Albuquerque, New Mexico
In October of every year, Albuquerque shows off its colors!
For nine days, Canon presents the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® which is sure to please as it fills the sky with over 500 ornate hot air balloons. It’s one of the rare ballooning events where you can walk among the balloons and chat with the pilots. This is a destination event that brings people, especially photographers, from all over the country. Don’t miss the Mass Ascension and the twilight balloon glows! Did I mention that there’s also a music festival at the event? Oh, yes! Your ears will not be ignored.
While we’re talking senses, your taste buds will not be ignored, either. New Mexican food is amazing, especially if you are a fan of chiles. Central Avenue is the place to explore, but let me give you a few recommendations:
Elaine’s in Nob Hill is an elegant and casual fine-dining establishment featuring locally-sourced ingredients, so the menu changes with the seasons.
El Modelo has been around since 1929 specializing in Mexican cuisine. It’s super-casual and they do a big takeout business offering tacos, tamales, and enchiladas, all of which are homemade.
Jennifer James 101 is a fine-dining establishment serving New American. Chef Jennifer James was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest She takes simple ingredients and elevates them into something really special.
The Antiquity Restaurant in Old Town is a gem that locals rave about. It’s a little, hidden treasure is worth finding.
Farm and Table restaurant is all about seasonal, fresh ingredients; menus change according to what the current fresh crop of the day is.
The Artichoke Cafe is one of my favorites and evidently, everyone else’s. It has been voted Best Fine Dining, Most Romantic Restaurant, and Best Lunch Spot.
5-star hotels are few and far between in Albuquerque, but we have a few 4-star recommendations:
While you’re in New Mexico, you really should take another week and head up to Santa Fe to experience the best of art, music, food, and spas. Read about Santa Fe here.
Where will you go next?
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