How to Get the Most Out of Your Albuquerque Vacation
New Mexico definitely lives up to its name of “the Land of Enchantment.” The state’s largest city of Albuquerque was founded in the early eighteenth century. This exciting metropolis on the Rio Grande was a military outpost until the mid nineteenth century. By the end of the 1800s it became a mecca for people with respiratory distresses and the population grew widely during that time period.
10 great things to do in Albuquerque
It is a daunting task at best to choose merely ten things from the immense variety of activities that are offered to Albuquerque’s guests. Remember to contact the visitor bureau or take some time to research on the internet before you travel. You will find dozens of additional activities that will help to make your trip memorable.
1. Old Town is Albuquerque’s historic area. Take a walk along the brick paths to find some superb shops, cafes, and art galleries. This was the social center of the town from its founding until the late 1800s. It was build around a plaza as many Spanish cities were constructed. Be sure to look for the 1706-built San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town. There are various museums found here, too.
2. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is where visitors can find out all about the Pueblo people. There is a museum at this site that covers the ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces of art. The “19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico” operate the center and there is a cafe to catch a bite to eat as well as a gift shop on site.
3. The picturesque Sandia Mountains Don’t forget your camera if you take the Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway to the top of the Sandia Mountains. It is the longest of its kind in the world and the vista views are incredible from the mountain. There are thirty skiing trails here and four lifts. If you don’t ski, there are biking and hiking trails as well.
4. Petroglyph National Monument is National Park Service maintained. The park is large at over seven thousand acres and in addition to the petroglyphs, this area also has five volcanic cones for exploring. The petroglyphs are prehistoric images that the native peoples of New Mexico carved into the rocks (and some early settlers to this region added their own artwork much later). There are many thousands of the images along a canyon that is 17 miles in length. Many sights of the high desert areas are found here.
5. The Rio Grande Zoo has been entertaining visitors of all ages for almost 80 years. Two hundred and fifty species of animals live here and the area of the zoo covers 65 acres. This is an outstanding place to get some exercise while walking around the grounds. In addition to the zoo, you may also wish to visit the other parts of the Albuquerque Biological Park. These places are an aquatic park, a botanical garden, and an aquarium, all interesting stops for travelers spending some time in Albuquerque.
6. The Museums: If you wish to spend some of your time at museums, there are many offerings in the city. Just a few of the museums you will find are:
–American International Rattlesnake Museum (complete with live snakes!)
–New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (dinosaur models, ice age caves, volcano to walk through, etc.)
–LodeStar Astronomy Center (planetarium and observatory)
–National Atomic Museum
–Albuquerque Museum (Southwestern art, history, and culture)
–National Hispanic Cultural Center
–Meteorite Museum
–Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
7. The Casinos: Albuquerque hosts a number of casinos if visiting one of them is on your agenda. There are thousands of slot machines found in the city, and all of the games of chance found in the top casinos are available here. If you want to try your hand at roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, or other casino games, check out of these casinos or look for others in the vicinity.
–Sandia Casino
–San Felipes’s Casino
–Downs at Albuquerque
–Route 66 Casino
–Casino City
–Isleta Casino and Resort
8. Cliff’s Amusement Park is full of thrills and excitement. Located on Osuna Road, Cliff’s offers plenty of thrill rides, rides for the entire family, and even water rides. Whether your interest is coasters or just amusement park food, you will be able to find it at Cliff’s. Don’t forget to try the Big Flush Water Coaster if you are experiencing Albuquerque on an extra hot day. Cliff’s is only open during the summer season, so be sure to confirm that it will be open during your stay before taking the time to look it up.
9. The historic Route 66’s popularity began in the 1950s. It covers the distance between Chicago and the Pacific Ocean. Route 66 is laid out directly through Albuquerque and tourists enjoy checking out the route and being able to say that they traveled part of it while in New Mexico. Look for restaurants and shops along this stretch of history.
10. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is the place to spend some time walking, hiking, fishing or boating, water skiing, and participating in many other water sports. The trails are pleasing whether you are hiking briskly for exercise or taking a leisurely stroll after a busy day. If your travel to New Mexico is camping related, camping facilities are found at this state park of 170 acres. The park gates are open from 8 to 5 and there is a Nature Center in operation from 10 to 5. The Nature Center offers a library with glass walls where visitors can watch bosque birds and various types of wildlife while hearing the sounds of nature being transmitted into the room.
It’s a bird; it’s a plane, no! It’s . . .
It’s one of the many hundreds of hot air balloons that arrive in town for the Balloon Fiesta each fall! Some of the events during the fiesta draw a hundred thousand people or more so be prepared for crowds.
Visitors can get up close and personal with the balloon operators during the event. Concerts are given from a main stage. Dates for upcoming festivals are:
2005: Sept 30 to Oct 9
2006: Oct 6 to Oct 15
2007: Oct 5 to Oct 14
2008: Oct 3 to Oct 12
2009: Oct 2 to Oct 11
2010: Oct 1 to Oct 10
I’m hungry, where can I find dinner?
High above Albuquerque, and near the tramway to the Sandia Mountains is where to find Sandiago’s Mexican Grill. Sandiago’s serves traditional Mexican cuisine and this is an excellent spot at which to watch a glorious New Mexico sunset with the lights of the city as a back drop. Enjoy a margarita while you have one of the most relaxing dinners you’ve ever experienced.
Menu sampling:
-Starters include Chile Con Queso, Green Chile Stew, Shrimp Mariscos, Steak and Green Chile Nachos, Poblano Relleno
-Entree menu includes Steak Tampequena, Enchiladas, Tacos, many fish choices, Pollo Con Aroz, Ribeye Steak, Bistec Tajada
-Drinks include house specials, margaritas, wines, and beer
Ralli’s 4th Street Pub and Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you are hungry for a traditional breakfast or a morning meal of the southwest variety, this is the place to try. Prices are very reasonable. All of the traditional breakfast foods are available, but considering you are spending time in New Mexico, you may want to eat as the locals eat. Sports coverage on many televisions and a full bar is available at Ralli’s.
Southwestern breakfast sampling:
-Huevos Rancheros (2 eggs on tortilla, chili, cheese served with beans, hash browns, lettuce, tomato)
-Smothered Papitas (2 eggs, potatoes, chili, cheese)
-Carne Adovada and Eggs (pork and chili, potatoes, cheese)
-Enchiladas and Eggs
Pars Cuisine Restaurant serves up Mediterranean and Persian specialties. In operation since 1984, Pars is found in Business Park and offers an extensive menu including vegetarian choices, salads, and a children’s menu.
Menu sampling:
-Spanako Pita (this is spinach pie
-Mediterranian staples such as hummus, tabouli, and falafel
-Soups including Ghormeh Sabzi, Ghimeh, Ghimeh Bademjoon
– Persian Entrees (Chelo Kabab Koobideh, Joojeh Kabab, Sultani, etc.
-Mediterranean Entrees (Gyros, Soulvaki, Mousaka)
-Desserts (Baklava, Persian Ice Cream, Halva, Faloodeh, Zoulbia)
High Finance Restaurant and Tavern is located at the top of Sandia Peak. The view is magnificent with the city lights sparkling far below. High Finance serves lunch and dinner.
Menu Sampling:
-Leek Bruschetta with Forest Mushrooms
-Shrimp Quesadilla (with pineapple salsa and cheese)
-Wide variety of steaks
-Fish and Seafood items (Grilled salmon, Mahi-Mahi, tuna, sea scallops, lobster)
-Pork Mignonettes (w/wine pear sauce, greens, and sweet potatoes)
Last, but very far from least, if you would enjoy having something in addition to eating to do at dinnertime, the Mystery Cafe Dinner Theater may be the answer. Find the theater in the Sheraton Uptown Hotel and visit on a Friday or Saturday night for the dinner theater. Diners are served a four course meal while trying to solve the mystery that is being played out.
Menu Sampling:
-Soup of the day
-Green Salad
-Entree choice (Beef, chicken, fish, and vegetarian choices)
-Dessert included
