Cross-country road trip stop number two: Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has been a long time since I’ve seen New Mexico…probably about fifteen years, when my aunt got married in Santa Fe. One of my favorite things about the United States is how different the culture is from region to region. New Mexico has a culture all its own, and I love it.
Where To Stay
We reached Albuquerque about 5 hours after leaving Sedona, so not until it was almost dark. We went straight to the hotel, the Candlewood Suites in northern Albuquerque, then to McDonald’s because honestly McDonald’s is good and I don’t care what people think (budget road trip, remember, budget road trip). The Candlewood Suites were amazingly nice, complete with a kitchenette where I proceeded to burn the one complimentary bag of popcorn. Also a dog-friendly hotel, and far enough outside of downtown that the price was incredibly right.
Running Routes
The next morning, I got up early and did a 14 mile run along the North Diversion Canal, which was right around the block from our hotel, and then several laps around the University of New Mexico golf course (which lent to a great view of the city and mountains, with some hot air balloons suspended above, practicing for the hot air balloon festival in October). Though it was August in New Mexico, the weather was not hot, and the run felt great. Running is honestly the best method of fitness while traveling, especially on a fast-paced road trip like this one.
Highlights of Albuquerque
Downtown Albuquerque
After a quick shower and drive into center city, we wandered downtown and discovered plenty of restaurants, parks, and theaters, but the area was relatively deserted. It is perfect for a peaceful stroll and an opportunity to admire the unique Southwestern architecture, like this theater (promoting the prevention of teen pregnancy…is this is a particularly prominent issue is New Mexico? I mean, good. I’m all for preventing teen pregnancy). The buildings and design of this part of the country is what made me fall in love with Arizona in the first place, and was a big part of the reason why I took the job out there.
Old Town Albuquerque
Old Town Albuquerque is THE highlight of Albuquerque. A Southwest lover’s dream! Stroll through the charming streets, stop at one of the over 150 shops and galleries and browse the Native American artwork, sit and watch the mariachi band playing their hearts out in the central gazebo.
We spent a lot of our Albuquerque time in Old Town, because there is more to do than you can even find time for.
Tours
For Breaking Bad fanatics, there are Breaking Bad RV tours that take you to visit your favorite locations. You can hop on a trolley for a trolley tour, or take a ghost tour held at night (if you dare). Tours are, yes, touristy, but sometimes they can just be the perfect way to learn history, better than even talking to locals. Check out some of the Albuquerque tours available here.
San Felipe de Neri Church
Built in 1793, this church is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the entire city. It was originally established under the rule of Fray Manuel Moreno, so not only is it cool to look at, it also has some cool Franciscan history surrounding it. Cool all around.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This cultural center is actually owned by the 19 remaining Pueblos in New Mexico, and is dedicated to preserving Indian Pueblo culture, art, and history. Having spent most of my childhood on the East Coast, this is very exciting stuff. You can also make trips out to see the Pueblos themselves, the closest to Albuquerque being that of the Sandia tribe.
Up Next…
Amarillo
After leaving Albuquerque, we crossed the border into Texas!! We stopped for about an hour to explore the city of Amarillo, Texas, which was a classic small Texan town. The main attractions of the city are the Harrington House, a historic home that was acquired in 1940 by the Harringtons, leaders in the oil and gas industry (can you get more Texan than that??) and the ranches on the outskirts. Also, some horses (try to find them all!).
And then, of course, we got barbecue. Because this is Texas, baby. The barbecue place we stopped at was called Dyer’s Bar-B-Que (highly delicious, highly recommended), and allowed us to take our food to go, sit outside with Stella, and devour this incredible southern meal while watching the sunset. A great end to a great day.
We’re hopping in the car and following Route 66 towards Oklahoma City next!
Over to you: what’s your favorite part of the Southwest USofA?
