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Where I take people in Albuquerque - beyond Balloon Fiesta
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items Albuquerque, NM is my hometown. I'm so lucky! When friends visit, these are the places I want them to see. Some are common knowledge, others are hidden gems. The annual Balloon Fiesta is amazing, but you need things to do the rest of the day so check...
Map
Sections
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Things to do and see
Where to eat!
Stuff I carry when site seeing
Where I Stay
Things to do and see
When you're not watching the balloons, check these out!
The best view in Town!
Sandia Peak Tramway
Don't miss this! Shop, eat, and learn. Check the calendar for celebrations and events.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This will make you feel like you're in NM for sure! Wear good shoes - the trails are rocky. Easier hikes and harder ones, but you can see Petroglyphs even if you're just stopping on your way to lunch!
Petroglyph National Monument
An obvious must see stop! You haven't really been to Albuquerque if haven't walked around the plaza. If you're lucky you'll get to see a wedding or Quinceañera at the cathedral
Old Town Plaza
90 minutes south of Albuquerque, and well worth the trip!
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
A perfect place to spend a few hours. Beautiful zoo exhibits, lawn areas, and aquarium.
ABQ BioPark - City of Albuquerque
Where to eat!
The Places I love to eat in Albquerque, NM
My family ALWAYS eats here when everyone's in town. Breakfast is our favorite. It's an Albuquerque institution in one of the historic neighborhoods. Don't miss it!
Barelas Coffee House
I LOVE this place! It's a real local spot that people return to every week or more because it's SO good! There's a related restaurant, owned by the same family, but Duran's Station on Menaul is my choice. In an old fire station, it's a little smaller...
Duran's Station
This is the other place my family always hits. It's in a strip mall and looks like nothing special, but it IS! Simple, traditional New Mexican food that just tastes like home.
Padilla's Mexican Kitchen
Great Farm to Table restaurant at this South Valley inn. Another Albuquerque must see to say you've really been.
Los Poblanos: Historic Inn & Organic Farm
This is MY favorite spot in town. It's in a small house near the university. If you sit outside you'll probably get a plastic lawn chair. But the food is awesome - like off my grandma's stove!
El Patio de Albuquerque – Home Cooking New Mexico Style
This is the place to go for ambiance! It's beautiful and artistic. The chile is usually a bit milder than some other places, but the food is great. Service can be hit or miss, so get a drink and plan for a long evening in a beautiful place. If you're...
El Pinto Restaurant
This is where I stock up on chile, spices, and produce.
The Fruit Basket Of Albuquerque
Keller's is another Albuquerque institution. If you have a kitchen or an outdoor grill during the Fiesta, stop at Keller's for outstanding meat, dairy, and produce. Don't miss the green chile sausage for breakfast!
Keller's Farm Stores
This has become a staple in Abq and beyond. Great for breakfast or a snack with friends. Desserts are to die for!
Flying Star Cafe - Fine Cuisine in a Coffee Shop Scene
Related to Flying Star, but this is mostly drinks. I LOVE their breakfast sandwich with Green Chile Sausage
Satellite Coffee - Passionate about Coffee - Satellite Roastery ...
Stuff I carry when site seeing
These are my essential site seeing items
This is my DSLR. Easy to learn and use, for when I want better pics than what my phone can do
Nikon D3500 DSLR | Interchangeable Lens Camera
This is my camera bag - amazing! Lots of pockets for memory cards, remote, note paper, etc. Adjustable velcro dividers to keep camera and lenses in place. Plus room for my small handheld - for when I don't wnat to risk damaging my DSLR. Even space fo...
Timbuk2 Informant Camera Sling Bag 450-2-6023 ... - B&H
Teva's are my favorite when it's warm enough. I've owned several pairs of these and worn them all over the world through city streets and along hiking trails.
Women's Hurricane Sandals
I love New Balance! These are my fav walking shoes for my stupid flat feet
Fresh Foam X 1080 Collection
It is DRY in NM and Abq is at 5,000 feet. DRINK WATER to avoid altitude sickness and dehydration. Seriously.
Hydroflask, 24 oz Standard Mouth
You need sunscreen! Abq is at 5,000 feet (the same as Denver) and the sun is bright!
Sunscreens : Mini & Travel Size Products
Aloe - because you forgot the sunscreen!
Aloe Vera Skin Products | Sephora
Where I Stay
A hotel worth the money! Now that I don't live in Abq this is where I love to stay. It's a beautiful hotel near Old Town, with wonderful views and accomodations. Even the lobby is a great place to hang out, meet friends, grab a drink on the patio, or...
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
If I can't get into Hotel Albuquerque, I like the Nativo. It's especially good during Balloon Fiesta because it's close to great places to park and watch the mass ascension. Amazing rooms with lots of character make you FEEL New Mexico!
Nativo Lodge