Who can resist over 300 days of sunshine every year? The charming city of Albuquerque boasts one of the country's best climates. And that's only one of Albuquerque's glowing charms. This city nestled near the Sandia Mountains is also graced by the majestic Rio Grande River that flows through the area. This important city in the development of America's southwest retains its cultural heritage and historical points of interest while also pushing toward the future. Old Town Albuquerque is home to Albuquerque's historic district filled with adobe buildings, some dating back to the city's founding in 1706, and which now boast authentic regional restaurants and eclectic shops. Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, Kirtland Air Force Base, the MIND Institute, and Sandia National Laboratories. Although an important part of the New Mexico Technology Corridor, Albuquerque is still an important agricultural region. Attractions and entertainment include the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the Albuquerque Isotopes minor league baseball team, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds minor NBA basketball team, the New Mexico Scorpions minor league hockey team, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the American Shakespeare Project, the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Nature Center and Trail, and the National Atomic Museum.