Travel Time

61 - Enchantment in the Desert - Our Albuquerque Adventure!

• Season 2 • Episode 61

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Welcome back,  to “Travel Time!” I'm Jennifer, and glad to be back in the studio with more travel adventures. 

Today we dive deep into a recent adventure to the fascinating city of Albuquerque, New Mexico! I’ve got stories, tips, and maybe even a few spooky tales to share!

This trip was a fantastic blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and some truly unique experiences. Our journey to Albuquerque actually began after soaking in the stunning landscapes of Arizona. 

We had just spent time in the otherworldly hues of the Painted Desert National Park near Holbrook, Arizona. The colors there are just unreal – layers upon layers of vibrant reds, oranges, and purples. It’s like nature's own abstract art exhibit.

And after that, we hopped in the car and headed east towards the Land of Enchantment. The drive itself was quite scenic, watching the Arizona landscape gradually transition into the high desert of New Mexico.

And after a 3 hour stretch on the road, we arrived in Albuquerque and checked into our home away from home: the Embassy Suites Albuquerque.

It was A great choice for our stay! We always appreciate the extra space you get with a suite, especially when you're traveling with…kids.  Having that separate living area was a lifesaver.

And those complimentary breakfasts were a fantastic way to fuel up for a day of exploring.  It really provided a comfortable and convenient base for all our Albuquerque exploration.

Speaking of escapades, our first big Albuquerque adventure involved some vertical challenges! The boys were keen to tackle the La Luz trail up Sandia Peak. That's a serious hike,  known for its incredible views and significant elevation gain. As they were conquering that peak on foot, we took the scenic route – the Sandia Peak Tramway! It's one of the longest aerial trams in the world, and the views as you ascend are absolutely spectacular. You get this panoramic perspective of the entire Albuquerque area and beyond.

It was so cool to watch the landscape change dramatically as we went up. From the desert floor to the cooler, pine-scented air at the summit. And the best part was meeting the boys at the top!

It was a fantastic moment! They were definitely feeling a sense of accomplishment, and we were just in awe of the views from over 10,000 feet. Our original plan was to grab some lunch at Ten 3, the restaurant at the summit, but unfortunately, it was closed that day.

But no worries, it just gave us a perfect excuse to head down on the tram together – which was an experience in itself – and explore another part of Albuquerque for lunch.

We made our way to the historic Old Town and found a charming spot for lunch at the Church Street Cafe. It had such a wonderful atmosphere, with that classic New Mexican architecture and a lovely patio. The food was delicious too – I remember the boys really enjoying trying dishes with the famous New Mexico chiles. 

And being in Old Town, we couldn't resist taking some time to just wander and soak in the history.

Old Town Albuquerque is like stepping back in time. The adobe buildings, the little shops and galleries, the San Felipe de Neri Church… it has such a unique and captivating charm. We spent a good chunk of the afternoon just strolling through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds.

We had also hoped to visit the Al Unser Museum, as we're big fans of IndyCar history. However, we were a bit disappointed to find out that it had recently closed.That was a bit of a bummer, but you know us, always ready to pivot! We quickly looked for another interesting spot and decided to head over to the Petroglyph National Monument.

The park protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with thousands of ancient rock carvings made by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. It was incredible to see those images etched into the rocks, telling stories of the past. We enjoyed some really nice hikes through the different units of the park, getting up close to these fascinating cultural treasures. It was a great way to connect with the history of the region.

The next day brought another opportunity to connect with nature, this time at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.That was a lovely little oasis right in the city! We checked out the Nature Center, which had some really informative exhibits about the local flora and fauna. And then we ventured out onto the trails for a bit of birding. It was a peaceful and relaxing way to spend some time outdoors.

We shifted gears a bit and visited the fascinating Museum of Nuclear Science and Technology.

This museum was surprisingly engaging! From the history of the atomic age to current nuclear applications, it covered a wide range of topics.

I was really impressed with how well-done the indoor exhibits were. They managed to present some complex information in a way that was accessible and interesting for all ages. And they had some pretty impressive artifacts on display.

They also had some outdoor exhibits, including aircraft and missiles, which were quite something to see up close. It definitely gave us a good foundation of knowledge, which became particularly relevant later in our trip when we visited Alamogordo, New Mexico. Having that background from the museum really added another layer of understanding to that part of our journey.

All that exploring definitely worked up an appetite! Luckily, Albuquerque has some fantastic food options. One evening, we had a truly delicious meal at Nexus Brewery.Their food was incredible! The boys definitely felt chicken and waffles were a favorite there. And of course, being a brewery, their beer selection was excellent too. It had a really lively and welcoming atmosphere. Definitely a must-try spot for anyone visiting Albuquerque. 

We also made sure to experience a classic Route 66 diner and had a fun, retro meal at the Route 66 Diner. You can't visit Albuquerque without a stop at a Route 66 diner! It was exactly what you'd expect – good old-fashioned comfort food in a setting that takes you back in time. Shakes, burgers, the whole shebang!

And to top off our Albuquerque experience with a bit of spooky fun, we decided to take a Ghost Tour of Old Town. And let me tell you, it was a highlight of the trip!We booked our tour through #ABQTours in Old Town, via Viator, and it was fantastic. Our guide was so knowledgeable and engaging, sharing all sorts of fascinating and sometimes eerie stories about the history and hauntings of Old Town. It was the perfect way to experience Old Town in a different light – literally! We walked through the darkened streets, hearing tales of past residents and unexplained occurrences. The tour was really well-paced, not too rushed, and just the right amount of spooky without being over-the-top. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique evening activity.

It was a great mix of history and entertainment. Albuquerque definitely left a lasting impression on us, with its diverse attractions and vibrant culture.

 From hiking in the mountains to exploring ancient petroglyphs, delving into nuclear history, and even chasing ghosts, Albuquerque truly offers something for everyone. And that’s just part one of our Southwest adventure! Join us in our next episode as we explore nearby Santa Fe, New Mexico! 

You won't want to miss it! Until then, happy travels!