Albuquerque has been kind to Antoinette Antonio-Fine, an anchor at a local television news station, and her cameraman husband, Jeremy. After meeting at the station, the two began to explore the city from top to bottom. With Antoinette’s thirst for new experiences and Jeremy’s knowledge of the area as a native Albuquerquean, the couple have several tips for travelers looking to enjoy the city.
The hottest hotel in Albuquerque at the moment:
Sandia Resort and Casino. We love staying there because they have an amazing spa and you can play golf almost any time of the year. Also, the rooftop bar has the most stunning views of the city and the surrounding Sandia Mountains.
When looking for that perfect souvenir to take home, your best bet is:
The city’s historic Old Town. It’s perfect for stocking up on red and green chilies and also has authentic, handmade Native American jewelry to take home. There are plenty of other neat shops and restaurants in the area, too.
When you feel your stomach starting to grumble, head over to:
One of the city’s many breakfast restaurants. Some of our favorite spots are Range Cafe for the huevos con queso, Monroe’s Restaurant for enchiladas and eggs and Eli’s Place for blue-corn pancakes. For lunch, try Blake’s Lotaburger or Owl Cafe for a green-chile cheeseburger. Sadie’s and El Pinto are great options for a traditional New Mexican meal.
The best place to wander is:
The historic Nob Hill neighborhood. In the morning, travelers can stop by Flying Star Cafe for a coffee and pastry before spending the afternoon shopping at great boutiques such as Elsa Ross. Once happy hour rolls around, you can hit up bars such as the cellar bar at Zinc, Nob Hill Bar & Grill and Monte Vista Fire Station Restaurant & Bar.
A tourist activity worth the hype:
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is an annual festival that takes place in the fall, where hundreds of hot air balloons fill the skies. It is one of the most photographed events in the world, and a major bucket list activity for tourists.
Another great way to spend the day is:
A ride on the Sandia Peak tramway, which runs from the northeast edge of the city to the Sandia Mountains. We tell everyone to do it when they are here. It’s one of the longest trams worldwide and takes visitors to a ski area and a restaurant bar at the top.
