OPINION: Top of Mind: What are the best things about Albuquerque that you would be proud to recommend to tourists?

Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

Aug. 20—Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

What are the best things about Albuquerque that you would be proud to recommend to tourists?

'We're cooler than Phoenix, we're cheaper than Denver, and we are not Texas'

— Greg Natzke, Albuquerque

'I would proudly recommend walking in the foothills at sunrise or sunset. It's an absolutely magical area that really showcases the natural high desert beauty and is what made me fall in love with living in Albuquerque.'

— Sara Perez, Albuquerque

'In Albuquerque: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum; National Museum of Nuclear Science and History; National Hispanic Cultural Center. You can't see these anywhere else in the world. A day drive through the Jemez Mountains — native and colonial history, hiking, hot springs, archaeology and geology.'

— Lynn Mallory, Albuquerque

'I avoid Albuquerque as much as possible but I would recommend the museums. They are possibly the safest places in town.'

— Lois Mentze, Rio Rancho

'In winter after a snowfall, wake at dawn and see the sunrise over the Sandia Mountains and the sparkling and twinkling of first light on the snow-capped peak will catch you breathless.'

— Phyllis Martinez, Albuquerque

'Outdoor trash. Bad drivers. Pollution. All make Albuquerque unique.'

— William Fawcett, Albuquerque

'If tourists wanted to experience NM cuisine, this is the place for it. Of course, cannabis is popular too. I have a friend back east that loves racing cars and his wife loves Native jewelry/art. I told them we have both with the best street racing day & night.'

— Harry Hart, Albuquerque

'I tell visitors to look to the east at sundown and brace themselves for the most awe-inspiring light show they'll ever enjoy, as the Sandias light up in never-ending hues of red, orange, and crimson. No other city can match this daily display.'

— Duane Meneely, Albuquerque

'The best thing? That I-40 and I-25 run through Albuquerque. If you're traveling with a trailer, keep going. Otherwise, Tim Keller's lack of responsibility to address our crime issues will cost you all your belongings. That's if a 13-year-old doesn't steal your car and murder you for it.'

— Joseph Hutton, Albuquerque

'I would recommend renting a bike or e-bike and traveling part of the Bosque trail to Bike in Coffee, Cutbow Coffee, Flying Star, or Kaufman's Bagels for a delicious meal or treat. They are easily accessible from the trail and all very close to Old Town.'

— Mark Campbell, Albuquerque

'I am proud to recommend in Burque: The vibrant live music scene with superb local bands like Baracutanga & Le Chat Lunatique. The guildcinema.com that shows the best films being made today from around the world and in NM , the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and nationally recognized Ihatov Japanese Bakery.'

— Thomas Heady, Albuquerque

'Normally I would recommend the Balloon Fiesta; however, after waiting on a bus for three hours last year to get to an event its organizers have had 50 years to get right, I now believe Albuquerque has grand plans but no means of execution for anyone's enjoyment.'

— Rebecca Campbell, Edgewood