Kev and I had such a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Albuquerque, and I wanted to share this last post highlighting just a few more of our favorite things we did in case you’ve been inspired to check out this fabulous little town, too. These are some definite must-sees if you’re ever anywhere near the area.
Of course the very first thing we did was ride the Sandia Peak Tram! Remember the Sandia mountains that turn bright pink at sunset? You can take the world’s longest tramway up to the top of the peak for a fantastic view of the mountains and city below.
Here’s a glimpse of our view on the tram, the mountains were gorgeous all covered in the December snow.
We made it to the top! It was completely COVERED in snow!
Oh my gosh, can you believe this view??
There was a little ski area at the top that opens when the mountain gets enough snow, I would have LOVED to take a couple of runs here! I don’t think Kev could’ve stopped me if I’d been dressed for it. :)
Okay, let’s talk food. If you are looking for some seriously delicious New Mexican style pizza, you’ve got to check out Golden Crown Panaderia. This is how New Mexico does pizza. Not only does this little bakery have fabulous, thick, chewy pizza loaded with toppings, but they give every customer who walks in the door a biscochito, the official state cookie of New Mexico. How can you not love that?? :) Choose from delicious crusts like blue corn, green chile, or whole wheat peasant. Whatever you decide, be sure to get green chiles on your pizza! Yum!
On Saturday morning I was thrilled to get the chance to met up with my friend and fellow blogger Katie from Good Life Eats and her sweet family! We had brunch at the Flying Star Cafe, and my gosh you guys — this brunch was amazing! I had the Fabulous French Toast, and I am so sorry to say I snarfed it down before snapping a picture. But I loved every single bite, it definitely ranks up there with some of my favorite french toast. They had a fabulous looking bakery case as well, so you know we had to check that out after breakfast. Pictured here is the Rio Grande Mud Pie with a supremely fudgy browie layer topped with buttery caramel and whipped cream. I have to say, that fudgy brownie layer was pretty life changing, I’ve never had anything so gooey and chocolaty. Make it your mission to try this fantastic pie as soon as possible.
After brunch Katie and I had to check out the Albuquerque cupcake scene! Everywhere had such cute cupcakes all decked out for Christmas. These cuties are from Cake Fetish.
How cute was this little cupcake shoppe? This is Cupcakeology.
On our last day in Albuquerque we made our way to the Petroglyph National Monument and hiked the short Mesa Point Trail at Boca Negra Canyon. The trail was quite interesting and filled with complex images carved by early Pueblo and Spanish settlers in the area. We enjoyed this short little hike and pointing out all the petroglyphs.
At the top of the trail was another beautiful view of the city and the Sandia Mountains. This would have made for a gorgeous spot to watch the sun set as well, I am definitely coming back here next time!
Here is a panoramic view of the beautiful Albuquerque skyline from Boca Negra Canyon.
Hope you enjoyed this little peek at Albuquerque! If you’re looking for a refreshing weekend getaway filled with fabulous views, delicious food, and quiet luxury, definitely check out Albuquerque. We fell in love in four short days.
Plan Your Perfect Weekend Getaway in Albuquerque
Where to Stay
Los Poblanos Ranch Bed and Breakfast
What to Do
Sandia Peak Tram
Beautiful views of the city and mountains.
Ghost Tour of Old Town
This one is just fun, a cute little shopping area as well.
Volcanoes Area of Petroglyph National Monument
Easy hike, beautiful views, and a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset. Here’s a map to where we parked.
Boca Negra Canyon area of Petroglyph National Monument
A short, easy hike filled with beautiful views and ancient drawings from early settlers. Here’s a map to where we parked.
Check out ItsATrip.org for a schedule of all the current activities to see and do in Albuquerque, that’s how we found out about the River of Lights.
Where to Eat
St James Tea Room
This one is a must! It is worth planning a whole trip around. Make reservations early, they fill up fast.
Golden Crown Panaderia
How New Mexico does Pizza. Delicious!
Flying Star Cafe
Multiple locations throughout Albuquerque, we ate at the one closest to the Los Poblanos Ranch. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Open late for hot chocolate. Save room for dessert!
Great Post!!! I truly believe that there is much more to explore new places. The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.
My son’s 2nd birthday was at Flying Star and my daughter’s will be as well, this December. I hope you got to try Sadie’s! And don’t forget our State Question: Red, Green, or Christmas. Loved these.
Eu amo Albuquerque.Espero ver neve em outubro de 2012. Não fui em 2011 então não vi.
beijos
Janice Dias – Brasil
I went home for the holiday season. I never realized how great my home town is. I especially loved everything to include finding a parking space, having a driveway and garage, good old New Mexican food, a New Mexico X-mas meal filled with tamales, pinto beans and posole. The weather not two words but beautiful. Yes, the Sandias worth still taking pictures of, locking the keys in the car, while taking a great shot of new snow on the mountain. Miss home and I will return again. It will always be home. Sad to see it keeps on growing.
Those are some absolutely breathtaking images …. I especially love the 3rd one!!!
Albuquerque has never been one of those cities that’s actually been on my radar, but your posts have certainly shed new light and piqued my curiosity. Looks like there is a lot more to do and see than I would have realized on my own :)
Oh this place looks so amazing and the food sounds and looks so delicious ! Hope this New Year brings you an abundance of blessings!!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. We were fortunate to have a vacation in NM many years ago – found it so vastly different from our home in Washington State. Loved driving the backroads (the “Turquoise Trail”) from Albuqurque to Santa Fe and would love to go back again. Banderlier National Monument was one of our favorite places to visit … and my husband loved ordering the “Christmas” salsa (that’s when you get red and green!).
I was in Albuquerque many years ago- in the summer. Your winter photos are stunning! And Cupcakeology looks wonderful. . .
Really love that photo of you and Kevin. Fabulous colors to accompany a fabulous couple!
I enjoyed the fantastic views you shot of that place and also the food looked great! Great pic of you and Kevin….love your boots!
You must have had a lot of fun! Those pictures are BEAUTIFUL!! My favorite Albuquerque post was about the tea room. Those little potatoes were so cute :) I look forward to your next post.
Stunning photos…
Thank you so much for this post. I have been wanting to visit Albuquerque for a long time and this just sealed the deal.
Oh my goodness, I do not think I could ever get enough courage to go that high up in the air. Just thinking about it makes me queasy. Such beautiful pictures though! I’m so envious of your travels. And, I totally love living vicariously through your blogs & photographs. Thank you so much for sharing! :)
I think this is the place of the big Air Balloon Fest, which I have been dying to see. Now this article makes it all the more appealing. Thanks!!
I grew up in ABQ though I live in the NW now. Any chance you ate at The Range? It really is one of my favorite places. Next time plan your visit on on the first two weekends of October and you can see the Balloon Fiesta – amazing!
WOW! What beautiful pictures of God’s Creation. Thank you for sharing.
Looks like so much fun, and I have your coat in red, love it!!!!
i’m so glad y’all had fun in Albuquerque! we used to go there all the time when i was growing up (it was only about 5 hours from where we lived in Texas) and always had such a great time. Sandia peak is one of my favorite memories!
It’s a beautiful place indeed. I enjoyed all your posts on your Albuquerque getaway
What a great post and lovely pics, as usual. I have never been to Abq but you just made me want to plan a trip!
Albuquerque…. I’ve heard from you first and I loved it.I share my blog with your pics and your adress.Other people loved too.We want to go with my husband, if we have time.:)especially we want to go St. James Tea Room :)) We love it.we’ve said “maÅŸallah”, to avoid the evil eye. I said to you “maÅŸallah”:))
Happy New Year…
xoxo:)