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Eateries

New York Pizza Department

This small joint is right downtown. The eclectic decor inside is fun but its better to sit outside when the weather is nice. Great pizza and a wonderful variety of microbrews on tap, what else do you need? Oh, great prices!

Phone: (505) 766-6973
Address: 215 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque NM 87102

Flying Star Cafe

As they say it’s “Sit down food worth standing in line for”. We dropped in a couple times and enjoyed the bright and fun decor as well as the food. It is not the cheapest meal in town but it doesn’t taste like it either. We loved that they were open late and the cafeteria style was fun. The pastry counter is a dangerous place, it all looks so good! They have a nice selection of beer and wine too.

Phone: (505) 244-8099
Address: 723 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque NM 87103

Adventures

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

This is a huge, once a year event, taking place every October that lasts for about ten days. It is a neat event; the balloons are very colorful and the field has a fair-like atmosphere. Unless you are really into hot air balloons a day or two of this will be enough for you. Plan to stay for at least one of the afterglow and fireworks nights. They shot up some of the most creative fireworks we’ve ever seen. Be aware that wind and rain are the balloons’ enemies so don’t even bother going if the weather is less than perfect.

Phone: (505) 821-1000
Address: 4401 Alameda NE, Albuquerque NM 87113

Petroglyph National Monument

This park which contains far more than just rock art is broken into several pieces some of which aren’t even open to the public yet. We explored Rinconada Canyon, one of the closest and most accessible trails. The short hike did not disappoint and we were amazed by the artistic carvings made on the black, volcanic rock. It can be hot and there are snakes ans other venomous creatures out there. Be sure and stop at the Visitor Center first to pick up the necessary maps and information.

Phone: (505) 899-0205
Address: 6001 Unser Blvd NW, Albuquerque NM 87120

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Get away from the crowds and wander the lush trails along the Rio Grande River, you’ll soon see why the town was established in this fertile valley. Not far from downtown this state park is a riparian gem, the ecosystem of wetlands and river edges is a boon to wildlife. Bring a camera to capture some of the beauty. Stop in at the Visitor Center to pick up trail information and be sure to spend time at the huge windows for a unique underwater (and above-water) look at the pond.

Phone: (505) 344-7240
Address: 2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque NM 87107

Albuquerque Museum of History and Art

Located at the northern edge of Old Town this museum combines history and art because in New Mexico the two are so entwined. My focus was on the history section and I enjoyed wandering through the centuries. The exhibits were very informative and creatively designed and I even learned a couple things! Just before my head was overstuffed with facts and figures it was time to ponder art. Be sure to check with the museum for walking tours that they lead around town. I did not have time to take one but I wish I had. Thankfully the museum offers ample parking in the crowded Old Town area.

Phone: (505) 243-7255
Address: 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque NM 87104

National Atomic Museum

The building looks vacant and rundown from the outside but don’t let that deter you. Once inside prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of information. When they say all things radioactive they mean it, the museum explains the earliest days of discovery all the way up to modern weaponry. As with so many things the museum reinforced the idea that nothing is all bad or all good, it is in how you utilize it. Radioactive materials are such a big part of New Mexico’s (and our country’s) history that every visitor to Albuquerque should visit this museum.

Phone: (505) 245-2137
Address: 1905 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque NM 87104

Ladera Disc Golf Course

This course wraps around itself in a large, low area. It is in a desert environment so expect some prickly things and keep an eye out for snakes in the warm months. When it rains the area will fill with water, we witnessed a disc (not ours, thankfully) disappear into the mucky, murky depths of a large puddle. This course is a bit challenging with several mandos as it folds back on itself. Not far from downtown and easily accessible with lots of parking.

Address: West on I-40 to Unser north. Turn right on Ladera, curve around to a left on Ouray.
Course is on the left across from ball golf course.

Pueblo Indian Cultural Center

We stopped at the Center to get acquainted with the numerous Puebloan cultures that surround Albuquerque and we were richly rewarded. The non-profit Center is jointly run by 19 of the Pueblos and they each have a section in the museum to tell their unique stories. The Center also features several rooms of crafts for sale, including baskets, blankets, jewelry and other items, made by Pueblo artists. Check their schedule of events and be sure to visit on a day that they have dancers, they are amazing! If all the shopping and learning leaves you hungry the Center has a cafe that serves fry bread, it smelled heavenly.

Phone: (505) 843-7270
Address: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque NM 87104

Brent Baca Memorial Disc Golf Course

This course south of Albuquerque is worth the drive. The old ranch land was purchased by the city as open space and it is wide open. You can enjoy some great views of the valley to the west as you chase your disc on this long course. We only saw two other players the whole time we were out there. Caution: Cactus and snakes are out there too. Bring plenty of water as it can get quite warm.

Address: I-25 south of town, Rio Bravo exit west to a left (south) on Broadway (1st light).
Left on Bobby Foster (back over I-25), then NE on Los Picaros 3 miles to the course on the left.

Roosts

Balloon View Homes & RV Park

Half mobile home park and half RV park the only thing this park has going for it is its close proximity to the Balloon Fiesta Park. The facilities were run down and there was a section of long-term RVs which had tons of junk around them. Very unsightly. The indoor pool and hot tub were closed during our visit. The laundry room was adequate though you must have plenty of quarters because even if you find someone in the office they won’t have quarters. We were so unhappy that we left early. Thankfully we were able to get a bit of a refund from the office, but only because I was extremely persistent. Though Albuquerque has few RV parks we would not stay here again.

Phone: (505) 345-3716
Address: 500 Tyler Rd NE, Albuquerque NM 87113-1144