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Bike the Paseo del Bosque in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM, is pretty much made for bikers. With more than 400 miles of bike paths and trails throughout the city, biking is a planned and accepted mode of transportation. The Paseo del Bosque is perhaps its most famous trail, running from the north to the south edges of the city and covering 16 miles of paved trails. The path is so impressive that it earned a mention in National Geographic Adventure magazine. Distance: 16 milesDifficulty: Easy to moderate (paved) Don't Miss: The public... Read More »
National Hispanic Cultural Center Is a Prime Entertainment Destination
Trivia question: Where is the largest Latino cultural center in the United States? The answer is Albuquerque.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center opened in 2000 along the banks of the Rio Grande in a historic Albuquerque neighborhood known as Barelas.
Since its opening‚ the NHCC has hosted 25 major art exhibitions and established a spacious museum that features a large permanent collection.
And now more good news. The NHCC has added a Roy E. Disney (nephew of Walt) Center for Performing Arts... Read More »
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Albuquerque takes to the air every autumn with the International Balloon Fiesta. The event, which began in 1972 with only 13 balloons, has grown to include over 600 balloons and attract guests from all over the world. At the week-long fiesta, days begin with the Dawn Patrol, when pilots take off in the dark and fly until its light enough to see landing sites. Afterwards, guests are awed by the launching of the 600 plus balloons, called Mass Ascension, or various flight competitions. But things... Read More »
Fun Things To Do in Albuquerque, NM
Whether you visit for the weekend or call it home, Albuquerque is always alive with activity. There's something to suit everyone, including scenic outdoor getaways, unique museums and other exciting attractions.
1. Visit the ABQ BioPark, which includes an aquarium, botanical garden and zoo.
2. Play golf year-round at Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club.
3. Join Albuquerque in hot air balloon excitement at the annual International Balloon Fiesta.
4. Browse the exhibits of The Albuquerque... Read More »
Albuquerque Keeps Pets Perky
Few places cater to the four-legged crowd quite like Albuquerque, NM. Bookworms of all species are welcome at Bookworks, where readers can expect a treat from the shelves or, for dogs, from a jar behind the counter. Several restaurants offer Fido al fresco seating. At Gecko's Bar and Tapas dogs are treated to a waterbowl and maybe a special a-pup-tizer. Albuquerque's local chain of Flying Star Cafes can be relied upon for a biscuit for dogs or their owners. In association with the Animal... Read More »
Albuquerque’s Arts Community Showcases Past and Present Influences
The past and present collide continuously throughout Albuquerque, but nowhere more so than in the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Hispanic and Native American art is predominant here, where venues like the Nob Hill Art Gallery and others throughout Old Town and downtown mix new and traditional works. Those venues rub shoulders with such institutions as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and National Hispanic Cultural Center, where the creations of the present and past also are on display... Read More »
Route 66 Festival Celebrates the Open Road
Gearheads, rejoice. The annual South Route 66 Summerfest rumbles into Los Lunas each June, with a variety of activities scheduled. There is a Battle of the Bands competition, wine and microbrew tasting, an art exhibit and a huge garage sale. But the event is known for its large car show. Categories of entrants include antique pre-1930, muscle car 1960-67, low rider, truck 1946-1969, hot rod, travel trailer, motorcycle, convertibles and street rods. There is even a category for bicycles... Read More »
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Documents the History of Ballooning
Albuquerque is known worldwide for its International Balloon Fiesta in October‚ but visitors can learn even more about the hot-air machines at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque Inter national Balloon Museum.
The $12 million museum opened in October 2005‚ just southeast of Balloon Fiesta Park‚ where the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held.
The museum is named for Albu querque balloonists Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo‚ who made history in 1978 when they completed the first... Read More »
Energetic Nightlife Includes Casinos, Theater and Food
It is a lively place when the sun shines, and it remains lively when the moon comes out.
Albuquerque has a variety of evening-out destinations where residents and visitors can do a bit of howling at night – from hip bars and clubs to the symphony and theater.
For instance, those who like gambling and full-production shows can visit the Sandia Resort & Casino or the Isleta Casino & Resort. Or for a classic change of pace, there are the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra or theatrical per... Read More »
Albuquerque's Restaurant Scene Boasts an Array of Toothsome Treats
Got a hankering for hot Kung Pao chicken? A penchant for pumpkin ravioli? OK‚ maybe you’d just like a big ole steak.
Though it boasts a well-earned repu tation for its unique‚ chile-inspired New Mexican cuisine‚ Albuquerque is a mecca for diners yearning for nearly every kind of treat.
“Of course New Mexican food is king‚ but you can find every taste imaginable here‚” says Terry Keene‚ owner of The Artichoke Café on the corner of Central and Edith. “Sushi is big here‚ Thai and Vietnamese are... Read More »
From Pueblos to Pagodas, Albuquerque's Cultural Institutions Shine
When Synthia Lin arrived in Albuquerque from Taiwan in 1975, she could walk the streets of Old Town without seeing another Asian person.
Thirty years later, Lin says the prevalence of ethnic grocery stores and Asian restaurants is just one more reason for Albuquerque’s reputation as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.
“The Asian community is definitely a lot more noticeable now,” says Lin, who runs the Chinese Culture Center with her husband. “I don’t feel separate... Read More »
Spicy, Chile-Infused Food In Albuquerque
Ask any New Mexican what makes the food here so special, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the chile. Get your taste buds in gear, folks, ‘cause you’ll need every single one of them to fully appreciate the sweet, fruity, fiery flavor of red and green chile.
Why chiles? Why here? In the 1500s, when Spanish and Mexican settlers first came up through the Rio Grande Valley into what is now New Mexico, they brought with them some familiar foods from home. Mexican settlers who migrated north... Read More »
Albuquerque Named Top City for Film Making
Albuquerque was recently named a top city for film makers and film making by MovieMaker magazine. The magazine called the Duke City "a mini-movie Mecca" and ranked it above even Los Angeles.
"In the past, when people said, 'New Mexico' they didn't really think of Albuquerque. Now, they can spell it," said Ann Lerner, of the New Mexico Film Office.
For more information, read the full story on KOAT.com Read More »
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Colors the Skies
If you come to Albuquerque in October, be prepared for a whole lot of hot air – and for the unforgettable sight of hundreds of brilliant balloons floating through the desert sky. The 37th edition of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, by far the largest balloon event in the world, takes place Oct. 4-12, 2008.
The early dawn spectacle of 700 giant, colorful balloons ascending en masse defies description, says Paul R. Smith, executive director of the Albuquerque International Balloon... Read More »
Albuquerque Celebrates and Cherishes Its Diversity
American Indians and Hispanics have made their homes in New Mexico for centuries‚ so it’s not surprising that one of Albuquerque’s strengths is its openness to diversity.
That cordial attitude is part of the reason why more than 28 ethnic groups – including Chinese‚ Taiwanese‚ Indonesians‚ Swedes‚ Germans‚ Filipinos‚ Africans‚ French and Indians – call Albuquerque home.
“Diversity happened naturally here because Native American and Hispanic cultures have co-existed for so long‚” says Danny... Read More »
Light, Space and Freedom Draw Artists to Albuquerque
Painter Rachel Popowcer grew up in New Jersey and Atlanta, came to Albuquerque to get her MFA at the University of New Mexico and never left. Salvador Marquez Equihua, a Chicago native who makes glass and metal sculptures, spent time in Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and Seattle – the latter two glass-making meccas – was attracted by this region’s blending of cultures.
And artist Marietta Patricia Leis had lived in Los Angeles for 20 years, deciding in the early 1980s that she needed more space... Read More »
World's Longest Aerial Tram Provides Spectacular Views
Louis Abruzzo, president of Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway, first rode what is still the world’s longest passenger aerial tram as a boy in 1966 – the year the tram opened. Since then, he’s gone up and down the mountain hundreds of times.
Now, when he rides up with “first-timers” and hears their awe-stricken gasps as the swaying tramcar crosses the cable towers, he remembers, “This is really something.”
One of Albuquerque’s best-known tourist attractions, the Sandia Peak Tramway ascends 4,000... Read More »
Paseo del Bosque Trail Is One of the Best Bike Rides in the West
Green space may be disappearing in many cities‚ but not in Albuquerque. The city’s popular 16-mile-long Paseo del Bosque Trail continues to thrive under the watchful eye of the Open Space Division of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation department.
“Albuquerque has had the foresight to keep that green ribbon of life intact‚ to cherish it and to dedicate resources to it‚” says Jay Lee Evans‚ deputy director for Albuquerque Parks and Recreation. “The trail gets a lot of attention and maintenance... Read More »
Golfers Have Plenty of Places to Play in Albuquerque
How about this for challenging? A resort golf course in Albuquerque measures a whopping 7‚772 yards and has two par 5s that are 630 yards and 610 yards.
Yet‚ most decent golfers can still post a pretty good score there.
Sandia Golf Club‚ located at the Sandia Resort & Casino‚ opened in 2005 and has already built a reputation as one of the most scenic golfing vistas in all of New Mexico.
Since there are no construction devel opments going up around it‚ the course offers unobstructed views of... Read More »
Albuquerque is Full of Kid-Friendly Activities
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a variety of museums, parks and outdoor activities, Albuquerque is a destination that children and adults can enjoy together.
“Albuquerque offers families a tremendous array of affordable cultural and educational activities,” says Tania Armenta, vice president of Tourism and Communications with the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The wonderful climate allows families to visit indoor attractions, but also to spend time outdoors.”
For... Read More »
Albuquerque, NM Breweries Tap Into Flavor
The southwestern city of Albuquerque, NM is known for its cultural diversity, authentic landscapes and genuine characters – and that extends to its brews. Residents here enjoy mostly sunny days and have their pick of micro-breweries that always have fresh beer on tap. Among the best are:
Chama River Brewing Company serves up six house beers, several of which have picked up awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. The River is a step up from your casual... Read More »
Albuquerque Lays Claim to the "Best Coffee in the West"
If green chile is dear to the hearts and stomachs of all New Mexicans‚ then piñon is dear to their souls.
This small pine tree is the inspiration behind New Mexico Piñon Coffee‚ an Albuquerque-based company that has won numerous awards over the years.
The company’s product line includes piñon (pine nut) coffee‚ green coffee beans‚ cocoa and teas.
The company’s awards include being a three-time National Roasting Award winner and a two-time winner for Best Coffee in the West by Travel West... Read More »
Notable Local Foods Come from Albuquerque, NM
Marrying traditional New Mexican cuisine with an independent spirit and hunger for diversity, Albuquerque, NM's, restaurant scene treats the dining enthusiast. Named one of the 10 Best Cities for Local Food by the Huffington Post, the city also offers standout farm-to-table offerings like Flying Star Café, which uses fair trade, natural and organic ingredients. Beverages get a fair shake, too, with the unique artisan coffeemaker New Mexico Piñon Coffee (the Best in the West) and a number of... Read More »
Shopping in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque offers a unique blend of upscale retailers and small specialty shops, with a little Southwestern kick to keep things interesting. Here are some of the city's must-shop spots.
Historic Old Town
Albuquerque's eclectic Old Town is the spot to find all things artsy. The area features more than 150 shops full of items from all over the world, with an emphasis on the city's Southwestern heritage. Check out Hispaniae for a wide selection of Mexican folk art or stop by La Pinata to... Read More »
Hike the Sandia Mountains Hawk Watch Trail in Albuquerque, NM
Sandia Mountains Hawk Watch TrailLooking for those lions, tigers and bears? You'll find almost all of them in the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, NM. The Hawk Watch Trail, one of many trails in the mountains, winds through the area and gives guests a moderate hike with the potential for a lot of action. The Hype: Picture perfect surroundings Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: 3/5 Terrain: Gravel, flat but uphill Wild Encounters: Mountain lions, bears, hawks Don't Forget: A camera!Explore more... Read More »
