard depending on the individual and their level of training. The facility is not as luxurious as a spa but is attractive and pleasant. One hour treatments are $28 with a student or $40 with a recent graduate collect the cute hand-shaped stamps on their punch cards and your seventh massage is a free hot stone. You can also browse through or solicit advice at the Natural Remedy Store, which stocks herbal, homeopathic and flower remedies.
Established in 1994, Fat Tire Cycles is known for its excellent collection of bikes of all types. They have cycles for every age and every wage! From low-end to premium bikes, they have a varied range to choose from. Owned and operated locally, Fat Tire Cycles also assists with servicing and repairs of your cycles. The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.