In this “Under The Radar Destination” column, Travelocity spoke with Jina Michael-Smith, whose love for her hometown of Albuquerque is only slightly surpassed by her love of green chiles, to get the inside scoop on this quintessential Southwest city.
How did you come to be an expert on Albuquerque?
I’m a proud native Albuquerquean! I lived there for 28 years before relocating to Los Angeles
Why is Albuquerque so special to you?
Albuquerque and the surrounding cities are truly some of the most enchanting areas in the world starting with the beautiful sunsets (California sunsets have nothing on NM!), mountains and the unique culture. The nickname “Land of Enchantment” really rings true throughout Albuquerque and the entire state.
Margaritas and Tequila Tasting at El Pinto Restaurant – Credit: www.visitalbuquerque.org
Where in town would you go to celebrate a special occasion?
You can’t beat the ambiance of El Pinto. It’s tucked away in the outskirts of the city (but super easy to get to). The food is good, but really its the atmosphere that makes this place the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or a girls night out (Can you say margaritas?) The patio has beautiful lighting, greenery and red chile ristras.
Or if you want to take it up a notch, I would visit Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse. Little secret…It’s a speakeasy, making the experience that much more fun.
What is a great, small local eatery that only locals know about?
This is a tough question! Albuquerque/NM has some of the best food in the world. I take that back…it absolutely has the best food in the world. Please don’t call it Tex Mex and it’s definitely not “not Mexican”. It’s New Mexican – and Albuquerque is one of the best places in the state to enjoy it! There are so many little hole in the wall mom and pop restaurants, it’s hard to pick just one. Cecilia’s Cafe in downtown is about as hole in the wall as it gets! Amazing enchiladas. I also love Hacienda’s in old town.
You should also try out a green chile cheese burger! You can get one almost anywhere you go (including McDonald’s, although I don’t recommend it). Try Blake’s Lotaburger (ranked No. 4 spot on National Geographic’s 10 Best Hamburgers) or if you want amazing Pizza, check out Dion’s. I would take home a couple bottles of their homemade ranch too!
What local venues are the best place to catch some live music?
It depends on your taste in music, but the Launch Pad on historic Route 66 always has a steady stream of local and regional bands. But my favorite live music experience is the wacky and well-known by locals, Vanilla Pop. On the first Friday of every month the two man cover band performs at the Qbar at The Hotel Albuquerque.
Native artists sell handcrafted jewelry on the plaza in Old Town. – Credit: www.visitalbuquerque.org
If a visitor wanted to do some true local shopping in Albuqerque (i.e. local products not available nationally), where should they go?
Old town! There is a really good mix of items to purchase for any budget. There are many high-end stores that sell traditional New Mexican (Native American) art and jewelry, but I prefer the street/sidewalk vendors who sell some of the most beautiful handmade jewelry for a steal. You can find anything from silver bracelets to intricate turquoise necklaces (New Mexico is known for its turquoise jewelry)
If a beer or wine aficionado came to town, where would you send them to sample locally made “beverages”?
Albuquerque has one of the highest concentration of micro-breweries per capita in the country! Beer lovers will literally be in heaven. Marble Brewery is the original brew house in downtown Albuquerque. It has a variety of beers and a cool industrial feeling atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind if you are hanging out in the area. If you are looking for something award winning, La Cumbre Brewery took first place in the American cask ale category at the 37th Annual Campaign for Real Ale Great British Beer Festival.
If beer isn’t your thing, there is no shortage of great wine in Albuquerque. Fun fact: New Mexico was the first state/territory to make wine in the U.S. My favorite is Casa Rondena. The grounds are something straight out of Italy. My favorite tradition is spending Christmas Eve wine tasting, and enjoying a bottle of wine on the patio (in the crisp air) looking over the vineyards with my friends and family.
Are there any historical spots/museums/etc, that would help visitors to learn more about Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is full of history! For WWII history buffs and science fans, there is the National Museum of Nuclear History & Science. Visitors can explore the development of the Atomic Age through The Manhattan Project and the Cold War. It includes Heritage Park, a nine-acre outdoor exhibition area for aircraft, missiles and nuclear submarines.
For art lovers, there is the The Albuquerque Museum of art and history that features more than 400 pieces Southwestern.
If a visitor wanted to get a feel for the Albuquerque area, are there any tours, walks, excursions that you would recommend?
Since Albuquerque is home of “Breaking Bad”, taking one of the guided (or self guided) tours is a great way to see the city and have a little fun! Take a picture in front of Walter White’s house or grab a burrito at “Los Pollos Hermanos” or otherwise known to locals as Twisters.
You can also pop over to the Rio Grande Zoo, Aquarium and/or Bio Park for the day or enjoy a stroll through the eclectic and hip restaurant and bar district in Nob Hill near the University of New Mexico (Go Lobos!)
A “touch and go” on the Rio Grande River during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. – Credit: Ron Behrmann
Other than what you have already mentioned, what is a special place that you would take a friend visiting Albuquerque for the first time?
- There is nothing more beautiful that visiting Albuquerque during the International Balloon fiesta (the most photographed event in the world!) in October. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see thousands of hot air balloons fill the sky all at once or lit up at night for the Balloon Glow.
- My favorite time of year is the holidays, I would take visitors on a stroll through old town during the to experience the display of luminarias and holiday music.
Jina Michael-Smith is a travel & hospitality publicist and native Albuquerqean, who ran away to Los Angeles, but never passes up the chance to bring New Mexico culture and food to the people of the Golden State.
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One simply can’t miss the Hot Air Balloon Festival! Even to watch it from a distance as they rise in the morning over the Sandoval Mountains is breath-taking! The festival is fun & fascinating with all its booths & watching the balloons fill for the Night Glow!