Must See Places In ABQ? (Albuquerque, Las Cruces: hotel, homes, casino)

[Cade]

We have not been out too much in our nearly one year here in Rio Rancho, and we would love to know what you guys think are places that should be seen

So far, we've taken the tram and had dinner at the High Finance.

We've been to the Coronado Mall, and dined at some of the places downtown like Gardunio's, Landry's, Pappa Deux.

We've visited the Botanic Gardens and Aquarium (but not the zoo yet).

We went to an animal preserve in Edgewood.

We've visited the observatory and the museum with the dinosaurs by it (sorry for not knowing the names - we did those 3 yrs ago when we were checking out ABQ) At that time we also visited a place about the A-Bomb I think it was... (??)

My husband works out of Santa Fe, but we've yet to go there just for fun. We have heard about the Nob Hill area in ABQ, but have not been there.

So, what do *you* think are fun and/or interesting places to see?

[honu1]

Just focusing on the ABQ area...
1)Take any number of hikes in the foothills. I particularly love the one that starts at Ellena Gallegos and goes back underneath the tram and up past the crash site. There's also nice hikes that begin on the eastern side of the Sandias and crest on top...Tree spring trail head I believe.
2) walk/bike ride along the Bosque
3) visit the cultural things like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on a Sat when there are Native dancers, baking demonstrations, etc. Also, Coronado Monument can be a quick historical excursion.
4) Check out the Petroglyphs. Not just the main one that tends to get really busy. On the west side up north, there's parking behind a car place and you can take a nice trail. Then over to the volcanos and wander the trail out on the Mesa. You don't have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the views.
5) Festivals: Balloon Fiesta, Bernallio Wine Fest, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few others. The harvest fest in Corrales is also a nice way to spend a day
6) If you consume EtOH, then visit the local wineries/breweries
7) Music on the patio around town. I liked the Savoy, as it was near where I used to live
8) Do visit Nobb Hill, have brunch, wander through the shops
9) check out a great concert at popejoy hall. I got to see Yoyo Ma there. Fabulous! or attend an outdoor concert at the casino just north of town or the free concerns downtown in summer
10) Although not technically in ABQ, visit Tent Rocks

Have fun!

[kharing]

I love the zoo and the Albuquerque Museum.

Also driving to the top of Sandia is cool.

[nmguy]

Give the Jemez Valley a try. It's one of my favorite places.

[Cade]

WoW!

You guys are a wealth of information, thank you so much!

I enjoy wine; my husband, beer I love festivals, so I plan to see if I can find dates of all the festivals here. We did not get to see the Balloon Fiesta last year (except for some flying over us) but would like to see it this year.

I have heard that there are lakes in NM too, and I want to find some of those.

So far, I miss very little about California and I love it here. I do miss the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. It happens over 7 weekends in the spring. I have all these costumes, but no faires here save for a small, 1-weekend one in Las Cruces. I can travel to Phoenix, but not every weekend LOL!

I am keeping these posts to refer to in the future. Again, thanx so much!

[penelopelp]

There are people who dress up every weekend and hang out at Bataan Park in ABQ. I can't remember whether they do it on Saturday or Sunday. Some of them bring their play swords and fight. It's not a whole lot of people, but they are there.

[honu1]

This website is a good source for events: Local and Statewide Events in New Mexico

Also, if you're up for a trip, the Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, TX (outside Houston) in nice and runs for over a month:Texas Renaissance Festival 2008 - Home

As for lakes, there's Elephant Butte near T or C, Cochiti Lake near the Santo Domingo Pueblo, Santa Rosa Lake to the east, and further north, there's Heron, Navajo, Eagle Nest, and Abiquiu

[Cade]

Thank you all again for those replies and links! Texas is blessed with several large renaissance festivals every year.

About those lakes, do you know if any of them have lodging? I don't fish or anything. I am just looking for a nice place to spend a summer weekend

[honu1]

Honestly, Santo Domingo is so close to Rio Rancho that I'd just drive it. If you want to get away for a weekend, there's lodging in Eagle Nest (not much but a little) where you can stay. Although I have to say that although not a lake, I always enjoyed getting a room in Red River and fishing the stream that runs through the town, and doing a little hiking there as well. Its nice, green, and usually a bit cooler than once the summer really gets going.

Elephant Butte is the largest lake in the state and I know they have campgrounds, but not sure where the closest hotel is. It is really close to T or C though. Navajo Dam is also a pretty popular recreation area as is the San Juan river a few miles below the dam. I think there are lots of outfitters up there who do lodging packages, fly fishing lessons or lake tours, etc.

[abqsunport]

Yeah, I am pretty sure Elephant Butte has lodging...however, it may be kind of dumpy. They have some really nice homes being built of the lake, here is a link of just one of the developers. Turtleback Mountain Resort Homes By Joe Boyden - Built For The Way You Live