I am happy that ABQ has been picked in the top 10! It is a great place for those who love outdoors, but for those who love the SW's diverse culture, arts, and food.

"America's Best Cities--
Healthy. That's the word we kept coming back to. And we don’t mean a fit or skinny population; we’re talking about a city’s cultural vibrancy, economic well-being, and overall quality of life. Presenting our picks for the 10 best cities in America."

http://outside.away.com/outside/dest...buquerque.html

Read about it and the other 9 choices.

Deb

Good choice.

I also like Austin and Atlanta. Don't know the other ones.

That was interesting Deb. ABQ and Santa Fe are on my to-do list!
I am a big cyclist junkie and I was interested to learn that Portland, OR is a great place to live if you love to bike - over 300 miles of bike friendly trails in and around the city and they make more custom bikes than anywhere else.

Let me know if you head this way, anne. I can help with plans and maybe we can have a GTG!

Deb

Thanks for posting that link, Deb. I'm up for a GTG!


Lee Ann

I am up for a GTG too! Perhaps this late Fall or winter?

Let's start planning!

Great to hear about ABQ being #6 - it is one of my favorite places. The weather is just ideal! Love the cool mornings and evenings.

I'm up for a gtg, too! I think I'll be back in Santa Fe either October or the early part of November.

I need to get down to Albuquerque again. It's been too long!

I will be in ABQ 10/29 for sure and then be around for awhile after that. Sounds like a GTG in the making!
Deb

DebitNM - in our book, Albuquerque is an oft overlooked and underrated destination for great outdoors activities too. As I just posted, some of our favorite eats there are two funky places near the airport in the vicinity of the University of New Mexico campus:

Frontier Restaurant (it's an original - especially for breakfast) at 2400 Central SE:

www.frontierrestaurant.com

and really good New Mexican-style Mexican food at El Patio, where you can sit inside or outside, weather permitting, at 142 Harvard SE (cash only).

Hiking the La Luz trail or taking the Sandia Tramway up to the top of Sandia Peak there are old favorites.

Plus, it's just a stone's throw up to Santa Fe and Taos for good skiing, hiking, and river rafting.

Now tell me some good restaurants in Cortez, Colorado and vicinity.

You are preaching to the choir, MRand! I always try to encourage visitors to take advantage of all the ABQ has to offer. Having lived there since 7/2001, I love it.

OK, now to your next question. I have been meaning to do a favorite restaurant list for Durango/Cortez area. I will put something together and start a new thread!

Deb

Here you go, MRand:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm

and

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm

Deb

I wonder if Southwest Air flies there from STL. I should have a free ticket soon after some upcoming business trips.
I will look at my conference schedule too to make sure there are no overlaps.
I think this might coem together!!

Will need to talk to you Deb or Beachgirl to see where to stay!
We can talk via FB too ( but I dont go to it often)

STL to ABQ on Southwest, you bet! Lots of flights, even a non-stop that gets you there in under 3 hours! Most go through DAL or HOU.

Deb

I just checked too and there is even a round trip for under $220!
What about a day of the weekend of - Friday Oct 30 - Sunday Nov 1? Or Nov 14 for a GTG?
Keep your thoughts coming!

Sounds good - my schedule is free.

Lee Ann

I looked at a website for a spa last night (not to stay but just to have a stone massage, etc) in Santa Fe that looked fabulous - Cant find it now - darn it.

Probably need to start a new thread for a GTG!

I like the green chiles in the food -- all the food.

Ten thousand Waves is one of the nicest in SF area.

tenthousandwaves.com

Deb

Very surprised by Charlotte, Cincinnati & Atlanta's inclusion. I reside in Charlotte and revel in the fact that I am 1.5 hours to the Mts. + a litle over 3 hours to the beach. But Charlotte itself (much like its big Sister Atlanta) is troubled w/a lack of infrastructure, planning & uncontrolled growth. I would very much like to see the criteria that was used. The small towns (list) make much more sense too me.