Albuquerque..what to do and see?

[badkat]

We full-time and this year are headed west after our visit in Texas to Albuquerque and beyond. Ultimately going to Yosemite, Oregon and Washington. Any neat ideas?

[nvestysly]

Send your email address via PM and I'll send you a list of places created by a former full-timer. Lots of neat places to see out west and this list has a Four Corners tour that sounds amazing. The list also describes when (and when not) to visit certain areas due to crowds, weather, etc.

[nvestysly]

I've attached a PDF copy of the National Parks information I referred to in the post above. The author, Rich Luhr, said it was okay to distribute the information via Air Forums.

Rich is working on a new book that will have lots of useful information regarding National Parks. Here's what Rich said in a recent email:

"I'm currently working on a book (co-authored by Bert Gildart) about traveling to national parks, and we expect to publish it by the end of this year."

Be sure to look for the book later this year. Until then, the PDF will have to suffice.

[McDave]

Spring is the time to visit Yosemite. The best time in the spring is just before school lets out. The waterfalls are at their max, and crowds aren't quite as bad as they will get after school lets out. If you don't already have a reservation in the park, you're unlikely to get one. So look for places on the periphery: Lee Vining, June Lakes, Groveland, Oakhurst, Mariposa, with the idea of driving into the park during the day. I've spent a lot of time in and around Yosemite, so if you have questions, shoot me a PM.

[cegardner]

The Turquoise museum is great. The. Balloon Museum at the Balloon fiesta park. Route 66 Casino campground. Excellent. Gallop NM. Check out the trading post. The jewelry is great. These are not tacky trading posts. Must visits. The NP hy Gallop. Sky City. Oldest inhabited pueblo. Great museum

[coasttocoast]

Santa Fe is a great walking city and also Canyon Rd for art lovers.

[splintair]

Visit Old Town, Rio Grande and Central; Rio Grande Nature Center, Rio Grande Blvd; Albuquerque Bio Park, Central Ave; Indian Cultural Center, 12th St and Indian School; Balloon Museum, Aameda Blvd; The Tram, Tramway Blvd;6 different casinos within an hour drive; golf courses to fit anyone's needs; El Modelo New Mexican food 2nd St; Barales Coffee Shop, S. 4th St.....there is so much history and culture here, I can't list it all !!! Happy trails !

[Lumatic]

The first idea that comes to mind is Chaco Canyon NM. There is a campground at
Chaco but the road in from the north or south is 20+ miles of dirt, probably washboard. I suggest camping at Angel Peak on 550 near Bloomfield which is 7 miles in, dry camping, but is free. You could also check out Bisti Badlands which is undeveloped.

PS I have courtesy parking in Estancia.

[chili4u2]

You could easily spend a lot of time in NM. Worth a trip to Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands National Monument, and a trip through Lincoln National Forest are worthy destinations.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by chili4u2

You could easily spend a lot of time in NM. Worth a trip to Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands National Monument, and a trip through Lincoln National Forest are worthy destinations.

If you go to Lincoln National Forest (the home of the real Smokey Bear) and are in to history, visit the town of Lincoln. Lots of history including bullet holes in the wall from Billy the Kid when he made his infamous escape.

[Natomb]

In addition to Old Town, Balloon Museum, and Sandia Casino, I’d recommend the Albuquerque Zoo. It’s unbelievable how close you get to the animals. Church Street Cafe in Old Town has great Mexican food. Never tried the aerial tram, but it’s probably worth a try for the view.

[TexasMarci]

we were in Albuquerque for about a week last fall and the Pueblo National Museum is a great exhibit - although quite solemn. Also the Standard Diner downtown is a great restaurant - it was on Diners Drive-ins and Dives about a year ago and I really wanted to try it - great food - from omelets to sandwiches to full dinners - casual and fun. The same group also owns Range Cafe(s) - there are 2 or 3 of them around the city - also very very good.

The Nuclear Museum is very interesting too - lots of retirees from Los Alamos volunteer there as guides - they are very knowledgeable.

Have fun - I can't wait to go back.

[Johndews]

Visit Old Town Albuquerque. Great restaurants, and artisan sterling and turquoise handmade jewelry is for sale at prices you’ll think can’t be right. All 14 girls in our family got earrings for Christmas - for under $75. Compare prices and workmanship to similar jewelry available around the Santa Fe Square - but buy in Albuqueraue ! Enjoy your trip!

[Airhead59]

Great recommendations above. I would second the recommendation for the Sandia Tram. Cable car takes you from desert at 6500 ft to spruce forest covered Sandia Peak at over 10,000 ft. Good hiking (short or long) at the top (dress for cooler weather). The restaurant at the top is being remodeled (rebuilt) an unlikely to be open this season.

Biopark (zoo, aquarium, botanical park) is a jewel. New penguin exhibit is scheduled to open in April 2018.

Take the Rail Runner commuter rail to Santa Fe and enjoy the scenery. Half mile walk from the Santa Fe Depot to the plaza downtown. A little further to some of the city's excellent museums of art and history, historic churches and fine dining. Tomasita's is a good option for casual Northern New Mexican cuisine near the train station. Or drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail (NM 14) and stop in Madrid on the way for some funky art shopping or music at the Mine Shaft Tavern.

Acoma Sky City Pueblo is a unique and scenic pueblo atop a mesa with a fascinating cultural heritage and history of contact with early European discoverers (where was that Wall when they needed it?!).

Catch an event at the historic Kimo Theater, or UNM's Kiva or Popejoy theaters, if possible.

Finally, Albuquerque has made Travelocity’s Top 10 list of “Beer Destinations” with over 30 brewpubs, including many holding national awards for their beers, should you be interested in a good craft beer.

PM me if you have specific questions. Enjoy!

[Firedog1]

Following this thread. Some great info here

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by Firedog1

Following this thread. Some great info here

2X

Hopeful to pass thru in late Mar on the way to TN/AR

[MontyV]

where to start! if you ride bike, run or walk check out the bosque trail. it loops around most of the city and there are no cars. we have raced road runners, watched large snakes in the arroyo, watched rabbits, tons of birds too. The santa fe opera is world class. it is a wonderful amphitheater which has a roof but no walls so it is a great outdoor experience. go to the frontier for lunch and buy there tortillas to take with you. the petroglyph forest is also a must see if you are into that type of history. castro cafe, thomasita's, have excellent NM casual food. for a burger experience go to Blakes and order green chili on your burger. do you know what it means when the waiter asks you red or green? it is my favorite question in fooddom. if you dont mind driving a bit the georgia okeefe museum is in her house.

[rmkrum]

I usually say, "Christmas!" to that question...

I will proudly admit to being "Stooled to the rogue" when it comes to chili...

[MontyV]

yea for christmas!!!

[badkat]

We will be in Santa Rosa tomorrow..so excited and thanks for all the tips. I have to reread many times..so wonderful.