Tag Archives: New Mexico

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – New Mexico

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Albuquerque Balloons and MoreBalloon Liftoff

Clear blue New Mexico skies splashed with vibrant color, cottonwoods lining the Rio Grande River turned to a rich gold, the aroma of roasted chiles – October in Albuquerque. For nine days more than 600 hot air balloons take flight from Balloon Fiesta Park with tens of thousands of appreciative spectators craning necks skyward. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 3-11, 2009 draws balloon pilots and visitors from around the world.

Ideal hot air ballooning conditions occur in the early morning hours after sunrise. Headlight leads our way to the park each day. I’m not a great morning person but as soon as we walk among the balloons preparing for liftoff  I shed any grumpiness from my own early rising. Weather permitting, ascensions are scheduled each morning at 7am, hundreds and hundreds of hot air balloons drift oSpecial Shapes Balloonsver Albuquerque on weekends.

Wednesday’s Flight of the Nations features International balloons from nearly 20 countries – Slovenia to South Africa, Brazil to Israel. Competitions and prize grabs challenge balloon pilots on other days.

Special shape balloons take to the skies Thursday and Friday mornings. Four new shapes join 83 returning favorites. Stinky the Skunk, Lady Joker, a fire engine and as a tribute to Army aviation history Eddie and Rickenbacker make their Fiesta debut in 2009. Only the ever popular and sometimes utterly amazing special shapes lift off from the field those nights and participate in the evening Glowdeo.

Night skies light up with balloon glows five evenings during the Fiesta. The sight may be even more spectacular than morning ascensions, well worth returning to Balloon Fiesta Park in late afternoon. A firework show caps each of the evening sessions after the glows.Blue Balloon

Most morning everyone’s packing up and heading out of the park by ten o’clock, there’s still a perfect autumn day ahead for additional events. Albuquerque easily entertains her guests with a full slate of activities, scenery, museums, culture and arts. Worthy of attention any time of year, I share ideas in the immediate area we’ve enjoyed and that  fit nicely into Balloon Fiesta’s schedule.

Click each activity to read more about the delightful options.

More activities posted soon.

Corrales, New Mexico

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So Near – Yet A World Away

One of our favorite Albuquerque area destinations is the nearby village of Corrales. Although suburbia quickly approaches, Corrales maintains its 300-year-old rural ambiance along the banks of the Rio Grande River. In the fall roadside stands San Ysidro Church - Corralesoffer pumpkins, apples, pears, and jugs of cider.

Photographers and artists gravitate to the Old San Ysidro Church. The picturesque restored adobe now serves as a community center. A stroll through the annual fine arts exhibit that coincides with Balloon Fiesta enriches a leisurely afternoon.

The village supports a number of unique galleries and shops. We always like to stop into the artist-owned Corrales Bosque Gallery. Among the original works from jewelry to visual arts in a variety of media there’s always something that captures my imagination. Hanselmann Pottery sells their wares on the honor system. I’m not a quilter but love to walk through the colorful fabrics at Quilts Ole.

Casa San Ysidro - Interior Behind adobe walls, Casa San Ysidro holds a treasure trove of early New Mexico. The replicated rancho was home to Alan and Shirley Minge from 1953-1997. Today the rambling house, furnishings, and extensive historic and artistic collections are an extension of the Albuquerque Museum. From the kitchen’s wood-burning cookstove to the altar in the capilla, or chapel, tours (by reservation) relate the fascinating stories behind artifacts and architectural details.

Locally owned restaurants, wineries and bed and breakfasts ensure creature comforts while we savor the rural New Mexico ambiance.

Hanselmann Pottery – Corrales, New Mexico

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Pottery Purchases on the Honor System

While visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, we often drive to Corrales for lunch and shopping.

Peering in the window at Hanselmann Pottery we spotted shapes and glazes much to our likingCinnamon Pottery. A bulletin board with purchasing instructions stands near the entrance. To our amazement, this unattended shop works on the honor system.

The Allen brothers, Tim and Fritz, have conducted business with this unique method since 1970. They stay busy in the on-site studio creating pottery dinnerware and accessories. The self-serve gallery keeps prices near wholesale cost.

A pattern named Cinnamon appeals to me with its earthtones and teal. I believe someone on my Christmas list would prefer Lavender Sky. What a fun way to shop for holiday gifts! Hanselmann Pie Plate

Instructions cover procedures for payment by cash, check and charge. We completed a sales form with pot ID# and price, added the total – tax is included in the price – sealed form and check in envelope, and deposited it into the designated slot. Packaging materials and a worktable are available for wrapping purchases. We left with our arms filled with pots and hearts warmed by the trusting, honor system way of doing business.

Hanselmann Pottery located at 4908 Corrales Road, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Albuquerque is  open 24/7 year round. We can also purchase from home 24/7 via their website.

Photos from Hanselmann Pottery.

Old Town Museums – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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So Much to Explore!

Three outstanding facilities stand without walking distance of each other. It couldn’t be easier to explore art, history, science, technology, natural history and astronomy. Time and energy runs out before we can do it all; but, the journey proves fascinating.

 

Albq Museum

 

Albuquerque Museum of Art & History An outstanding permanent collection and excellent temporary exhibits make this a repeat experience when visiting the city. A permanent exhibit, Four Centuries, covers 400 years of history in Albuquerque. The museum’s art collection emphasizes contemporary and historic regional artists. We’ve been fortunate enough to see several quality visiting exhibits over the years. The outdoor sculpture garden presents numerous styles and genres. Guided tours of galleries and garden are available. The education department sponsors informative walking tours of Old Town.

 

Explora! – An incredible, hands-on experience awaits learners of all ages interested in science, technology and art. Robotics lab to interactive fountain, principles of sound, motion, or electricity, this is a learning laboratory that fascinates tiny tots to senior citizens – a perfect multi-generation spot. Explora! is so popular with adults they get periodic adult-only Friday nights scheduled just for them. Visitors get so involved they spend twice as long as planned. This is truly an exception facility – a “have-to-do” while in Albuquerque.

  Explora3   Explora2Explora1

 

Dinosaur enthusiasts find the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science a must stop. We explore an ice cave, stand inside a volcano and ride the “EvolaAlb Natural History Museumtor” for a Journey Through Time, from Origins 200 million years ago to the Ice Age. Collections include the world’s longest dinosaur and oldest mammal fossil.

Within the museum, the Astronomy Center showcases a 55-foot diameter planetarium dome and high-definition imagery to explore our universe – and beyond. Permanent exhibits, Space Frontier and Making Tracks on Mars leads us through space exploration.

Wise visitors include a Dynatheater show during their touring. Sitting back to watch the giant screen presentation offers the perfect way to rest without wasting a minute. Mummies: Secrets of the Past is the current feature.

Albuquerque Wineries – New Mexico

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Taste of the Vine

Casa Rondena Winery Several wineries dot the Albuquerque landscape. Vineyards surrounded by ancient cottonwoods mark Casa Rondena in the North Valley village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. The estate with a distinctive Old World ambiance welcomes tasters. The winery’s red wines – especially the Meritage Red, Cabernet Franc and Clarion – reflect vintner John Calvin’s dedication to quality. Savvy visitors bring a sandwich or picnic lunch to enjoy the lovely setting with a bottle of their favorite vintage.

Travelers along I-25 in Albuquerque are frequently surprised to find one of the countries largest producers of sparkling wines at Gruet Winery. Members of the  Gruet family came from France more than 20 years ago to establish the winery focusing on sparkling wines made in the tradiGruet Winerytional champagne method. Today they produce seven different sparkling wines plus several still wines. The tasting room is open Monday through Saturday with tours of the facility at 2 p.m.

The New Mexico Wine Growers Association lists other wineries located near Albuquerque.

Cultural Centers – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Celebrating Cultures of New Mexico

Native DancersNortheast of Old Town, the  Indian Pueblo Cultural Center entertains and educates with a hands-on children’s facility, museum, and guided tours. Drummers and dancers from New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos give performances of traditional dances in the enclosed courtyard. Museum displays trace the development of each Pueblo’s culture and showcases arts and crafts distinctive to each group – a good primer before hitting the gift shops where a wide selection of authentic artwork, jewelry and pottery await selection. Breakfast and lunch menu items at the Pueblo Harvest Cafe reflect Native American and Southwestern influences. Highly recommended are the blue corn pancakes, Tiwa Taco or stone ground corn fries.

Special programming during the annual Balloon Fiesta include daily Native dance performances and demonstrations by noted Pueblo artists, Native film screenings and a frybread stand. More than 50 artists participate in the Indian Art Market October 3-4, 2009.

Flags at Nt. Hispanic Cener The National Hispanic Cultural Center celebrates the visual, literary, media and performing arts of the deep Hispanic roots and influences on the Southwest. The Art Museum exhibits works from the expanding permanent collection as well as themed temporary shows of traditional and contemporary art. Programming at the Roy E. Disney Center for the Performing Arts features  dance, music, theatre, storytelling, puppet shows and film. Annual fiestas and festivals in the center’s Plaza Mayor honors Hispanic holidays and cultural traditions.

Alb - Nt. Hispanic Center

The center’s La Fonda del Bosque Restaurant has been  cited as one of the country’s 50 best Hispanic restaurants. Breakfast, lunch or Sunday Brunch with live music delights diners seeking authentic regional cuisine. Weather permitting, the tree-shaded courtyard provides the perfect setting to partake of the daily buffet or order traditional favorites from the full menu.

Albuquerque Biological Park – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Albuquerque Biological Park

Rio Grande Botanic Garden - TruckBotanic garden, aquarium and zoo form the Albuquerque Biological Park encompassing two locations. Walks through the Rio Grande Botanic Garden please the eye. The walled Spanish-Moorish Garden with a blue-tiled fountain soothes the senses. Curative herbs and plants used as traditional remedies abound in the Curandera Garden. The only requirement for entering the Children’s Fantasy Garden is to be young-at-heart. Based on an “Alice in Wonderland” theme the make-believe world includes a giant rabbit hole with 6-foot earthworms burrowing into walls, 11-foot watering can and a two-story “walk-in” pumpkin complete with oversize seeds and stringy “stuff.”

Alb AquariumNext to the gardens, the Albuquerque Aquarium follows a journey down the Rio Grande River from Albuquerque to the Gulf of Mexico. From fresh water riverine to deep ocean marine habitats are highlighted along the journey. Moon jellies mesmerize at my favorite exhibit. But, it’s hard to ignore the seemingly sinister residents in the shark tank – brown, sandtiger, blacktip and nurse sharks.

 

The Rio Grande Zoo offers close encounters with over 250 species of native and exotic animals. One of the newest additiBaby Elephant - Rio Grande Zooons is Daizy, a female Asian elephant calf born September 2, 2009, weighing in at 318 pounds. Most days visitors can meet Daizy and mom Rozie in the main elephant yard between 10am-noon and 2-4pm, depending on the weather and baby’s energy. Popular zoo features include Tropical America, Gator Swamp and Africa filling six acres with 17 separate exhibits.                                                                         

 

Photo of Daizy courtesy Rio Grande Zoo.   

Taos Fall Art Festival – New Mexico

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Art, Art and More Art

Always a major focus in Taos, the local art community ramps it up a notch September 25th with the opening of the 35th annual Taos Fall Art Festival. Three shows at the Taos Convention Center highlight the works of Taos County artists duringTaos - Kilborn Opening the two week festival.

The region has hosted a large concentration of artists for more than a century. Works in the three shows are all by artists who live at least 75% of the year in Taos County. The works of emerging artists or those living in the region for at least one year can be seen in the Taos Open show. Artists living in the county for at least five years and whose portfolios have been accepted by the jury committee are featured in the Taos Invites Taos show. A special exhibition, Taos Living Masters, highlights the works of nationally and internationally recognized artists who have been residents for at least 15 years. The inclusive shows represent local Hispanic culture, as well as the Pueblo and Anglo communities. All works in the three show are for sale. Patrons will see the latest from known favorites and  discovery the up-and-comingTaos - Plein Air Painter new masters.

The exhibitions open with a reception Friday evening, September 25th, at 5pm in the Taos Convention Center, 120 Civic Plaza Dr. A feature this fall will be artists creating new works in the venue. The show can be view daily through October 12th from 10am-5pm.

Fall is a favorite time for a Taos visit with sunny days, evenings with a slight nip in the air, whiffs of pinon wood fires, and flowering chamisa. Taos museums and galleries feature special exhibits such as a one person show by Teruko Wilde at Total Arts Gallery or Walt Gonske and Jerry Jordan at Parsons Gallery of the West. Both have artists receptions on September 26. Join in the celebration of Taos art.Taos - Jirby Gallery

 

When You Go: For information to plan your Taos visit contact the Taos Chamber of Commerce Convention and Tourist Bureau. 

 

 

*Travel Log* – July 26, 2009 – Taos, New Mexico

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Nearly Perfect

Orlando's Front Door The drive from Denver to Taos couldn’t have been easier; or, legally faster. Just 4-1/2 hours after pulling out of the driveway we were pulling into Orlando’s parking lot for lunch in Taos. This is a personal favorite for great Northern New Mexico cuisine. Watch for an Orlando’s blog tomorrow.

We rented an adobe casita, Casa de Las Abuelas, for the week sight unseen. No disappointments here, I already know I won’t want to leave at the end of the week. A detailed blog will follow soon.

Casita Patio

After an orientation for the Stephen Kilborn painting workshop Bob’s attending  this week we joined friends Dolores and Orrel for dinner at Doc Martins in the Taos Inn.

The day’s been a nearly perfect start to a much anticipated week. After a rather difficult summer I’m not even going to feel guilty as I unwind, rest, dine and seek the perfect margarita.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Visit Las Cruces

las-cruces-gate-in-adobe-wallThere’s plenty to do in the Las Cruces area to warrant several days in the area. Las Cruces ranks as the second largest city in New Mexico – yes, larger than Santa Fe – and home to New Mexico State University. You’l lfind an active art scene for both visual and performing arts. Numerous publications and organizations have pronounced Las Cruces a "Dream Town" for retirement and one of the best college towns for retirement. Golf courses and a purported 350 days a year of sunshine add to the appeal.

las-cruces-old-mesillaThe town lies west of the Organ Mountains along the Rio Grande River. White Sands National Monument is 45 miles east. Historic Old Mesilla, once a major trading center, is a popular destination with shops and restaurants around a public plaza. Fort Selden State Monument and nearby ghost towns attract history buffs. Don’t overlook  the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum – definitely worth a stop.

las-cruces-chilesLocated in the center of the heart of chile-growing country we find delicious, authentic Mexican food. Many family owned restaurants use recipes handed down for generations. Especially on weekends, dinner may be accompanied by a live mariachi band. Several wineries welcome visitors to tasting rooms and wine festivals.  Then there’s my favorite – Stahmann Farms for gourmet pecans.

Las Cruses is located in southern New Mexico at the junction of I-25 and I-10, 38 miles west of El Paso, Texas.

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Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces, New Mexico