Balloon Fiesta
Our wedding is at the same time as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Fiesta is a yearly event held in Albuquerque. Each morning, 700+ hot air balloons ascend within 2 hours. Evenings present a different type of amazement with tethered balloons lit up with the gas torches that are used to fill the balloons and control their flights. If you plan to go to either of these events, plan to arrive early. The mass ascension in the morning starts at 7:00 am, but plan to arrive much earlier (as early as 5:30 am on weekends). Traffic is harsh and crowds can exceed 100,000 for each event. One option to driving to the park in your own vehicle is to take one of the shuttles that run during each event. This can be a much less stressful way to get to the park. These shuttles depart from a number of locations around Albuquerque and cost around $15 per adult, which includes admission to the fiesta. As it cost $5 to park at Balloon Fiesta Park and $5 for admission, the $15 charge for the shuttle is a reasonable amount of money to spend if you plan on going to this event. It'll save you some stress, and you won't be stuck in traffic waiting to get in to and out of Balloon Fiesta Park.
If you are not one for getting up before the sun, there are alternative ways to see the balloons ascend. The balloons can be seen from anywhere in Albuquerque, and will land all around the city, depending on the particular wind conditions. They can be seen for a large part of the morning, but for the best views, plan to be out around 7-7:30am. One location that is relatively close to the Balloon Fiesta Park is the Sandia Casino, at I-25 and Tramway. The parking lot of the casino provides a bird's eye view of the balloons as it is a bit higher in elevation than Balloon Fiesta Park.
Here is a schedule of the Balloon Fiesta events on the days around our wedding:
Because of Balloon Fiesta, if you are coming from out of town, we suggest you book a room as soon as you can, as well as airline tickets. Rooms in Albuquerque fill up fast during the Fiesta, and the Albuquerque airport will see more traffic as well.
Other things to do in the area
In addition to the Balloon Fiesta, there are many other things to do in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Below are some suggestions based on what we have done and would recommend to others. We've also provided links to many other area attractions.
Things to do along the Turquoise Trail
The turquoise trail is another name for NM Highway 14. This scenic drive between Tijeras and Santa Fe is home2 to many small towns and interesting attractions. We've included decsriptions of several of the places we like to visit. Other ideas can be found on the turquoise trail website.
All along the drive between Tijeras and Santa Fe are artist studios and galleries--not just in the main towns. Madrid is a old coal mining town that is now mainly a town of artists. Along the main road in this town are lots of shops and galleries as well as a few restaurants. Two of our favorite places are Al Leedom's glass and jewelry studio and Range West stone fountains. We have also been to the Madrid Melodrama, which runs through mid-October, and we would highly recommend seeing a show.
Another great attraction is the drive to the top of Sandia Peak, especially during October when the aspens will be changing colors. There are hiking and picnic spots at many points on the drive up the mountain and also at the top of the mountain. From the top, you can view all of Albuquerque. There is also a restaurant and gift shop at the crest. This is a great place to watch the sun set, and it also provides a unique view of balloon fiesta events. For a unique experience, stop at the ski resort on your way to Sandia Peak and ride the chairlift to the peak.
Golden is the site of the first gold rush west of the Mississippi. In Golden there is an old mission and a general store that sells Native American goods, each located on the main road (Highway 14) through town.
Cerrillos is an old mining town, famous for its turquoise. It is an old west "ghost town" that once had 21 saloons and 4 hotels, and more recently has been revitialized with art, crafts, and museums, and has served as backdrop to a number of movies.
Things to do in Albuquerque
Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque's heritage. Old Town Albuquerque is a must visit to a place where centuries of history and modern life merge to blend 18th century architecture with narrow brick paths, world famous artwork, the finest in jewelry, delicious food and rare specialty shops offering you the creative talents of the area's Spanish, Native American and Anglo heritages.
The Natural History Museum has lots of neat dinosaur, geological, and meteorological exhibits as well as a planetarium and Imax theater.
Located near the Old Town plaza, the Biopark includes both the Albuquerque Aquarium and the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. $10 covers admission to both of these attractions and the nearby Rio Grande Zoo.
Experience the drama of an 11,000 square mile panoramic view of New Mexico from the World's Longest Tramway. From the base to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak, time and terrain seem to move in harmony as passengers lift from the desert floor, above canyons and lush forests, to the mountain top - 2.7 miles of sky-view travel and discovery of New Mexico's varied landscape and life zones.
For additional information on Albuquerque area attractions, check out the City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Convention and Visitor's Bureau websites.
Things to do west of Albuquerque
Sky City, located on the Pueblo of Acoma, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Originally settled in approximately 1150 AD, Sky City is situated on a 367-foot-high sandstone mesa. Sky City is located about an hour west of Albuquerque just off of I-40.
The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is an interesting attraction located about an hour west and 30 minutes south relative to Albuquerque. Known as "the land of fire and ice," at this attraction you can see one of the finest, and most accessible, examples of an erupted volcano and descend into a cave that contains ice year round.
Things to do in Santa Fe
The historic downtown plaza in Santa Fe is home2 to the oldest public building in the nation--the Palace of the Governors--and the oldest church in North America--the San Miguel Mission. The plaza is also home2 to many shops, galleries, restaurants, and streetside vendors.
Within walking distance of the plaza is the Loretto Chapel, with its famous "miracle staircase"--a spiral staircase from the floor to the choir loft above constructed with no central support or nails.
For additional information on Santa Fe area attractions, check out the Santa Fe visitor's information website.