Albuquerque Things to Do Tips by AlbuqRay

If you are in Albuquerque starting the first weekend in October, you can see one of the premier events in the world. It is the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world. During the mass ascensions there may be 800-900 balloons in the air at one time. That is why it is called "The Big One." There may be 200,000 people there on the first day. You can even walk among the balloons as they are taking off. It's cold in the early morning that time of year, so dress warm. There are plenty of vendors. Plan to eat breakfast at the Fiesta. The favorites include breakfast burritos, funnel cakes and curly fries.

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Address: Albuquerque Balloon Park
Directions: North on I-25 and take the Paseo del Norte exit west
Website: http://www.aibf.org/

On selected evenings during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, they have Glowedos. The balloons are tethered and they light up using their burners. It's a beautiful sight and the weather is usually quite comfortable.

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Address: Albuquerque Balloon Park
Directions: North on I-25 and take the Paseo del Norte exit west
Website: http://www.aibf.org/

The new Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum opened on 1 Oct 2005. The 59,000 square foot facility is located at the south end of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park. The museum is shaped so it will seem like you are walking into a hot air balloon that is being inflated. Exhibits cover the people, history, science and art of hot-air and light gas ballooning.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed Mondays and city holidays. The hours are extended during the Balloon Fiesta. Admission is $4.00 for adults (with $1.00 discount for New Mexico residents with a valid ID); $2.00 for seniors (65+); $1.00 for children, ages 4-12; and under 3, Museum Foundation members, ICOM, AAM & NMAM members are FREE.

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Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM
Directions: North of Alameda Blvd just west of Jefferson Street
Website: http://www.cabq.gov/balloon/

Just before sunset, take the world's longest aerial tramway up to Sandia Peak for great views to the west (and to the east for that matter). If you plan to have dinner at High Finance, the restaurant at the top, it is recommended that you make reservations. You can see the city lights after dinner or during if you get a table next to the windows. It can be cold and windy at the top. You will be going up almost a mile in elevation in a few minutes. Since the rule of thumb is one degree of temperature for each 300 feet of elevation, it may be 17 degrees cooler at the top. You should dress accordingly. Both the tram ($15) and dinner at the top ($30-40) are on the expensive side.

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Address: Northeast Albuquerque

If you can get a window seat at the High Finance Restaurant, you will have great views.

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Address: Base of the tramway is in northeast Albuquerque

At the top of the Tram you cannot stand at the end of this deck if you are afraid of heights.

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The Sandia Mountains lie to the east of Albuquerque. The tallest peak is 10,678 feet above sea level, which is about a mile above Albuquerque itself. Some homes are located in the foothills. You may take the Tramway up the west side or walk the difficult La Luz trail. You may drive up the east side (access from State Highway 14) to the Crest. For a really good website on Sandia hiking trails, try Mike Coltrin's geocaching and Sandia hiking site.

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Address: Due east of Albuquerque

Most former Spanish towns have a central plaza with a church. Albuquerque is no exception. Old Town is touristy but still should be visited. Besides the church, many shops, art galleries and hidden patios, several of Albuquerque's museums are in the same area, including the art museum, the natural history museum (with its dinosaur exhibits), the science museum (Explora!) and even a rattlesnake museum. The middle two are great for kids. My favorite restaurant in the area is Seasons Rotisserie and Grill, which is north of Old Town Plaza across Mountain Road. It is also only about half a mile to the Botanical Garden and Aquarium. Don't miss the kaleidoscope shop (see below).

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Address: South of I-40 on Rio Grande Blvd.

La Casita de Kaleidoscopes should not be missed. It is in the Patio Market, a small courtyard southeast of the Plaza that many people don't find. Tell Lesley that AlbuqRay sent you. Warning to men though...don't let your significant other find the jewelry store next door, Christian Wolf Gallery (it's too late for me).

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Address: Southeast Corner of Old Town Albuquerque

Stop at the Old Broad's Coffee House in the Patio Market if you need coffee or ice cream. Sit in the courtyard and listen to local bands that sometimes play there.

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Address: Patio Market in southeast Old Town