Albuquerque, New Mexico Review

Overall 3.60 of 5 view all 5 reviews

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mrkstvns
Austin, TX

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New Mexico's Biggest City Moves to a Mellow Mood...

fun-loving dad, seeker of fun and interesting places, history lover

Pros

mountain recreation, culture & attractions, extremely affordable, Old Town interesting

JUN

2008

It's not hard to find reasons to like Albuquerque --- New Mexico's largest and most widely known city. It's a city that tells fascinating tales, liberally laced with local Indian lore, and it's a city whose historical riches are eclipsed only by the innovative local restaurants, blending hispanic flavors with local interpretations and ingredients (especially corn and flavorful green chiles).

The city's Old Town gives a flavor of Albuquerque's colorful past, and is a natural place to focus some time and effort. Check out the colonial Spanish church --- San Felipe de Neri, then prowl through the back streets to check out some of the old adobe homes and stop in at some of the local shops or cafes.

Albuquerque can make for a good family weekend trip. My kids liked the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (especially the dinosaur stuff), and they had a blast at the city's excellent Rio Grande Zoo. Boys will probably dig on the Rattlesnake Museum (which they say has the world's biggest collection of live rattlesnakes), but my daughter said it grossed her out. (No accounting for feminine tastes, is there?)

The craggy peaks surrounding the flat-as-a-pancake city provide a dramatically scenic backdrop....not to mention some great recreational opportunites. One of the most fun ways to experience Albuquerque's mountains is to take a ride up the Sandia Peak tram. Sandia Peak is also a great place for recreation: they do skiing there when its cold enough in the winter, and they do mountain biking and hiking when its warmer.

Albuquerque is easy to reach, with good access via car on either I-40 or I-25, and easy flight connections through the city's attractive, easy-to-use, friendly airport.

There's a lot to like about Albuquerque, and while a lot of travelers come for their famous Balloon Festival, it's really a city that's got a lot going for it whether the balloons are aloft or not. Check it out!

A Few In-Depth Albuquerque Reviews...

Last edited on Jun 08, 2008