Getting to see the Balloon Fiesta
Aug 1st, 2007, 04:56 AM
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Getting to see the Balloon Fiesta
I'm not sure what to do and would appreciate your help since I rely on this site everytime I plan my vacations. 
Unfortunately, I didn't plan this vacation properly; should've added more nights to our trip.
My husband and I are arriving in ALQ on Oct. 9th but planned on heading straight to Santa Fe from there instead of staying in ALQ. Then I realized the balloon fiesta will be going on then but I'm not sure how much we will get to see that day since we are arriving in the afternoon. All the activities are in the early AM.
We didn't plan on staying in ALQ the first night, but did plan on staying one night on the 15th before we have to return back home the next day. Unfortunately, the fiesta will be over by then.
I'm trying to figure out how we can get to see the balloons during our stay. I noticed some of the days have afternoon activities. Would it make sense to drive from Santa Fe or Taos back to ALQ one of those days to get to see some of the activities? I'd hate to miss the fiesta since we will be in the area while it is going on.
As always, I look forward to and appreciate your suggestions.
Unfortunately, I didn't plan this vacation properly; should've added more nights to our trip. My husband and I are arriving in ALQ on Oct. 9th but planned on heading straight to Santa Fe from there instead of staying in ALQ. Then I realized the balloon fiesta will be going on then but I'm not sure how much we will get to see that day since we are arriving in the afternoon. All the activities are in the early AM.
We didn't plan on staying in ALQ the first night, but did plan on staying one night on the 15th before we have to return back home the next day. Unfortunately, the fiesta will be over by then.
I'm trying to figure out how we can get to see the balloons during our stay. I noticed some of the days have afternoon activities. Would it make sense to drive from Santa Fe or Taos back to ALQ one of those days to get to see some of the activities? I'd hate to miss the fiesta since we will be in the area while it is going on.
As always, I look forward to and appreciate your suggestions.
Aug 1st, 2007, 05:23 AM
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If you are anywhere near ALBQ during one of the weekend 'Mass Liftoffs', I sure recommend getting there. They start at dawn and go on & on. Last I knew, there are well over 600 balloons so the sky is filled with color.
Aug 1st, 2007, 07:18 AM
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Hopefully, Moldyhotelsaregross will chime in as she's a regular to the festival, and others, too.
I think that would be a tough day to get up at 5am in Santa Fe in order to arrive early enough to park and see the morning mass ascension. Maybe you could spend the last couple of nights in Albuquerque? ( check threads for that ) There is a lot to do there other than the festival and would be a nice addition to your Santa Fe trip.
(We're making the same trip but the weekend before you.
I think that would be a tough day to get up at 5am in Santa Fe in order to arrive early enough to park and see the morning mass ascension. Maybe you could spend the last couple of nights in Albuquerque? ( check threads for that ) There is a lot to do there other than the festival and would be a nice addition to your Santa Fe trip.
(We're making the same trip but the weekend before you.
Aug 1st, 2007, 12:37 PM
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The afternoon activities are not really what the crowds want to see.
The mass ascensions in the early [chilly] morning and the evening glows are what your really want to observe. The afternoon things [key chases etc] are done mostly to try to keep people in Balloon Fiesta park and entertain them somewhat.
I would offer my suggestion as follows: stay that first night in ABQ [providing you can find a room] and go to the mass ascension. IT is an amazing sight to see 700+ balloons lift off and fill the skies.
Head to Santa Fe after the liftoff and you will still be in SF by midmorning.
The evening glows [called glowdeos, rhymes with rodeos] are pretty neat too and there maybe fireworks too. It is only about 1 hour drive down from Santa Fe under normal circumstances but allow way more time for traffic and parking.
I would NOT come down during the daytime to see the afternoon activities; really not worth it from SF and sure not from Taos.
One more thing to keep in mind. Balloons will not launch if the weather is not perfect. Winds will keep them grounded [as will rain] and it doesn't even have to be that windy. So realize, that staying overnight and going the next morning to see launch depends on weather. You could wake up and hear on the local TV news, that they aren't going up. That is why most folks who go to Fiesta plan on attending more than once; to be sure to see launch.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/indexb.html
Hope this helps..
Debi
The mass ascensions in the early [chilly] morning and the evening glows are what your really want to observe. The afternoon things [key chases etc] are done mostly to try to keep people in Balloon Fiesta park and entertain them somewhat.
I would offer my suggestion as follows: stay that first night in ABQ [providing you can find a room] and go to the mass ascension. IT is an amazing sight to see 700+ balloons lift off and fill the skies.
Head to Santa Fe after the liftoff and you will still be in SF by midmorning.
The evening glows [called glowdeos, rhymes with rodeos] are pretty neat too and there maybe fireworks too. It is only about 1 hour drive down from Santa Fe under normal circumstances but allow way more time for traffic and parking.
I would NOT come down during the daytime to see the afternoon activities; really not worth it from SF and sure not from Taos.
One more thing to keep in mind. Balloons will not launch if the weather is not perfect. Winds will keep them grounded [as will rain] and it doesn't even have to be that windy. So realize, that staying overnight and going the next morning to see launch depends on weather. You could wake up and hear on the local TV news, that they aren't going up. That is why most folks who go to Fiesta plan on attending more than once; to be sure to see launch.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/indexb.html
Hope this helps..
Debi
Aug 2nd, 2007, 02:56 AM
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(uh oh - I just read how much I typed! Be brave... keep reading!)
As always, Debi gives great ABQ advice.
The afternoon events are definitely not on my radar of things to do and I'm a serious "Balloonatic."
Does your schedule allow you to spend the Friday/Saturday of the final weekend in ABQ? In my opinion, those are the best events for the time frame you will be nearby. If you can restructure your trip, I highly recommend that.
Me, I prefer to get a hotel that is very close to the field and drive but you may want to select a hotel that is close to a shuttle route. The traffic will be REALLY BAD on weekends so you will not want to cut your time close. Arrive early and have a breakfast burrito other other concession yummy. Just look for the long lines and you've often selected well. There are many repeat vendors with faithful clientele.
If you don't have your rental car yet, don't delay. The rates have already doubled since I booked mine in January. I imagine this year will be like all the others and still expect a $20+ increase per day.
If you are interested in a flight in a hot air balloon, call Rainbow Ryders. You will see a link to them on the Fiesta website. They are the only vendor authorized to sell rides from the field. There are other companies that charge less but they are leaving far from the action.
Be sure you have plenty of film or memory cards and fresh batteries. You will not be able to take just a few photographs!
If you have the time, search my name to see lots of posts on ABQ. This is nearly a yearly trip for me and I've been given lots of great advice of other things to see/do and some GREAT places to eat in ABQ.
Also, on a personal level - take a look at the Special Shapes pin that is available for sale on the Fiesta webpage. The Panda special shape balloon is my friend's latest addition. She is so excited to have him and it is such an honor for her to have Pandy pictured on that pin.
As always, Debi gives great ABQ advice.
The afternoon events are definitely not on my radar of things to do and I'm a serious "Balloonatic."
Does your schedule allow you to spend the Friday/Saturday of the final weekend in ABQ? In my opinion, those are the best events for the time frame you will be nearby. If you can restructure your trip, I highly recommend that.
Me, I prefer to get a hotel that is very close to the field and drive but you may want to select a hotel that is close to a shuttle route. The traffic will be REALLY BAD on weekends so you will not want to cut your time close. Arrive early and have a breakfast burrito other other concession yummy. Just look for the long lines and you've often selected well. There are many repeat vendors with faithful clientele.
If you don't have your rental car yet, don't delay. The rates have already doubled since I booked mine in January. I imagine this year will be like all the others and still expect a $20+ increase per day.
If you are interested in a flight in a hot air balloon, call Rainbow Ryders. You will see a link to them on the Fiesta website. They are the only vendor authorized to sell rides from the field. There are other companies that charge less but they are leaving far from the action.
Be sure you have plenty of film or memory cards and fresh batteries. You will not be able to take just a few photographs!
If you have the time, search my name to see lots of posts on ABQ. This is nearly a yearly trip for me and I've been given lots of great advice of other things to see/do and some GREAT places to eat in ABQ.
Also, on a personal level - take a look at the Special Shapes pin that is available for sale on the Fiesta webpage. The Panda special shape balloon is my friend's latest addition. She is so excited to have him and it is such an honor for her to have Pandy pictured on that pin.
Aug 2nd, 2007, 04:30 AM
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Thanks everyone for the great advice! I will try and see if we can stay the first night in ALQ (if we can get a reservation) and just take a night away from Taos. Right now we are staying 4 nights in Santa Fe and 2 in Taos with our last night in ALQ.
Also, thanks for letting me know about the price hikes on the car rental. We haven't called to reserve yet and really should do it ASAP! I completely forgot about the weather.
This is our first trip to New Mexico so I'm trying to get everything in within the 7 days we have!
Also, thanks for letting me know about the price hikes on the car rental. We haven't called to reserve yet and really should do it ASAP! I completely forgot about the weather.
This is our first trip to New Mexico so I'm trying to get everything in within the 7 days we have!
Aug 2nd, 2007, 04:36 AM
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Re: car rentals -
Some of the websites may show no availability at this time. I'd suggest giving them a call to see if that is truly the case. I remember Enterprise showing that message months ago and there was no problem reserving directly through them.
Some of the websites may show no availability at this time. I'd suggest giving them a call to see if that is truly the case. I remember Enterprise showing that message months ago and there was no problem reserving directly through them.
Aug 2nd, 2007, 04:50 AM
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According to the Embassy Suites' website it is close to the University.
Since you are planning on going to the field on a weekday, you shouldn't have as much trouble with the traffic. If it were a weekend, I would definitely stay closer.
If you will be in that area, I'll definitely have to find the name of a few restaurants for you. One had the most unbelievable bacon. Not a fancy place... but really good breakfast.
Since you are planning on going to the field on a weekday, you shouldn't have as much trouble with the traffic. If it were a weekend, I would definitely stay closer.
If you will be in that area, I'll definitely have to find the name of a few restaurants for you. One had the most unbelievable bacon. Not a fancy place... but really good breakfast.
Aug 2nd, 2007, 05:29 AM
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Embassy Suites is a straight shot up the interestate from park, but there will be lots of traffic on that road for early morning launches and night activities.
Holiday Inn Express [on Alameda] is really close, but may well be sold out.
I would try to book a hotel close to the Park & Ride lots that Moldy mentioned. They are further away from the park, but the ease and convenience for using this feature can't be beat - especially for a first-time.
You can stay in Rio Rancho, which has a number of motels and it is the closest Park & Ride location. There are many places to eat in RR too [it's where I used to live] Hotels: Hilton Garden inn on rt 528 (rio Rancho blvd) is right across the street from the park and ride site) and would be my first choice. There's a Comfort Inn also on rt528, that just took over a Ramada Inn, not sure if they did any upgrades.
My second choice would be to use the Park & ride at Hoffmantown Church in the NE part of ABQ. There are quite a few motels in that area too.{Hotels: quite a few places that are nice on San Antonio Blvd-- Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Quality by Choice}
Third Choice would be the Coronado mall lot, as there are many restaurant options in and around mall and hotels too. {Sheraton on Menaul Blvd, Radisson on Carlisle, ABQ Marriott on Louisiana, LA Quinta on San Mateo, Homewood Suites by Hilton on Arvada, Amerisuites on Aravada}.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/Guests/...arkandride.php
Moldy is also right about launches on weekend in that they are mass ascensions but that also means huges crowds. I would check the online calendar to see the dates and what is available.
I personally would juggle my calendar and stay 1 night in Taos, 3 in Santa Fe and pick up those extra days in ABQ area or at least one afternoon driving down from Santa Fe, watch a glowdeo, stay overnight in ABQ and then watch mass ascension and head back to SF if you wanted.
Not sure what types of activities you are look to do, but ABQ has lots to offer too.
Debi
Holiday Inn Express [on Alameda] is really close, but may well be sold out.
I would try to book a hotel close to the Park & Ride lots that Moldy mentioned. They are further away from the park, but the ease and convenience for using this feature can't be beat - especially for a first-time.
You can stay in Rio Rancho, which has a number of motels and it is the closest Park & Ride location. There are many places to eat in RR too [it's where I used to live] Hotels: Hilton Garden inn on rt 528 (rio Rancho blvd) is right across the street from the park and ride site) and would be my first choice. There's a Comfort Inn also on rt528, that just took over a Ramada Inn, not sure if they did any upgrades.
My second choice would be to use the Park & ride at Hoffmantown Church in the NE part of ABQ. There are quite a few motels in that area too.{Hotels: quite a few places that are nice on San Antonio Blvd-- Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Quality by Choice}
Third Choice would be the Coronado mall lot, as there are many restaurant options in and around mall and hotels too. {Sheraton on Menaul Blvd, Radisson on Carlisle, ABQ Marriott on Louisiana, LA Quinta on San Mateo, Homewood Suites by Hilton on Arvada, Amerisuites on Aravada}.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/Guests/...arkandride.php
Moldy is also right about launches on weekend in that they are mass ascensions but that also means huges crowds. I would check the online calendar to see the dates and what is available.
I personally would juggle my calendar and stay 1 night in Taos, 3 in Santa Fe and pick up those extra days in ABQ area or at least one afternoon driving down from Santa Fe, watch a glowdeo, stay overnight in ABQ and then watch mass ascension and head back to SF if you wanted.
Not sure what types of activities you are look to do, but ABQ has lots to offer too.
Debi
