Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Attracted to Albuquerque

 

I became entranced with Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1990. The people are so friendly and the city made such an impact on me that I have declared it my favorite place. Albuquerque is a rare city of diversified cultures, fused with historic values and traditions. I find myself comfortably surrounded in a multicultural community of southwestern influences. Each cultures heritage perks my interests and leaves me yearning to discover and learn.



 This city of Albuquerque has a lot to offer to expand ones mind. There is no lack of activities and attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Most new visitors seek out Historic Old Town as their first exploration in Albuquerque.




Established in the 1700's, Old Town Plaza is Albuquerque's oldest district full of historic landmarks. There is a beautiful plaza surrounded by historic homes and businesses. Old Town offers guided tours, museums that enlighten, traditional artisan shops, dining, entertainment and keepsake souvenir shops. Food and wine enthusiast make a note, some of Albuquerque's best restaurants featuring authentic New Mexican foods are in the Old Town District and Albuquerque has outstanding wineries that have produced national award winning wines.


Albuquerque is what it is today, because it has a strong history of established cultures and traditions. One can really dig into Albuquerque's history of the Southwest by visiting the cultural centers. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the National Hispanic Cultural Center are both popular museums and learning centers. I visit these centers often because each offers changing entertainment venues and continuous educational exhibits. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center pays tribute to the state's 19 pueblos. The National Hispanic Cultural Center conducts programs in the visual arts, performing arts and features exhibits of Hispanic cultural history.
 

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Generally, Albuquerque's climate is perfect for outdoor activities. When I'm in the need for fresh air and sunshine, I collect my friends and head to the Albuquerque Biological Parks. These parks includes the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo and the Albuquerque Aquarium. These three delightful places really are must see sites for serious nature hounds and nature curious persons. Get the combo pass for these attractions if you plan to see all three sites. To get from one park to the other, take the Bio Train, known as the Thunderbird Express.


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Albuquerque has its very own mountain range called the Sandias. I admire a scenic mountain landscape but getting an up close mountain view is the best. Majestic view seekers will want to experience the Sandia Peak Tramway. A 2.7-mile Tram Ride gives an ascent climb to the 10,350 foot peak of the Sandia Mountains. Don't forget a camera for the panoramic views. The top of the Sandias is the best way to view a gorgeous western sunset and see a mesmerizing view of Albuquerque's city lights. At the top of the tram ride is a restaurant known as High Finance. The stage is set for a very romantic dinner to remember.



Anyone who knows me will say that I am big on entertainment. I love movies, live theatre, museum exhibits and art centers. Lucky for me, entertainment and arts have become a passionate emphasis on the daily culture of Albuquerque.

 Tap Factory

From top drawing entertainers to cozy downtown theatres there is always some show to see or some event to get to. One of my favorite established venues to check for fantastic shows is the Popejoy Hall a center for the arts. Popejoy hosts touring Broadway shows and national and international performers.


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We love our LOBOS!

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golobos.com




Albuquerque The Magazine






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THE OLD TOWN Five
Great museums located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.



New Mexico Rail Runner
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TAKE THE BUS
RAPID RIDE - ALBUQUERQUE BUS ROUTES



Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Albuquerque Local Theatres

 

The Box Performance Space
Improv Theatre Presents
THE SHOW

Albuquerque's Premier Place for Improv

Live Comedy Improv! The best improv group entertaining today!
BuyTickets




www.theboxabq.com


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Aux Dog Theatre

Reservations - Call 505-254-7716
www.auxdog.com


Adobe Theater






www.adobetheater.org


Fusion Theatre Company
505-766-9412
The Cell Theatre

www.fusionabq.org


N4th Theatre at VSA North Fourth Art Center


N4th Theater, 4904 4th NW
Reservations/Info: 505-344-4542
Info: (505) 344-4542
Info: www.nmgmc.org
www.vsartsnm.org/theater.htm


The Vortex




www.vortexabq.org





Albuquerque Little Theatre
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www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org


UNM Theatre X  
203 Cornell NE, Albuquerque
Neighborhood: Midtown/University
Phone: 505-254-8393

http://theatre.unm.edu/facilities/theatre_x.php



ALBUQUERQUE THEATRES OF INTEREST



620 Central Avenue Southwest, Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater

9813 4th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater
700 1st Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater
224 San Pasquale Avenue Southwest, Albuquerque, NM
1 review - Performing Arts Theater
6921 Montgomery Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM
1 review - Performing Arts Theater
Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater 
 

400 Broadway Southeast, Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater
030 Isleta Boulevard Southwest, Albuquerque, NM
Performing Arts Theater 



ABQ ACTION VENUE 

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

The Gruet Winery


Did you know that New Mexico is actually the oldest commercial wine growing region in the United States? History dates the first grapevines planted in 1629. Monks planted the grapevines with the intent of harvesting grapes for sacramental wine. By 1633, the vines were producing and sacramental wine was then available to mission priests throughout the northern territory then known as New Spain. Now, New Mexico produces some of the countries best wines.

New Mexico wine production includes a number of varieties of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, many of them of award-winning caliber. The bulk of winery grapes are grown in Las Cruces, New Mexico. However, one of my favorite wine producers is, The Gruet Winery, located right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Originally from the Champagne region of France, the Gruet family began making champagne in 1952. Then in 1984, Laurent Gruet and Farid Himeur brought their many years of combined experience and rich tradition of champagne making to Albuquerque.

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At 4300 ft. The Gruet vineyards are some of the highest in the United States. The Gruet grapevines have flourished in the New Mexico climate enabling the makings of Gruet's fine wines and sparkling wines. Gruet Winery has a long list of award winning wines.

A visit to this winery is a pleasure. Gruet Winery accepts reservations for group tours. Tasting Room: Mon.-Fri., 10 am to 5 pm and Sat. noon to 5 pm. Tours daily at 2pm or by appointment.

Gruet Winery Tasting Room


Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Monday, January 15, 2018

Albuquerque's Tingley Beach

Why not take some time out of your schedule and visit Albuquerque's Tingley Beach. The perfect place to make those special family memories. Pick up a fishing pole, pack some extra bread for the frolicking ducks, and don't forget the camera. Tingley Beach has fantastic fishing lakes, a model boat pond, and pedal boats. You will need a fishing license and a little cash to rent the pedal boats but with some advance planning you can make a great day out of a trip to Tingley.

Pedal boats, model boats and bikes may be rented from the gift shop during the summer. Take a train ride on the Rio Line to the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo from Tingley. You can park at Tingley and hop on the Thunder Bird Express for a family trip to the Bio Parks.

Tingley Beach Outfitters, located inside the train station, sells fishing licenses, train tickets and fishing gear. Open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day. During summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the store is open seven days a week. Tingley Cafe sells hamburgers, hot dogs and light snacks from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. Public restrooms are located at the south end of the train station building and are also open from sunrise to sunset.

Tingley Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the day. It's one of my top favorite family places to visit in Albuquerque!


A video about Tingley Beach at the ABQ BioPark.




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Gruet Winery
Specializes in sparkling wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.


Sheri Brewer
Albuquerque Lodging & Hospitality


Sunday, January 14, 2018

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta




Every year, in the crispy month of October, the skies above Albuquerque become decorated with hundreds of exciting balloons, in all colors, shapes and sizes. The place to be for this event is Balloon Fiesta Park. Not only will you see balloons galore but you will be treated to vendors selling their arts, crafts and foods. Its a wondrous event called, the "Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta".


2018 Events and Schedules

Also, located near, Balloon Fiesta Park, balloon enthusiast will be thrilled to discover the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. A grand museum which host a series of balloon exhibits depicting a time line of balloon history to current.

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DONT FORGET YOUR CAMERAS!





Tingley Beach


Sheri Brewer

Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Ballooning in Albuquerque


 Hot Air Balloons Over the Bosque

Albuquerque is known as the hot air ballooning capital. Its very normal to see balloons dotting the morning skies over Albuquerque. The New Mexico climate offers superb weather conditions for ballooning, mainly because of the winds. Balloons need stable winds to operate effectively and the hours just following sunrise are the best for finding these winds.

An hour into a hot air balloon flight the wind is capable of carrying a balloon up to 15 miles or more from the "lift off" point. The balloon also flies at different altitudes. Most balloonists enjoy low level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to about 3,000 feet above the ground. Although the balloon is at the mercy of the wind when it comes to direction, the vertical control of a balloon can be very precise. The balloons always carry sufficient fuel for at least 2 hours flight time plus a 30 minute reserve capacity.

To prepare for a flight by hot air balloon it is important to bring layers of clothes (can get chilly), sun block or suntan lotion (pretty good sun exposure when you are above ground), and your camera or video camera. Ballooning is definitely an uplifting adventure. Some of the Albuquerque ballooning companies offer that terrific champagne toast flight. A balloon ride is the greatest way to see the New Mexico landscape.

Discover Balloons


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 ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA



Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert