4CU 004 : 2011 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

[Steelegood]

We are also using this as a start of a vacation, however we were thinking about returning to see the "character" balloons take flight on Thurs. Then thought about going up towards, the N. Rim of the GC for a day or two, & then Bryce canyon.

[epperp]

We are taking our time going and coming from Iowa; using 2weeks vacation. Maybe through Denver one direction, Kansas City the other. We're looking for suggestions of where to stay, what to do along the general area south of Denver to Albq. Sante Fe is definitely a stop coming or going. Considering a couple of days around Colorado Springs.
Any suggestions from the locals (or regionals)?
Thanks!

[Gene]

After checking out some other places in SF, we have settled on Trailer Ranch. It's fairly close to downtown and on Cerillos where there is every type of store you may want. Nice people, some tight spaces.

One place out on the Old Las Vegas Hwy (can't remember name) has narrow access with piñon tree branches that scratched our trailer and Santa Fe Skies has terrible wifi and an attitude to go with it when we complained.

Rates go up Fiesta week and it is time to consider reservations.

Gene

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by Steelegood

We are also using this as a start of a vacation, however we were thinking about returning to see the "character" balloons take flight on Thurs. Then thought about going up towards, the N. Rim of the GC for a day or two, & then Bryce canyon.

The trip to the North RIm after BF promises to be memorable. We took the route through Grants, Gallup, Ganado, Tuba City, Lee's Ferry (where we spent the night) and then North Rim.
Recommendation: Stay in the RV park inside the National Park on the North Rim. This will require prior planning and reservations, but it is worth it.
ASk me about alternate routes to the rim.

[StreamRollin]

Originally Posted by epperp

We are taking our time going and coming from Iowa; using 2weeks vacation. Maybe through Denver one direction, Kansas City the other. We're looking for suggestions of where to stay, what to do along the general area south of Denver to Albq. Sante Fe is definitely a stop coming or going. Considering a couple of days around Colorado Springs.
Any suggestions from the locals (or regionals)?
Thanks!

Haven't camped in Colorado Springs, but there is much to see and do in the area. it's always a must do trip for out-of-towners coming to visit. Garden of the Gods, Cliff Dwellings, Seven Falls, Old Colorado City. Well worth a couple of days in your trip ... Wendy

[ScrapIrony-2]

There's a place(rv park) called Garden of the Gods that the RMVAC has used for a rally...pretty central to CO Springs and Manitou Springs...worth the effort to check them out...lots of really interesting places...the bug museum was one of my favorite experiences, and it also has an adjacent rv park...Cheyenne mountain is also nearby, and there are some really neat antique malls...makes it kinda hard when you're on the road, but some our best flamingos came from there...m

[aftermath]

Gene,

The wife and I were thinking about stopping in Sante Fe on the way home. I never really gave it much thought that the traffic through there might be a little high so I have not yet made any reservations.

Have you ever stayed at the KOA just past Sante Fe?

thanks,

Dick

[ScrapIrony-2]

You might also consider the Eubanks in Angel Fire...EXCELLENT hosts, and they give Airstreamers a discount...pretty drive, although the caravan we were tailing had to stop a few times while we tried to catch up at 15-20 mph over the hills......m

[Gene]

Originally Posted by aftermath

Have you ever stayed at the KOA just past Sante Fe?

thanks,

Dick

No. I looked at RV Park Reviews and it didn't get the best reviews.

And Mike is right about Monte Verde RV Park in Angel Fire as another alternative. But Lynn and Maria will be at the Balloon Fiesta and I don't know if the Park will be open then—they do take some time off during the shoulder seasons.

Lynn—are you open then?

Gene

[eubank]

We'll be open until the morning of the 30th, at which point we're heading for Albuquerque! (And the WBCCI superdiscount still obtains!)

Of course, we love to have folks here, but there are lots of other places between here and ABQ that may be available, too. The problem is that Balloon Fiesta kind of sucks the air out of a good portion of central and northcentral New Mexico. (For instance, it's almost impossible to rent a car in Taos during fiesta because they ship them all to ABQ during that period.) It's best to plan ahead.


Lynn

[Gene]

Lynn,

What about after—on 10/4 and later?

One more thing about Trailer Ranch in SF—it is a 55+ park. Just wear fake white beards and use a walker.

Gene

[eubank]

We're planning to head back here on the same day that we leave fiesta, so we should be pretty much open for business later that day. At least for Airstreams!


Lynn

[billberk]

Originally Posted by aftermath

Gene,

The wife and I were thinking about stopping in Sante Fe on the way home. I never really gave it much thought that the traffic through there might be a little high so I have not yet made any reservations.

Have you ever stayed at the KOA just past Sante Fe?

thanks,

Dick

We stayed there last year and will spend a couple of nights there before the festival this time. Spots are tight but the showers were clean and facility was well kept. It was a Shangra-La compared to the dump down the street which I can't remember the name of. It's also an easy shot to town and you pass Harry's Roadhouse which has good food and drinks for pretty cheap.

Bill

[ScrapIrony-2]

If yer in an Airstream, TAKE YOUR TIME!!!m

[SilverPal]

The Fiesta runs from Oct 1 through 9. During this time New Mexico will welcome thousands of visitors. From past disappointment, I can recommend having park reservations as you come to NM and depart NM (i.e. evening of October 4). Not unusual for Santa Fe Skies cg to fill with folks making day trips to Albuquerque for the Fiesta. And Harry's Roadhouse Grill in SF I highly recommend!

All that being said, you will love your spot at the Fiesta with the ability to come and go. Or stock up on food & beverage and avoid traffic and reality altogether. You will also appreciate the comfort and ease of stepping outside in your pj's, cup of Joe in hand, and watch the balloons from your Airstream if you wish. Safe travels everyone!

[Gene]

Originally Posted by SilverPal

You will also appreciate the comfort and ease of stepping outside in your pj's, cup of Joe in hand, and watch the balloons from your Airstream if you wish.

Will there be a special section for the 31% of men and 14% of women who sleep naked as presumably don't own pj's?

Coffee consumption is down—77% drink it sometime during the year and 54% drink it daily.

Maybe sections for naked coffee drinkers, naked tea drinkers, naked beer drinkers, pj coffee drinkers, nightgown or nightshirt grog drinkers….

I'd better find something useful to do.

Gene

[silverbacksurfer]

Anyone want to caravan from so cal ?

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by silverbacksurfer

Anyone want to caravan from so cal ?

We will be leaving Phoenix early on the morning of the 29th and over nighting at USA RV Park in Gallup, NM. If anyone wants to join us in Flagstaff, we will be stopping at Little America and then having lunch at La Posada in Winslow, AZ.

On the 30th it will be a 2 hour ride to the gathering point at Camping World in Albuquerque.

[Tin Diesel]

Are there any spots left? We'll be coming home to Houston from Steamboat Springs and would love to attend.

If there are any spots left - or if somebody can't go and want to sell their spot (if that's possible) please contact us here.

Thanks.
Kevin

[Silver Otter]

Originally Posted by Tin Diesel

Are there any spots left? We'll be coming home to Houston from Steamboat Springs and would love to attend.

If there are any spots left - or if somebody can't go and want to sell their spot (if that's possible) please contact us here.

Thanks.
Kevin

Kevin,
If you don't find a spot with the 4CU, there are a few spots still available on the Fiesta site, especially off the weekend. We're getting in the morning of the 3rd and staying a few days. Let's park our 30' 1999s next to each other! Welcome to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta