Ticket to Hot Entertainment!

Popejoy Hall

WOW! This Season is Spectacular!!!
A city without the joy of art and entertainment would be boring and uneventful. Who wants that? Albuquerque is a huge supplier of amazing top billing entertainers. Finding these acts are easy just look to Albuquerque's Popejoy Hall.

The Popejoy Hall has celebrated over 40 years as Albuquerque's premier performing arts center. Popejoy has delivered what the community has demanded, top national and international entertainment venues! The hall is exquisite and the perfect showcase for exciting performances. The Popejoy Hall gives us variety, featuring touring Broadway musicals, exceptional live theater, dance in many styles, ballet to modern, music from around the world, classical to jazz to ethnic, comedy and drama. Popejoy Hall also hosts performances from the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the UNM Department of Music.

The entertainment venues are provided. Its up to you to join in and participate in the excitement of arts and entertainment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Surprise a spouse or Friend and buy tickets to a great show. It will be another memorable Albuquerque experience!

Popejoy Hall Season Events

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Albuquerque Local Theatre

Live Theater in Albuquerque

The city of Albuquerque is dedicated to Arts and Entertainment and its apparent with our big act centers like the Journal Pavilion and the Popejoy hall. However, there is also the local favorite theatres that produce terrific entertainment and these theaters should not be overlooked because they are here right under our noses and its just a matter of taking the initiative to go and seek out the fantastic shows. The best way that I keep in touch with the theater performances is with the Albuquerque Theatre Guild's web site. It post all Albuquerque Theaters sites and makes it easy to look for upcoming shows.

Whats Playing?

Albuquerque Theaters

Gruet Winery

Did you know that New Mexico is actually the oldest commercial wine growing region in the United States? History dates the first grapevines planted in 1629. Monks planted the grapevines with the intent of harvesting grapes for sacramental wine. By 1633, the vines were producing and sacramental wine was then available to mission priests throughout the northern territory then known as New Spain. Now, New Mexico produces some of the countries best wines.

New Mexico wine production includes a number of varieties of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, many of them of award-winning caliber. The bulk of winery grapes are grown in Las Cruces, New Mexico. However, one of my favorite wine producers is, The Gruet Winery, located right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Originally from the Champagne region of France, the Gruet family began making champagne in 1952. Then in 1984, Laurent Gruet and Farid Himeur brought their many years of combined experience and rich tradition of champagne making to Albuquerque.

At 4300 ft. The Gruet vineyards are some of the highest in the United States. The Gruet grapevines have flourished in the New Mexico climate enabling the makings of Gruet's fine wines and sparkling wines. Gruet Winery has a long list of award winning wines.

A visit to this winery is a pleasure. Gruet Winery accepts reservations for group tours. Tasting Room: Mon.-Fri., 10 am to 5 pm and Sat. noon to 5 pm. Tours daily at 2pm or by appointment.

Gruet Winery Tasting Room

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Tingley Beach

Why not take some time out of your schedule and visit Albuquerque's Tingley Beach. The perfect place to make those special family memories. Pick up a fishing pole, pack some extra bread for the frolicking ducks, and don't forget the camera. Tingley Beach has fantastic fishing lakes, a model boat pond, and pedal boats. You will need a fishing license and a little cash to rent the pedal boats but with some advance planning you can make a great day out of a trip to Tingley.

Pedal boats, model boats and bikes may be rented from the gift shop during the summer. Take a train ride on the Rio Line to the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo from Tingley. You can park at Tingley and hop on the Thunder Bird Express for a family trip to the Bio Parks.

Tingley Beach Outfitters, located inside the train station, sells fishing licenses, train tickets and fishing gear. Open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day. During summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the store is open seven days a week. Tingley Cafe sells hamburgers, hot dogs and light snacks from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. Public restrooms are located at the south end of the train station building and are also open from sunrise to sunset.

Tingley Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the day. It's one of my top favorite family places to visit in Albuquerque!



Sheri Brewer
Albuquerque Lodging & Hospitality

International Balloon Fiesta

Every year, in the crispy month of October, the skies above Albuquerque become decorated with hundreds of exciting balloons, in all colors, shapes and sizes. The place to be for this event is Balloon Fiesta Park. Not only will you see balloons galore but you will be treated to vendors selling their arts, crafts and foods. Its a wondrous event called, the "Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta".

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Link

Also, located near, Balloon Fiesta Park, balloon enthusiast will be thrilled to discover the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. A grand museum which host a series of balloon exhibits depicting a time line of balloon history to current.

Albuquerque International Balloon Museum


Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Ballooning in Albuquerque

Albuquerque is known as the hot air ballooning capital. Its very normal to see balloons dotting the morning skies over Albuquerque. The New Mexico climate offers superb weather conditions for ballooning, mainly because of the winds. Balloons need stable winds to operate effectively and the hours just following sunrise are the best for finding these winds.

An hour into a hot air balloon flight the wind is capable of carrying a balloon up to 15 miles or more from the "lift off" point. The balloon also flies at different altitudes. Most balloonists enjoy low level flight. The typical balloon flight would be anywhere from tree level to about 3,000 feet above the ground. Although the balloon is at the mercy of the wind when it comes to direction, the vertical control of a balloon can be very precise. The balloons always carry sufficient fuel for at least 2 hours flight time plus a 30 minute reserve capacity.

To prepare for a flight by hot air balloon it is important to bring layers of clothes (can get chilly), sun block or suntan lotion (pretty good sun exposure when you are above ground), and your camera or video camera. Ballooning is definitely an uplifting adventure. Some of the Albuquerque ballooning companies offer that terrific champagne toast flight. A balloon ride is the greatest way to see the New Mexico landscape.

Discover Balloons

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

New Mexico's Largest Flea Market

The first time I went to the Expo New Mexico Flea Market, I was hooked. Strolling through the open air market is relaxing and you get a bit of a work out. Acquiring treasure or that one of a kind collectors item is just plain fun. The market is filled with an endless sea of vendor's tables stocked with old and new treasures. Visitors will also have the option to purchase food and drink while wondering around the market.


Of course, I never go to the flea market with a purpose to buy something I need. Mainly, I go for the treasure hunt. If you choose to visit the flea market wear good walking shoes, sunglasses and bring a tote bag. Don't forget the stroller if you have a small child. You will definitely get exercise while your scouting out the bargains.


The flea market is a good source for souvenirs and unique Albuquerque gifts. If your a lover of antiques then this is your destination. Open most Saturdays and Sundays at dawn. Located on the Expo New Mexico grounds. Enter at Gate 9, Louisiana & Central. Sadly, there is a fee for parking. ATM is available on the flea market grounds.

Albuquerque Flea Market

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Albuquerque Has Petroglyphs

A petroglyph is an image carved or etched into rock. The petroglyph is among the earliest known forms of art and record-keeping, and prehistoric petroglyphs exist around the globe, some dating back as far as 10,000 years.

The Petroglyph National Monument is a favorite site seeing destination for all who come to Albuquerque. The Petroglyphs are in many visitor guides and referenced in many travel sites as a main attraction that should be in your top ten things to do list. This historic place consists of 20,000 or more images of ancient history. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex.



Petroglyph National Monument is located on the North West side of Albuquerque, New Mexico. To get to the visitor center you should take I40 east or west depending on the direction you are traveling. Leave the interstate at Exit 154 traveling north on Unser Blvd. Approximately 3.5 miles north you will find the visitor center at the junction of Unser and Western Trail.





Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Sandia Peak Tram

East of Albuquerque the Sandia Mountains stand tall. Just looking at the Sandia's inspires one to pay a visit to the mountain's peak. I am not one to hike up a mountain but I sure enjoy the feeling of being at the top of a mountain. Seeing those panoramic views of 11,000 miles of nature and city is fantastic!


Sandia Peak Tramway offers the best and shortest way to get to the top of the Sandia's. The Tramway has been operating for forty years of flight offering visitors beautiful scenic views of the city of Albuquerque and the Cibola National Forest. The Tram ride measures from the base to the top of the mountain to be a 2.7 mile ride of magnificent sky views.
Its always a good ideal to check the Sandia Peak Tram's Internet site for open or closed status and wind conditions.


Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

National Hispanic Cultural Center

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. Doors opened in 2000. The center has 25 art exhibitions and 500 programs in the visual, performing, and literary arts. The exhibits are bright and full of life. Visitors learn about Hispanic culture throughout the world. The National Hispanic Cultural Center is also a beautiful campus. Located along the banks of the Rio Grande in the historic Albuquerque neighborhood of Barelas.
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Events Calendar

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Cultural Center is owned by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. This cultural center opened its doors in 1976. The center has an on-site 10,000 square foot Pueblo Museum which showcases a historical and contemporary look at the Southwest's first inhabitants.


The center is set up as a history lesson depicting Native American culture through the years. The permanent exhibits highlight the Indian Pueblos creativity and adaption, which made possible the survival, diversity and achievements of each of the 19 pueblos. The new galleries showcase the pueblos beautiful fine artworks and traditional historic artifacts.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is open all year round except for major holidays. Located at 2401 12th Street NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Rio Grande Nature Center

Nature enthusiast will be pleased to experience a wildlife preserve located three miles from the heart of Albuquerque. New visitors will giggle with delight as if they had stumbled upon a secret oasis, the Rio Grande Nature Center. The center and preserve opened in 1982. It boasts 166 acres of enchanting wilderness that plays host to an abundant variety of Bosque wildlife.



New Mexico and Albuquerque first began the cooperative efforts to protect the Bosque’s environment beginning in the late 1960’s. Decades later, Albuquerque is able to enjoy the fruitful success of an environmental project that protects the Bosque’s natural habitat and in hand offers the public a look into the preserve's educational, ecological, recreational and agricultural values.

The Rio Grande Nature Center’s main building features exhibits that showcase a wide range of subjects including the geological history of the Bosque area and the Bosque’s natural wildlife habitats. The center’s library overlooks one of its three ponds enabling visitors to witness the preserve’s wildlife which consists of turtles, muskrats, perhaps snakes, and a variety of land and water birds such as, Red winged blackbirds, grebes, kingfishers, mallards, wood ducks and even Canada geese.


The best way to spend time at the Rio Grande Nature Center, of course, is to hike the trails which eventually lead you to the riverbank. Visitors are able to walk in a woodland containing one of the most magnificent remaining stands of Rio Grande cottonwood trees in the world. These historic trees reach heights of 50 to 100feet tall forming a rich green canopy over the Bosque Riverbank. Also, towering over aquatic plants such as cattails, watercress, salt grasses and thick bunches of low growing shrubs are native trees consisting of willows, and Russian olive, and tamarisk.


The hike along the trail to the riverbank is joyous but once you arrive you have the opportunity for a peaceful scenic moment. The Rio Grande Nature Center is another Albuquerque memorable discovery and experience that visitors and locals will treasure.

Rio Grande Nature Center

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Old Town Ghost Tour

Ghosts are a controversial anomalous phenomenon. According to a poll conducted in 2005 by the Gallup Organization, about 32% of Americans believe in the existence of ghosts. A ghost is said to be the apparition of a deceased person, frequently similar in appearance to that person, and usually encountered in places she or he frequented, or in association with the person's former belongings. I live right next to a cemetery and have not one time scene a ghost. Why would I? Ghost do not hang around cemeteries. They feel more at home in Old Town.



Its just common knowledge that ghost's love old places. Historic Old Town was established during the 1700's and has celebrated 300 years of history. This makes Old Town one of the best places to ghost hunt. Everyone loves a fun spooking and that calls for a late afternoon guided ghost tour in the Historic Old Town district. Its a great way to learn about the secrets and history of Old Town's past.

GHOST Tours are held NIGHTLY at 8:00pm

Private Ghost Tours available upon request for Groups of 6 people or more.

The Ghost Tour IS held at 8:00 pm on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!



Where do I get tickets?

Over the phone by calling: (505) 246-TOUR

In person in Old Town at our Ticket Window in Plaza Don Luis. (Window opens 15 minutes before Tour times.)

Ghost Tours

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Red or Green Chili?

In 1996, the official state question was declared to be, "Red or Green?". This question is simply referring to being asked if someone prefers red or green chili when ordering New Mexican food. Some people ask for "Christmas", meaning both red and green chili splashed on top. Green is usually considered hotter, while red is said to be milder. Some consider the red to be more consistent in its heat level, with the green more likely to vary between extremely spicy and not so spicy.


Red Chilies are typically dried and then blended with water before being cooked. Green Chile's, on the other hand, are roasted, peeled the diced, and served up in a favorite New Mexican recipe or even made into Chile Verde.

Both red and green chilies actually come from the same plants, it's just that the peppers change color (from green to yellow to red) as they ripen even further. Each color is delicious!
If your new to the southwestern flare for hot foods then my advice is to order the red or green sauces on the side. Try a tamale with red chile sauce, veggie lovers can even get an avocado tamale at the El Patio, a popular restuarant by the University of New Mexico area, meat lovers should try a spicy red chile dish called carne adovada. You will notice that many of the restaurants serving southwestern foods have their own homemade salsa recipes. Some hot and sweet and some on the spicy garlic side. Most sell these salsas in jars or containers to go. Its a great gift to take home with you. New Mexicans take their salsa seriously and most restaurants
have secret family salsa recipes that are closely guarded.

My favorite New Mexican dish is definitely the cheese enchiladas. My favorite places to eat cheese enchiladas are Church Street Cafe on Church Street in Old Town, El Pinto on 4th Street and Los Cuates on Menaul. The hardest decision is red or green sauce.

See enchiladas made by an experts.

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert

Dining in the Historic Old Town

High Noon Saloon This restaurant’s building dates from the 1860’s, with brick floors, whitewashed walls and vigas. Sample dinner menu: steaks, wild game, seafood, pasta and New Mexico favorite cuisines. The New Mexican combination plate is a wonderful sampler of regional favorites. High Noon Saloon serves wine and beer and a full bar. Open for lunch and dinner.

Reservations recommended on weekends and holidays call 505-765-1455.

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill Northern Italian and American Menu. Wood-fired rotisserie and grill with a full-service bar. Excellent food and wonderful ambiance. The lounge on the second floor overlooks Old Town District. Open for lunch and dinner.

Reservations recommended call 505-766-5100.


St. Clair Winery & Bistro French country cuisine. Sample menu: Salmon, shrimp, tilapia tenders, garlic chicken, blackened fish, pot roast, prime rib, cordon bleu, steak. The largest selection of New Mexico wines, many of which are available for tasting. Open for lunch and dinner.

Call for reservations at505-243-9916.


Church Street Cafe Locals favorite and best place to take a group. Breakfast lunch and dinner served. Traditional sandwiches, salads, vegetarian foods and all the favorite New Mexican foods, fajitas, tamales, chili rellenos, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, green chili stew and posole.


Call 505-247-8522.

Albuquerque Art Galleries

The Southwest has amazing artists featuring some of their finest art works right here in Albuquerque! You may not know their names, or they may be famously recognized, either way, when you see these artist's works you will be affected and moved. You won't need to venture all over New Mexico to see their special works. Just wonder into the abundant art galleries in Old Town and throughout Albuquerque.


Located in the Historic Old Town District are a diamond cluster of fantastic galleries. Many of the galleries showcase paintings, sculptures and exhibits of spectacular and creative artist works. Be sure to look for special gallery showings. Some galleries will have the artist personally available.

A Favorite Albuquerque Gallery - 516 Arts

If your in the mood to see contemporary art in a modern museum setting the place to go would be the 516 ARTS. This gallery is both museum and modern gallery. You will get a full force view of artistic works showcasing a mix of local, national and international artists. 516 ARTS offers exhibition tours to individuals. The exhibits always offer an amusing look into the world of modern arts. I recommend a visit to this museum.

http://www.516arts.org/

Adobe Silver @ Naranjo's Gallery of Art
522 Romero NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122
A unique representation of art from many tribes and artists of distinction. Featuring three generation's expertise in custom gold & silver jewelry, repair and appraisals.

Agape Southwest Pueblo Pottery
414 Romero NW -(505) 243-2366 - www.agapesw.com- info@agapesw.com
The most extensive collection of Southwest Pueblo pottery in Old Town, from all 19 Pueblos. Also Native American Indian jewelry, rugs, kachinas and baskets.

Andrews Pueblo Pottery & Art Gallery
(Plaza Don Luis)
303 Romero NW - 505-243-4311 - http://www.andrewspueblopottery.com/
Contemporary and prehistoric SW Indian pottery, fetishes, kachinas, baskets & books. Exclusive Albuquerque representative of Doug West serigraphs.

Gallerie Imaginarium — Sensorium, works by George Howard Hayes III.

Gowen Arts
(Plaza Don Luis)
303 Romero NW - 505-242-6831
Specializing in copper and brass sculptures. Best selection & quality in fetishes, artifacts, stone sculpture, jewelry, and paintings. Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6.

Harwood Art Center — The Harwood is the community outreach program of Escuela del Sol, an independent, non-profit Montessori school founded in 1968. Encaustic and Silk, works by Harriette Tsosie and Evey Jones. www.harwoodartcenter.org.

Hernandez Fine Art
(Plazuela Sombra)
323 Romero NW, #4 - 505-242-9557 - http://www.hernandezfineart.com/ - info@hernandezfineart.com Open 12-4 Daily - An array of art with distinction - We feature the work of Frmin Hernandez & 15 year old son Ehren Marcum. Hand-pulled screen prints in editions of 50 or less.

Mariposa Gallery
3500 Central Ave SE (Central Ave at Amherst, just west of Carlisle)
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
505.268.6828

Penfield Gallery of Indian Art
2043 S. Plaza NW - 505-242-9696 - http://www.penfieldgallery.com/ - info@penfieldgallery.com
Contemporary Pueblo & Navajo pottery, Zuni fetishes, Navajo rugs & Sandpaintings & Storytellers.

Weems Gallery
(Plaza Don Luis)
303 Romero NW - 505-764-0302

Nationally known as a haven for knowledgeable art collectors as well as novices - the name Weems is synonymous with high quality art in a great variety of styles and prices.

Strolling the Plaza in Old Town

Historic Old Town is the crown jewel of Albuquerque's sites. The serene village has been the focal point of community life since 1706. Old Town Albuquerque was first established as a Spanish colonial outpost and Albuquerque was primarily a farming community and military outpost. Now days, the central plaza area, known as "Old Town" has been preserved and is open to the public. Along with history visitors observe quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths and gardens. There are more then 100shops and boutiques and visitors will discover unique southwestern treasures and see galleries displaying the best art works of New Mexico's beloved most famous of artisans.

Once in Old Town visitors are surrounded by historic buildings and a beautiful plaza. Strolling visitors are able to walk through Albuquerque's original central plaza where they will find a historic gazebo. Five nights a week the plaza becomes lively with cultural entertainment in the gazebo. Mariachi bands or Flamingo dancers entertain the plaza's visitors.



Old Town visitors that are anxious to try authentic local cuisines will not be disappointed. There is nothing better then eating breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Historic Old Town district. La Placita Dinning Room is a locals favorite. Church Street Cafe is a must and Dinner at High Noon Saloon is just fantastic! If your new to the experience of red or green chili just ask for it on the side. Most chili lovers just dive into it!

Shops, dining and entertainment are great but we cannot forget Old Town's museums. The Albuquerque Art Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science are two powerful main attractions that cannot be missed if you plan to visit Historic Old Town. These two museums give us an in depth look and tracing of Albuquerque's history and master art exhibits.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for this exploration because you will want to see it all in Historic Old Town. Walking Tours - guided walking tours through historic Old Town are sponsored by The Albuquerque Museum and are available, Tuesdays through Sundays at 11:00 am from mid March to mid December.

Visit The Candy Lady
known for its world famous treats.

Sheri Brewer
Lodging & Hospitality Expert