After our wonderful mother/daughter trip to South Dakota last Spring, Clare and I were eager to once again get away for a one-on-one trip. This time our adventure took us to the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. We spent a quick three nights in Albuquerque taking in all of the beauty, fun, history and green chili peppers this gem of a city has to offer. If you plan a trip, here’s the wonderful things that you can’t miss…
Read on for a wonderful 3 Day Albuquerque New Mexico itinerary…
Arrive and check into Hotel Cascada, which boasts the only indoor waterpark in New Mexico. Give the river pool a spin… 
Pose by an indoor fountain in a flowy dress because you feel like you’re in the tropics.
(swimsuit + dress – both on sale!)
Have one heck of a margarita and try some stuffed green chili peppers, wrapped in crispy bacon in the lounge.
Head out on a trip to the ABQ BioPark Zoo.
If you are lucky, you will catch a glimpse of their Tasmanian Devils. They were hiding from us but we did get to pet a baby rhino named Chopper!
After exploring the Zoo and Aquarium, you’ve worked up an appetite. Head to Sadie’s, my husband’s favorite restaurant from his years spent in ABQ. Everything is delicious but the queso is irresistible.
Rise with the rooster and head out to Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably creepily inhaled the intoxicating aroma of their line of lavender beauty products.
Stop in the farm store and stock up on amazing gourmet products.
Make a note that you will return soon and spend more time here. It’s one of those places with an atmosphere that draws you in.
Drag yourself away and head out for a classic Albuquerque experience on the Sandia Peak Tramway featuring a fascinating history lesson from the tram operator and sights of the city and beyond.
Hungry already? swing into locally-owned Tomato Cafe for a buffet-style feast of delicious salads, pizza and pastas. Oh, and wine. Every kid (and grownup) will find something they love.
Now that you are rested and fed, experience the history, culture, and hospitality of the Pueblo people at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Don’t miss the hands-on children’s activities they offer.
Grab a quick, casual, scrumptious dinner at Range Cafe because you have an early morning tomorrow. Like still dark out, before sunrise, early.
That’s right, it’s a hot air balloon ride. I was anxious that my fear of heights would ruin the experience but it was smooth and I felt very secure. Our guide shared the story of the first hot air balloon flight, but that’s an amazing tale for another day.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, make any excuse to venture out to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, located on the sacred lands of the Santa Ana Pueblo.
The grounds and the breakfast at the resort are phenomenal, but what I will always remember was our entire group sitting on the patio taking a landscape watercolor class with their resident artist. Every painting was unique and beautiful, I’m so happy I grabbed these photos of them before they went home with each artist.
It’s been a long day but try to rally because you are about to be “wowed” by the Explora Science Center‘s hands-on experiments and fun.
We spent almost our whole visit playing with a wall-size pegboard with every type of hardware tubing, fitting and funnel available to create paths for ball bearings.
Ok, now you are really wiped out. Head to Golden Crown Panaderia, Albuquerque’s only New Mexican Bakery. DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT THE WORLD’S BEST COFFEE MILKSHAKE.
End your trip with a stroll through Nob Hill. Stop in the Flying Star Cafe for a Greek Goddess Salad with battered and fried feta cheese. Yes, that is a thing and yes you need it. Clare and I hope you have enjoyed out little New Mexico adventure and that you are inspired to make it there soon. Tell what we missed so we can catch it the next time we are in the Land of Enchantment!
