Top 10 Things to Do in Albuquerque Review

Albuquerque New Mexico's Top Ten Cool Things to Do
 
New Mexico's largest city is a great destination for families, couples, adventurers, and seniors.   This beautiful city, stretching from the base of the Sangre de Christo mountains to the lush Rio Grande river valley and beyond has countless fun things to do year-round and they're all affordable.   Here are my favorite things to do when I hit town:

1. Ride the tram to the top of the mountain
   If you go when it's cool outside, be aware that the temperatures at the top of the mountain are FAR chillier than those below.  Take a coat or sweatshirt.   The ride is scary but safe and affords fantastic views of the city.   High Finance restaurant and bar, at the mountain's top, has wicked-good hot drinks, which will be practically necessary in winter, when the peak is covered in snow. 
   
2. Go see an IMAX movie at the Natural History Museum
   If you like dinosaurs and such, plan on an extra couple of hours to take in the museum as well.  Either way, check out the latest feature at the city's fabulous IMAX theater.  I've seen countless films here through the years:  nothing compares to IMAX. 
   
3. Explore Old Town on Foot
   Albuquerque's historic downtown is, like Santa Fe, a mind-blowingly picturesque collection of ancient adobe buildings which now hold shops and restaurants.  The plaza is anchored by a lovely old church and often has live music, dancers, weddings or any sort of surprise happening in its central gazebo.   Weems Art Gallery carries a terrific selection of western fine art.  Sample local food, and enjoy the bright red chile ristras hanging from nearly every balcony.
   
4.  Eat at El Pinto in the north valley.  
   There's a reason the Secret Service has come here to get takeout for the President, but it's the ambience I like as much as the food.   El Pinto's outdoor patios are underneath towering cottonwood trees, just beautiful in the fall.   A strolling mariachi band entertains patrons during dinner. 
   
5.  Drive through Corrales
   The village of Corrales, which parallels the Rio Grande, is unique to the area:  this is farmland, and many of the homes here have acreage and allow horses.  So while the village abuts metro areas, it is definitely rural.  Its main road meanders past countless horse farms, historic adobe homes, galleries, and feed stores.  Look for the historic cemetery and nearby chapel.  Ambiente is a fun gallery with lots of Mexican folk art, jewelry and cool southwestern home décor and furnishings.
   
6. Take the Rail Runner to Santa Fe and Back
   The Rail Runner is a brand new attraction in the city, conceived for commuters and visitors.  It runs from downtown Albuqerque to Santa Fe's hot shopping Mecca, the "railyard" district, for only $8.   You can't beat the scenery and you don't have to drive.  
   
7. Have happy hour at Sandiago's Grill
   This lively restaurant is at the foot of the tramway to Sandia Peak.   Go before sunset and get a table on the porch, then enjoy margaritas while the sun sets beyond the volcanos on the horizon.  (I kid you not!)   Then watch as the vast sea of city lights below start to twinkle.  Magic views and great food, too.
   
8. Go hear live music at The Outpost
   This unique performance space, just north of the airport, hosts true world-class musicians.   You'll hear some of the best jazz of your lifetime here, as well as other genres, too.  Watch their listings then book fast;  it's a small venue.
   
9. Play golf or hang out at the pool, at Sandia Casino
   The Sandia Reservation marks the northernmost edge of Albuquerque.   The landmark at the corner of the property is the new-ish Sandia Hotel and Casino, which now boasts a spa, the city's most beautiful golf course, and a lovely pool area that's open to the public.  Pick your recreational pastime and enjoy it, along with some of the best views in the city.
   
10. Explore Route 66 (Central Avenue) in downtown Albuquerque.  A wonderful mix of restaurants, oddball retail establishments, lofts, lounges, galleries and more, this historic stretch of a classic American road is nothing if not colorful, and there's plenty to do there, day or night.  Take your camera or wish you had.  

Okay, I ran out of room.  Because the city hosts the coolest event in America, autumn's Balloon Fiesta, the city has a stellar balloon museum that's fun, educaitonal, and a real eye-opener on this unusual sport.  

And last, at least once a way, eat GREEN CHILE, which is served with, on or beside every food in the city:  eggs, meatloaf, burgers, tacos, etc.   Try it, you'll like it !    :-)

The Bottom Line:   Libby Loves Albuquerque!