Travel Living in Albuquerque ~ Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam

Sandia Tram: The Sandia Peak Tramway is an engineering marvel. But it is the view from the western
slope of the Sandia’s that has drawn more than 6-million visitors since the Tram first opened in 1967.
The car climbs 4000 feet in about 18 minutes, depositing riders at the top of  Sandia Peak. On the
Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.  photo New Mexico Tourism Department, Dan Monaghan

Albuquerque has been my “travel home” at two different times. The first time was in the late seventies and I experienced living in the “college scene” with friends near the University of New Mexico. Volkswagen bugs were still the rage, everyone listened to classic Santana and what is now the Albuquerque International Sunport then was still so small that when you got off the plane, you walked across the runway to the tiny adobe terminal and hoped you had a ride because it was a long way into town. Boy have things changed.
 

The first time I saw Albuquerque, I was instantly and permanently changed by its striking beauty. “Travel living” in Albuquerque’s university area was a special time. Central Avenue was then, as it still is today, lined with the most interesting array of shops and art and food available anywhere in the city and it was a fun and unique place to get to hang out and spend time and now its east portion has become known as Nob Hill boasting higher-end galleries, clothing, specialty shops and gourmet cafes as well as a bustling nightlife.

The campus itself offers everything from museums and lectures to top-notch concerts, to sporting events and the annual Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow in The Pit UNM Arena. The campus has a unique feel with adobe buildings and a magnificent view of the Sandias, lovely for strolling and observing academic life. The UNM area is a fun place to be!

In later years my “travel living” was in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights in a townhome butted as near to the foothills as I could get. Albuquerque’s sunny and mild year-round weather allowed daily walking, biking, hiking in the foothills and tennis in air so fresh and skies so blue that your spirit could not help but to be lifted. Albuquerque is a friendly city and it is enjoyable to get out and about among others doing the same.

Over the years I have watched Albuquerque grow and change into a thriving metropolitan city and it is only a day trip away so I still frequent when I may as it offers more to do than ever and never fails to refresh the spirit. Drives to the top of the Sandia Crest are a must and if you can time it so that you are there at dusk you will witness a rare sight as the city of Albuquerque comes to light. Sandia Peak also offers skiing and the world’s longest tram ride. Forests throughout the area have picnicking, camping and hiking trails. Mountain biking is also popular.

Back in town, Albuquerque’s annual events include the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which has grown into an extravaganza over the years and is held annually starting the first weekend in October (be sure to make your reservations in advance during this event). The New Mexico State Fair is another biggie each September and the afore mentioned Gathering of Nations.

Old Town

You won’t want to miss Old Town either located between Mountain Rd. and Central Ave. (Route 66) just East of Rio Grande Blvd. Similar to the old town squares in Taos and Santa Fe, Albuquerque’s Old Town is more off to itself and entering into the area you are immediately aware that you are no longer in the hustle and bustle of contemporary Albuquerque. Old town permeates a culture and feel unique to that of its origin. Old adobe shops and buildings line the square, too tempting to pass up. It is a tourist haven offering everything from art to weavings to blue corn tortillas. Outdoor musicians stroll and perform in nice weather. Sidewalks cafes offer the perfect spot to visually explore the people and characteristics and happenings in Old Town.

San Felipe de Neri-mn: This beautiful church sits in the heart of Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town, with the
Old Town Plaza at its front. Though built almost 300 years ago, it is still a busy, operating parish church.
On El Camino Real National Scenic Byway and on Route 66 National Scenic Byway. 
photo - New Mexico Tourism Department, Mike Stauffer

Albuquerque's Oldest Catholic Parish, San Felipe de Neri in Old Town, has been in existence for nearly three-hundred years. The present church building, constructed in 1793, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and cannot be missed as you walk the area.

One of the fantastic things about Albuquerque is its central location and the numerous day trips in any direction and the fact that by going in any direction you can be in a completely different environment in as little as half an hour.
 

Jemez Springs is just an hour’s drive north of Albuquerque. Named for its famous mineral hot springs, it is situated in the Jemez Valley which runs from its namesake, Jemez Pueblo, up through to the Valles Caldera preserve. The tiny village offers recreation, lodging, and dining. Visitors flock to the springs on weekends and hiking is popular to locations like Battleship Rock and Soda Dam. Just a half hour to hour east of Albuquerque, take the drive up to the Sandias through the Cibola National Forest. Whether you choose to stop in a pine-ringed picnic area along the way or head straight to the top to the crest of Sandia Peak, it is a lovely day’s outing with a view unparalleled. Visitors may also choose to take the Sandia Tramway from Albuquerque to the top. Once there if not picnicking, enjoy a leisurely meal at Sandiago's Mexican Grill at the base or the High Finance Restaurant at the top. Hiking is abundant. Bring plenty of water and careful not to wander off alone, but prepare to enjoy all the Sandias have to offer! Stop at the observation deck atop the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak for an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment. Skiing Sandia Peak in winter makes for an easy and affordable ski trip just minutes from Albuquerque.

Soda Dam at night - photo Light Benders Photography

Albuquerque is surrounded by numerous Indian Reservations including the afore mentioned Jemez, as well as Laguna, Isleta, Canoncito, Santa Ana, San Felipe, Zia, Cochiti, Acoma (Sky City), Navajo, Ramah Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, Nambe, Tesuque, Santa Clara, San Juan and Zuni. All are within one half hour to three hours from the city with the majority in the immediate area. The reservations and pueblos offer a rich cultural experience though restrictions vary so please check with the specific reservation prior to visiting. Many offer casinos, top-notch accommodations, fine dining, tours, festivals and various events.

Other day trips from the Albuquerque area are numerous and are covered in other cities.

“Travel living” in Albuquerque gave me more than I could have ever dreamed from one location. Outdoor recreation, great food, entertainment, people as unique as the city itself and an experience implanted within me along with an appetite for it all, never to be satiated. I will always return to Albuquerque.