Balloon Fiesta - Recommandations
Jan 15th, 2009, 01:14 PM
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Balloon Fiesta - Recommandations
Hi Travellers.
This year, my family and I were thinking to attend the balloon fiesta. Unfortunately, there is no holidays close by, so we will have to shoot for a weekend trip. I understand these are the busiest days but there is nothing much we can do...
Having said that, I understand the event in 2009 will go from Oct 3 to Oct 11, which means we will have two weekends to choose from: The opening and the closing... First question, which one should I pick?
2. What should I do in such a short period of time? What are the must-attend/must do things?
3. I got a hot air balloon ride as a birthday gift from my family a few years ago. Are there rides during the festival? Should we try one? (pros/cons)
Thanks a lot for your inputs!
This year, my family and I were thinking to attend the balloon fiesta. Unfortunately, there is no holidays close by, so we will have to shoot for a weekend trip. I understand these are the busiest days but there is nothing much we can do...
Having said that, I understand the event in 2009 will go from Oct 3 to Oct 11, which means we will have two weekends to choose from: The opening and the closing... First question, which one should I pick?
2. What should I do in such a short period of time? What are the must-attend/must do things?
3. I got a hot air balloon ride as a birthday gift from my family a few years ago. Are there rides during the festival? Should we try one? (pros/cons)
Thanks a lot for your inputs!
Jan 15th, 2009, 01:52 PM
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Last year the Fiesta was plagued by bad weather and more than one day's events were postponed or canceled - unusual weather I'm told. I was there the first weekend and Sunday was the day I had hoped to see the Mass Ascension (all balloons go up at about the same time) but it was rained out. I saw them go up Monday morning instead. It technically wasn't "mass ascension" so I'm not sure I saw nearly as many go up as I would have, but there were still a lot of balloons! Even on the day I did get there, the morning events were canceled (some sort of "hold 'em" event with balloons competing to pick up cards off the field). Due to wind. I'm glad I at least got to see many of them go up!
I hear the Afterglow at night is pretty cool, with the balloons all lit up, but I didn't see it.
Doing it again, I'd still shoot for a weekend day to see the Mass Ascension, crowded or not.
I hear the Afterglow at night is pretty cool, with the balloons all lit up, but I didn't see it.
Doing it again, I'd still shoot for a weekend day to see the Mass Ascension, crowded or not.
Jan 15th, 2009, 03:18 PM
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Weekends are busiest because of the mass ascensions; it's the best time to go, IMO, for your first time.
Get up *early* and take the park and ride to the park. You bypass the cars waiting to get in and will be dropped off at the entrance.
The dawn patrol takes off before sunrise to assess the wind and weather conditions; the other balloons start taking off shortly after.
The evening balloon glows are beautiful and a lot of fun, with fireworks to end the evening.
Balloon rides are available on site. I don't care for heights, so I've never gone for a ride.
Lee Ann
Get up *early* and take the park and ride to the park. You bypass the cars waiting to get in and will be dropped off at the entrance.
The dawn patrol takes off before sunrise to assess the wind and weather conditions; the other balloons start taking off shortly after.
The evening balloon glows are beautiful and a lot of fun, with fireworks to end the evening.
Balloon rides are available on site. I don't care for heights, so I've never gone for a ride.
Lee Ann
Jan 15th, 2009, 03:25 PM
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I am on the chase crew for a team and the weather is always a factor. The balloons cannot go up with winds. It is too dangerous. Pilots for the most part are a pretty cautious lot. They don't want to risk their lives or their very expensive balloons.
That said, the second weekend is actually Columbus Day weekend. Don't know if you consider that a holiday or if it is a 3 day weekend for you.
It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
It is a fun way to view the fiesta, with a lot of bouncing on the back of a pickup and really nice people.
The night glows are really nice too, the balloons are tethered to the ground and they all "burn" at the same time. Pretty sight.
There is an excellent arts&crafts show set up near the field [I 25 and Paseo del Norte] and it has excellent items.
What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
Santa Fe after morning ascension is popular; their are great museums and art galleries.
ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Give us a bit more to work with and we can help you some more.
Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
It is very cold, you need to dress in layers as it will warm up as the day progresses. Hats, gloves, jackets are mandatory. It is like winter in the morning.
Deb
That said, the second weekend is actually Columbus Day weekend. Don't know if you consider that a holiday or if it is a 3 day weekend for you.
It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
It is a fun way to view the fiesta, with a lot of bouncing on the back of a pickup and really nice people.
The night glows are really nice too, the balloons are tethered to the ground and they all "burn" at the same time. Pretty sight.
There is an excellent arts&crafts show set up near the field [I 25 and Paseo del Norte] and it has excellent items.
What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
Santa Fe after morning ascension is popular; their are great museums and art galleries.
ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Give us a bit more to work with and we can help you some more.
Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
It is very cold, you need to dress in layers as it will warm up as the day progresses. Hats, gloves, jackets are mandatory. It is like winter in the morning.
Deb
Jan 19th, 2009, 09:49 AM
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Hello.
Sorry for the delay. Had problems with login (from what I see, I am not the only one...).
Thanks for your replies. DebitNM, here are my answers to your points:
>That said, the second weekend is actually Columbus Day weekend. Don't know if you consider that a holiday or if it is a 3 day weekend for you.
I have checked my daughter's school calendar for 2009/2010 and it does not list Columbus day as a day off.
>It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
I was just wondering if the events are equally distributed in these two weekends.
>Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Thanks for the advice. I was actually planning to arrive late Friday and be available for Sat, Sun and possibly Mon morning.
>Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
The way you paint, it does not sound attractive to go with these commercial pilots.
>You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
If I were by myself, I would do that but having my family along, I think it will be difficult to be a volunteer. In fact, what are the tasks that a volunteer is expected to perform?
>What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
We like to hike (nothing extreme though) and we are not much of museum fans. Never been to ABQ so we are looking for the must-do/see stuff.
>ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
Zoo will definitely hit the spot for my daughter (she will be 10 by then)
>You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Any recommendations?
>Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Yes, I plan to rent a car. Unless you tell me it is not worth it.
>Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
Yep, I know that. And I have seen comments about the afternoon naps! LOL
Sorry for the delay. Had problems with login (from what I see, I am not the only one...).
Thanks for your replies. DebitNM, here are my answers to your points:
>That said, the second weekend is actually Columbus Day weekend. Don't know if you consider that a holiday or if it is a 3 day weekend for you.
I have checked my daughter's school calendar for 2009/2010 and it does not list Columbus day as a day off.
>It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
I was just wondering if the events are equally distributed in these two weekends.
>Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Thanks for the advice. I was actually planning to arrive late Friday and be available for Sat, Sun and possibly Mon morning.
>Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
The way you paint, it does not sound attractive to go with these commercial pilots.
>You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
If I were by myself, I would do that but having my family along, I think it will be difficult to be a volunteer. In fact, what are the tasks that a volunteer is expected to perform?
>What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
We like to hike (nothing extreme though) and we are not much of museum fans. Never been to ABQ so we are looking for the must-do/see stuff.
>ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
Zoo will definitely hit the spot for my daughter (she will be 10 by then)
>You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Any recommendations?
>Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Yes, I plan to rent a car. Unless you tell me it is not worth it.
>Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
Yep, I know that. And I have seen comments about the afternoon naps! LOL
Jan 19th, 2009, 09:56 AM
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satrijoe - Ms. Pickle and Deb will never steer you wrong. They have both given good advice.
Just thought I'd get my foot in the door so that I could follow any future advice posted.
If you haven't made your hotel, air & car reservations, I recommend booking early. I've found my best prices months and months in advance.
And regarding the "get there early" comment - spot on. My first year to go, I left what I thought was early. Two hours later, I still wasn't at the field due to the traffic congestion.
Just thought I'd get my foot in the door so that I could follow any future advice posted.
If you haven't made your hotel, air & car reservations, I recommend booking early. I've found my best prices months and months in advance.
And regarding the "get there early" comment - spot on. My first year to go, I left what I thought was early. Two hours later, I still wasn't at the field due to the traffic congestion.
Jan 19th, 2009, 09:59 AM
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Oh, if by chance you do decide for the flight - book in advance. They are generally sold out weeks in advance for the weekends.
And, I would say if you could make it a two - three day trip, you would likely be quite pleased for your first trip.
It has been noted that I'm always "sick" around the first weekend in October. I typically leave on Friday afternoon and return home on Monday.
And, I would say if you could make it a two - three day trip, you would likely be quite pleased for your first trip.
It has been noted that I'm always "sick" around the first weekend in October. I typically leave on Friday afternoon and return home on Monday.
Jan 19th, 2009, 11:38 AM
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moldyhotelsaregross:
Thanks for your comments. I highly respect the comments posted on this forum. They are usually very helpful.
About your comment:
It has been noted that I'm always "sick" around the first weekend in October. I typically leave on Friday afternoon and return home on Monday
That is exactly what I think I will do!
Thanks for your comments. I highly respect the comments posted on this forum. They are usually very helpful.
About your comment:
It has been noted that I'm always "sick" around the first weekend in October. I typically leave on Friday afternoon and return home on Monday
That is exactly what I think I will do!
Jan 19th, 2009, 01:09 PM
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Definitely rent a car. Public transportation in Albuquerque is OK, but you'll get where you want to go more easily in a car.
I would still, however, take the park and ride bus to the balloon park. Get an early one and you'll be set for the morning!
Lee Ann
I would still, however, take the park and ride bus to the balloon park. Get an early one and you'll be set for the morning!
Lee Ann
Jan 19th, 2009, 01:36 PM
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We went to the Balloon Fiesta in 2006 and had a wonderful time. We took a hot air balloon ride opening morning during the mass ascension and would most certainly do it again. It isn't inexpensive and there are a number of people in the basket, as DebitNM notes, but the opportunity to go up with dozens of other balloons in the sky at the same time made it very worthwhile and I would highly recommend it. At no time did I have any safety fears. It was raining early in the morning and no balloons were going anywhere. All of the pilots waited the weather out, the rain stopped, conditions improved, and then the balloons took off. I saw no lone ranger pilots taking off in questionnable conditions. If you do decide to go up in a balloon, you need to be reserving now if you want to go up during mass ascension.
Jan 19th, 2009, 05:48 PM
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I am assuming you have looked at the website for the Balloon Fiesta.
http://balloonfiesta.com/main.php
>It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
I was just wondering if the events are equally distributed in these two weekends.
IF I had to pick one, the second one has a bit more. {see schedule on website}
>Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Thanks for the advice. I was actually planning to arrive late Friday and be available for Sat, Sun and possibly Mon morning.
There is only one Monday that during Fiesta, it is the first weekend - 10/5.
>Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
The way you paint, it does not sound attractive to go with these commercial pilots.
It is very expensive to fly out of the Fiesta. There is only one "official" company that flies out of the field and I am not crazy about them. IT is very expensive, I want to say $200 a person, adult or child. And there is no guarantee how long you will be up; once the wind is gone or it starts to warm up, you are done. They also try to get a number of rides in each morning, so they may cut it pretty short.
>You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
If I were by myself, I would do that but having my family along, I think it will be difficult to be a volunteer. In fact, what are the tasks that a volunteer is expected to perform? You help the crew fill the balloons [cold fill first, with huge fans and then the pilot starts the burners and the balloon will go from horizontal - on the ground] to veritcal and upright] and then you ride along in crew's pick up trucks as spotters, keeping an eye on the balloon. When the balloon lands, you help with deflation and fold up. Then you are often invited to party with them back at the field [beer is drink of choice, even at 9 am]. Sometimes, you might even be taken up for a ride, although this is at the mercy of the pilot as to who goes up and who doesn't. You don't have to know a pilot, the website will have a place to volunteer and they assign you to a balloon.
Many out of area balloonist don't bring crews and there need help of volunteers.
>What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
We like to hike (nothing extreme though) and we are not much of museum fans. Never been to ABQ so we are looking for the must-do/see stuff. Just north of ABQ is Tent Rocks - it is quite a site and not too difficult if you are pretty decent shape: http://balloonfiesta.com/main.php
>ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
Zoo will definitely hit the spot for my daughter (she will be 10 by then)
It is a really wonderful zoo. http://www.cabq.gov/visiting.html
Explora! Museum would be a hit with your daughter, as would the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe.
>You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Any recommendations?
What is your price range? There are many chains along the I 25 corridor near Alameda exit south past Paseo del Norte exit. Holiday Inn Express is closest, LaQuinta is pretty close. As Lee Ann said, there are busses available in a park and ride lot and it is a really easy way to get to and in field - especially for someone not familiar with area.
>Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Yes, I plan to rent a car. Unless you tell me it is not worth it. A car is mandatory, I would not rely on public transport for your overall needs.
>Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
Yep, I know that. And I have seen comments about the afternoon naps! LOL
DRESS warmly, in layers, It will be near freezing in the predawn hours and will warm up 20 or more degrees during the day.
Wear sunscreen and drink LOTS of water, the altitude is an issue here.
Deb
http://balloonfiesta.com/main.php
>It really doesn't matter which of the 2 weekends you go. Weather is the biggest issue, and the chances for good/bad weather is equal.
I was just wondering if the events are equally distributed in these two weekends.
IF I had to pick one, the second one has a bit more. {see schedule on website}
>Plan to go to the morning ascension the very first morning you are in town. That way, if it gets canceled, you will have at least 1 or 2 other mornings to aim for should the flights be scrubbed.
Thanks for the advice. I was actually planning to arrive late Friday and be available for Sat, Sun and possibly Mon morning.
There is only one Monday that during Fiesta, it is the first weekend - 10/5.
>Yes, there are rides. They cram a lot of people into the baskets and charge top dollar. These commercial pilots are the ones that go up in the questionable weather because it is a huge source of income to them and they simply don't like to cancel because it means lots revenue. Personally, I would not go up for a ride at Fiesta in a commercial balloon. I am spoiled [and lucky] to be a part of a wonderful chase crew and have flown dozens of times for free with a safe pilot who doesn't take risks.
The way you paint, it does not sound attractive to go with these commercial pilots.
It is very expensive to fly out of the Fiesta. There is only one "official" company that flies out of the field and I am not crazy about them. IT is very expensive, I want to say $200 a person, adult or child. And there is no guarantee how long you will be up; once the wind is gone or it starts to warm up, you are done. They also try to get a number of rides in each morning, so they may cut it pretty short.
>You can actually sign up to be on a chase crew. There is a place on the website where you can volunteer and they assign you to pilots from out of the area that need crews.
If I were by myself, I would do that but having my family along, I think it will be difficult to be a volunteer. In fact, what are the tasks that a volunteer is expected to perform? You help the crew fill the balloons [cold fill first, with huge fans and then the pilot starts the burners and the balloon will go from horizontal - on the ground] to veritcal and upright] and then you ride along in crew's pick up trucks as spotters, keeping an eye on the balloon. When the balloon lands, you help with deflation and fold up. Then you are often invited to party with them back at the field [beer is drink of choice, even at 9 am]. Sometimes, you might even be taken up for a ride, although this is at the mercy of the pilot as to who goes up and who doesn't. You don't have to know a pilot, the website will have a place to volunteer and they assign you to a balloon.
Many out of area balloonist don't bring crews and there need help of volunteers.
>What do you like to do - hike, museums, art? Have you been to ABQ before or is this your first trip to SW? That might impact what to recommend.
We like to hike (nothing extreme though) and we are not much of museum fans. Never been to ABQ so we are looking for the must-do/see stuff. Just north of ABQ is Tent Rocks - it is quite a site and not too difficult if you are pretty decent shape: http://balloonfiesta.com/main.php
>ABQ has some wonderful things too - museums, a terrific zoo. Take the tram to top of Sandias; hike Tent Rocks. Go to Old Town if you haven't been.
Zoo will definitely hit the spot for my daughter (she will be 10 by then)
It is a really wonderful zoo. http://www.cabq.gov/visiting.html
Explora! Museum would be a hit with your daughter, as would the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe.
>You need to decide soon, hotel rooms tend to go pretty far in advance.
Any recommendations?
What is your price range? There are many chains along the I 25 corridor near Alameda exit south past Paseo del Norte exit. Holiday Inn Express is closest, LaQuinta is pretty close. As Lee Ann said, there are busses available in a park and ride lot and it is a really easy way to get to and in field - especially for someone not familiar with area.
>Will you rent a car? That will impact what you do and see.
Yes, I plan to rent a car. Unless you tell me it is not worth it. A car is mandatory, I would not rely on public transport for your overall needs.
>Also, you need to know that you need to be at the field before sunrise! The whole morning activities are over by 9 am. Be sure to have a breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun!
Yep, I know that. And I have seen comments about the afternoon naps! LOL
DRESS warmly, in layers, It will be near freezing in the predawn hours and will warm up 20 or more degrees during the day.
Wear sunscreen and drink LOTS of water, the altitude is an issue here.
Deb
Jan 19th, 2009, 06:06 PM
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They normally charge $160. I understand the special-ness of launching from field at Fiesta, but $350?? For a family of 4, well you can do the math. I understand their wanting to "make hay while the sun shines," but..
Deb
Deb
Jan 22nd, 2009, 07:30 PM
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DebitNM,
I agree with you, $350 is outrageous and definitely outside of my budget.
About hotels: I have enough points to stay at a Marriott property. Apparently I have 3 options:
-Residence Inn Albuquerque
-Albuquerque Marriott
-Residence Inn Albuquerque North
It seems that the last one is closest to the launch site. Can you confirm? Any comments about this hotel?
Will do some more research before I post additional questions. Thanks for the many comments!
I agree with you, $350 is outrageous and definitely outside of my budget.
About hotels: I have enough points to stay at a Marriott property. Apparently I have 3 options:
-Residence Inn Albuquerque
-Albuquerque Marriott
-Residence Inn Albuquerque North
It seems that the last one is closest to the launch site. Can you confirm? Any comments about this hotel?
Will do some more research before I post additional questions. Thanks for the many comments!
Jan 22nd, 2009, 08:12 PM
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Residence Inn Albuquerque, in a rather industrial area, this would be least favorable.
Albuquerque Marriott - good location, near lots of restaurants and may be very close to park and ride. [Further from fiesta field than the next once]
Residence Inn Albuquerque North. Closest to park, near lots of restaurants.
Either of the last two would be good, IMHO.
Deb
Albuquerque Marriott - good location, near lots of restaurants and may be very close to park and ride. [Further from fiesta field than the next once]
Residence Inn Albuquerque North. Closest to park, near lots of restaurants.
Either of the last two would be good, IMHO.
Deb
Jan 22nd, 2009, 08:50 PM
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I was at the 2008 Balloon Fiesta, the last weekend. Winds were so high that one of the early balloons that went up - with a pilot said to be one of the more cautious ones - crashed and the pilot was killed. All further flying events for that weekend were canceled.
so, yes, weather is the most dominant factor - and it's hard to say which is a better weekend.
We stayed at the Marriott on Louisiana this last trip and it's a nice hotel. Entrance was a bit tricky but once you get the hang of it, it's OK.
There's also another Marriott, the Marriott Pyramid, further north, which you didn't mention. You might want to look into this Marriott as well.
I've also stayed in the Residence Inn North before, but can't remember a thing about it, so can't help you there.
This last trip we got to meet Ms Pickle with a bonus of Mr Pickle and Junior Pickle thrown in. They are a lovely family and everything Ms Pickle recommends should be tucked away in a treasure chest.
Deb is our resident oracle for New Mexico and a real font of wisdom. We took her suggestion and visited Tent Rocks and she's right - it's not to be missed! If you like to eat, she's got some fantastic recipes!
Enjoy! You're in for a real treat!
so, yes, weather is the most dominant factor - and it's hard to say which is a better weekend.
We stayed at the Marriott on Louisiana this last trip and it's a nice hotel. Entrance was a bit tricky but once you get the hang of it, it's OK.
There's also another Marriott, the Marriott Pyramid, further north, which you didn't mention. You might want to look into this Marriott as well.
I've also stayed in the Residence Inn North before, but can't remember a thing about it, so can't help you there.
This last trip we got to meet Ms Pickle with a bonus of Mr Pickle and Junior Pickle thrown in. They are a lovely family and everything Ms Pickle recommends should be tucked away in a treasure chest.
Deb is our resident oracle for New Mexico and a real font of wisdom. We took her suggestion and visited Tent Rocks and she's right - it's not to be missed! If you like to eat, she's got some fantastic recipes!
Enjoy! You're in for a real treat!
Jan 23rd, 2009, 03:30 AM
#19
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Thanks DebitNM and easytraveler!
I will check on Tent Rocks. Sounds like my kind of place.
Not sure if I get who are the Pickles.
About recipes: My wife is a chef. Maybe I should hook her up to DebitNM? LOL
Anyway, have a good weekend everybody!
I will check on Tent Rocks. Sounds like my kind of place.
Not sure if I get who are the Pickles.
About recipes: My wife is a chef. Maybe I should hook her up to DebitNM? LOL
Anyway, have a good weekend everybody!
Jan 23rd, 2009, 05:46 AM
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Thanks for the kind words, easy!
ElendilPickle is Lee Ann, she posted above. She is an ABQ'er and a lovely lady I have had the pleasure of breaking bread together.
I do love to cook and eat and pride myself on having eaten at ABQ's best [and some of the not so best opps]places and am always happy to share my 2 cents on where to eat.
Having lived in ABQ for 7 years [we still own a home there and have kids and a beautiful granddaughter there], we are there freqently.
In fact, my granddaughter was morning during balloon fiesta! I was driving to the launch site to meet up with my pilot and crew and got the phone call, and had to turn around and head to hospital. Well, I missed that days flight, but let me tell you, I was flying high holding sweet Mia in my arms that afternoon!
Re The Albuquerque Mariott Pyramid - it was being refurbished when we spent a night there in the spring. I didn't care for it that much - it has an atrium set up and the noise just funneled up from the lobby and all the other floors and it was noisy. The noise was not from the refurb, but from people and doors and life in genera.
There is a courtyard right next to pyramid and several Fairfields as well, all marriott properties.
If you have any questions on specific places, ask or email me.
Deb
ElendilPickle is Lee Ann, she posted above. She is an ABQ'er and a lovely lady I have had the pleasure of breaking bread together.
I do love to cook and eat and pride myself on having eaten at ABQ's best [and some of the not so best opps]places and am always happy to share my 2 cents on where to eat.
Having lived in ABQ for 7 years [we still own a home there and have kids and a beautiful granddaughter there], we are there freqently.
In fact, my granddaughter was morning during balloon fiesta! I was driving to the launch site to meet up with my pilot and crew and got the phone call, and had to turn around and head to hospital. Well, I missed that days flight, but let me tell you, I was flying high holding sweet Mia in my arms that afternoon!
Re The Albuquerque Mariott Pyramid - it was being refurbished when we spent a night there in the spring. I didn't care for it that much - it has an atrium set up and the noise just funneled up from the lobby and all the other floors and it was noisy. The noise was not from the refurb, but from people and doors and life in genera.
There is a courtyard right next to pyramid and several Fairfields as well, all marriott properties.
If you have any questions on specific places, ask or email me.
Deb
