Visiting Albuquerque for a week (Rio Rancho, Farmington: hotel, travel, work)

[Qacer]

Hello everyone,

I've never been to New Mexico. I will be traveling to Albuquerque soon and will stay for about a week. I'm probably staying at one of the hotel chains along Louisiana Blvd. NE and my work travel will be limited around the Coronado Center area.

I've already read some posts regarding the East-West traffic and how I should avoid it as much as possible especially in the morning and evening. However, what else do I need to know regarding traffic in the area? What places should I avoid? What are good places to eat in surrounding area?

Since I'm mostly going to be working, I don't think I'll be venturing out that much. But I don't mind checking the local scene if its not too far off.

I'm also going to be staying at the Socorro, NM area for a few days. I got the impression from the posts that Albuquerque is busy. Is Socorro similar?

I really don't do well manuevering around busy traffic, so I'm just trying to get myself prepared.


Also, coming from Florida, the weather here is not too cold. What is it like there? Should I be packing warm clothes or can I bring my shorts & flip flops?

Another thing, are there any Catholic churches near the Coronado Center area?


Thank you!

[Chaparral]

Qacer,

If you're going to be staying on Louisiana Blvd. and working around the Coronado Ctr area (which is bordered on the east by Louisiana), commuting/traffic should be cake. The nastiest areas for commuting each day are primarily the freeways (I-25 & I-40) and the river crossings (Montaño, Paseo del Norte, Alameda).

Recommended places to eat in that area:
Weck's (Louisiana, just south of Montgomery) and Le Peep (Indian School & Louisiana) are both good for breakfast. There are several chain restaurants in the area for lunch and dinner. But if you're looking for more "local" type places try Mario's (Indian School & San Pedro) for Italian, Garduño's (north end of Winrock Center parking lot, off of Indian School) for New Mexican, Robb's Ribs (San Pedro & Candelaria) for BBQ, Cheese and Coffee (on Louisiana, just north of Menaul) for great sandwiches/lunch, Flying Star (north side of Menaul, between Wyoming and Pennsylvania) for anytime of day plus great desserts.

You don't mention when you are coming to ABQ, but if it will be within the next few weeks, dress warm. Its not Siberian cold here by any means, but you won't find much use for your shorts & flip-flops, unless your hotel has an indoor pool.

I believe the nearest Catholic church in the area is Queen of Heaven, just east of San Mateo and North of Menaul.

Hope you enjoy your time in Albuquerque!

Chap

[Qacer]

Thanks, Chap! Really great info!

[Zoidberg]

Regarding Albuquerque traffic in Uptown (that's the neighborhood you'd be staying in..), Louisiana Blvd. tends to get heavy at times but it's not as bad as Florida. You'll probably find it a relief. It's a fun neighborhood to go exploring in too.

To answer your Socorro question,

Socorro's never busy, at least by big city standards. You'll learn a new definition for not busy if you're coming from Florida. The town has 7 traffic lights (was 6.. stupid wal-mart!).

For culture, head west on Bullock or College Aves. to the University. Walk around and watch the geeks on the breathtaking expanses of healthy green grass (well, yellow this time of year).

If you're into the Catholic thing, check out the San Miguel Church closer to downtown. It's historic and one of the new world's oldest, I believe.

Best eatery in town (in my opinion) is El Sombrero, on the east side of the freeway (east of California Rd & Frontage Rd). K-Bobs is usually good too. I've heard rave reviews about Socorro Springs Brewery but haven't eaten there since they moved.

I must say that for a miserable rural NM town, it sure has been cleaned up and looks much nicer now than it did 5 years ago.

[EnjoyEP]

If you are in the Coronado area, that means you'll be right next to the new ABQ Uptown Mall, which just opened up in November. It is a large, nice, new, hip outdoor shopping mall. Granted, chain retail, if it isn't your thing, won't be thrilling, but it is worth checking out. Lots of good restaurants (although largely chains) are there...the Elephant Bar, etc.

As for weather, typically highs around this time of the year are in the very pleasant 50s with a strong sun, so pleasant (this can vary though this winter, today is only in the 30s). Nights get cold still, with lows in the 30s or even 20s (although this is well after the sun has set). If everything is "as normal" which obviously cannot be guaranteed, typically you can walk around outside in the day either jacket-less or with a very light jacket, but then at night need to put on a warmer jacket.

This winter has skewed much cooler than usual though, so pack some heavier things for sure. You may though, while not getting Florida warm, may get some quite pleasant warmth.

[MMS]

We've lived here almost 6 years now. I live in a smaller town 8 miles north of Albq. but go to Albq. often, I just avoid the high traffice times which are from about 7 - 8:30 on the I25 & I 40. Traffice is not stop and go much on the freeways just on the side roads. The worst being Paseo del Norte which goest east and west. The Rail Runner is a great way to travel if you are working downtown (not Old Town).

550 is the worst because it is the major road east and west from I25 to Farmington (and in most cases the north side of Rio Rancho). Weather is moderate in April May June, then gets warm 85 - 95 in July and August. September is spectacular. October cooler and then winter. Don't judge us by this year (rained alot and then snow) that is very unusual.

I love the sunsets to the west, the sunsets on Sandia and the Bosque in the fall is quite spectacular. Over we love it here.

Good luck

[Qacer]

Thanks again all! Quick question regarding driving from ABQ airport to the Coronado Center area. My hotel is on Louisiana Blvd NE. I was looking at the map and I have multiple options of getting there.

What do you think about going east on Gibson Blvd SE towards Louisiana Blvd NE and taking that all the way to the Coronado Center area? To me it is much easier to remember. The routes that I get using Google Maps or Mapquest takes me to I-25 to I-40 from ABQ.

Thanks!

[Chaparral]

Originally Posted by Qacer

What do you think about going east on Gibson Blvd SE towards Louisiana Blvd NE and taking that all the way to the Coronado Center area? To me it is much easier to remember. The routes that I get using Google Maps or Mapquest takes me to I-25 to I-40 from ABQ.

The Gibson to Louisiana route is definitely do-able, but it will take you a bit longer to get to your destination (traffic, lights, etc.). This route will also take you through one of the "less desirable" areas of town. Not that you wouldn't necessarily be safe, just that most folks would probably avoid the area unless they really had no other options.

To be honest, the I-25 to I-40 route would be the one I would recommend. It's faster and super-simple.

Chap

[LLD]

To be honest, the I-25 to I-40 route would be the one I would recommend. It's faster and super-simple.

Agreed, the fastest and easiest.

[Qacer]

Hi everyone!

Thanks again! I decided to take I-25 to I-40 and it was pretty much smooth sailing. I've driven thru the area, and I can definitely say that traffic does not seem to be as bad compared to Tampa.

I was pleasantly surprised with the view of the mountains. It's very lovely. I also regret not having New Mexican cuisine sooner. I can definitely say that I've ordered a side of "Christmas" with meal. By the way, what is that pita bread looking thing that you eat with a dose of honey? That is pretty delicious. I think I heard it being called "pa-eya" (?), but I was busy eating my meal that I didn't pay attention to it.

Driving-wise, I've seen my share of "idiot" drives as my colleagues from here call them. But I've been met with awesome hospitality and treatment. I was in a Smith's Grocery store and the cashier asked me if I had a member card. I told her no and she kindly asked the person after me for one, and he obliged right away. That made my day. :-)