Hannah

I be going during Balloon Festival to ABQ & Santa Fe. Any recommendations for live music, in town parties or festivals.

There are so many recommendations for resturants my mouth is watering already.

ann

I am also a 1st timer and have no info,
on when it is or where it is in Alb.N.M.
can you point me in the right direction

J T Kirk

I'd check out the Old Town section of Albuquerque. There are some neat old bars and restaurants there. I'd imagine, although I've never been there at that time of year, that the place is a'hoppin'.

abqdeb

Check out this website for details about the Fiesta http://www.aibf.org/

It is truly a fantastic event. I have lived here for 26 years and have never tired of the spectacle. However.... the crowds are enormous! Please take the Park & Ride transportation. It's the only way to go. Wear good walking shoes. Get there early
(early is BEFORE 6:00 AM)! Have a breakfast burrito and watch the activities. Bring a lot of extra film... you will need it. The weekdays are less crowded, but the show is smaller. Be sure to catch a mass ascension and a balloon glow. The special shapes rodeo is lots of fun too. If you are here for the week, I suggest you go the first weekend. You just never know what the weather will do and if the wind blows a lot, you;re SOL.

Activities? There are plenty, but probably better to check the internet and newspaper when it gets closer. The whole town gets very jammed for the Fiesta, so better to make dinner reservations if you have your heart set on somewhere in particular. Mexican joints don't generally take reservations, so plan on a wait or go early. It'll be blast. Be sure to pack warm clothes for the morning.

Deb

Steph

Question for Deb: I, too am going to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival - first time visit to NM. Can you recommend any good restaurants? Also, just how cold might it be in the morning? Thanks.

abqdeb

Steph,

Sorry it took so long to reply... just now saw your post. Temperature varies greatly, so you'll have to check closer to Fiesta time. Feel free to email me when you're ready to pack and I'll do what I can to help. Basically, wear layers. it starts out cold in the early morning, but as the sun comes up, it can get quite warm. A sweatshirt should do it, but some years a heavier jacket, gloves and hat were necessary!
What kind of restaurants are you looking for? Give me some help. Upscale? Mexican? Price range?
The Fiesta is a fabulous event! You will be thrilled to see it, I'm sure!
Deb

Steph

Hi Deb, Thank you for the weather info,
and for the offer of additional help.
As for restaurants, I was just wondering what some of the favorites of a "local" are. Moderately priced, I imagine I'll want to focus on Mexican, or Southwestern, but if you know of any others that are exceptional, that's good too. Thanks again.

abqdeb

Steph,

Some of the favorites are Sadie's and Los Cuates for New Mexican. neither take reservations and both are very crowded, especially at balloon time. More "touristy", but a nice atmosphere is El Pinto. They have one of the nicest patios in town. The food's not as good as the others, but it's a much nicer place. All are moderate in price, as just about all Mexican food is. The food is hot at Sadie's and L.C. So if you can't take that much heat, El Pinto might be a better choice. Another option for popular spots is Garduno's. There are several locations, but the food is best on 4th Street. Hope it helps! Deb

Neil Canavan

Forget Sadies. I stopped going sfter they moved out of the bowling alley. As for El Pintos, the first time I ate there was thirty years ago, and although it's grown, and the new decor is a bit garish, the food is excellent and the location most beautiful.

Steph

Deb, Neil: We did end up eating one
dinner at El Pinto; I thought it was very good (didn't eat at the other places, so I can't compare) And, thanks again, Deb for the clothing/weather advice. I ended up wearing a light winter jacket and gloves for the opening day mass ascension and that was perfect.

Fines

Try "High Noon" in old town Albuquerque. Cool building, very friendly and I loved my food.