This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Twice a month, Say Hello To America will be showcasing the voices behind the official social media accounts of destinations all across the United States and the city they represent. This week, say hello to Erin Scott, the voice for Albuquerque, New Mexico. Erin is a native of Albuquerque, having only left briefly in 2008 for college and some adventuring. She returned in 2014 and has been working with Visit Albuquerque since that time. Working in this position has allowed her to see Albuquerque from a whole new perspective!
1. What time of year is best to travel to Albuquerque?
The best time to travel to Albuquerque is the fall. The weather is amazing (warm, sunny days with crisp evenings), the smell of roasting green chile fills the air, and the Balloon Fiesta® happens every year in early October.
2. How would you describe the people of Albuquerque?
I think the people of Albuquerque are incredibly warm. I often find myself striking up conversation with strangers; people are very down-to-earth and actually smile at each other on the street.
Albuquerque, NM | Photo Credit: Sergio Salvador
3. What is your favorite thing about Albuquerque?
My favorite thing about Albuquerque is the sky. Our sunrises and sunsets are immaculate. They often stop me in my tracks! It’s nice to get that daily moment to pause and appreciate my natural surroundings.
4. What is Albuquerque’s most famous landmark or attraction?
Probably The Tram (Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway). It’s the longest tramway in North America and takes you over 10,000 feet up to the crest of Sandia Peak via cable car. Fun fact: 2016 is their 50th anniversary!
5. Name one “secret” location that a traveler must visit.
My favorite “off the beaten path” spot is Tinkertown. It’s just east of Albuquerque along the Turquoise Trail, and is an AMAZING display of interactive tinker toys and recycled art. It’s one of the quirkiest places around.
6. What is the best/easiest mode of transportation to get around the city?
Uber is a great option to get around; you can easily access most things in the metro area in 20 minutes by car. Albuquerque also has a great system of bicycle paths and a bikeshare program called Bici, so commuting on two-wheels is a breeze. The RailRunner Express is another great option, especially if you want to take a day trip to Santa Fe.
Albuquerque Balloon | Photo Credit: Marble Street Studio
7. Is there any festival or event in Albuquerque that a traveler should specifically plan a trip around?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October is one of our most popular destination events. It’s the largest hot air balloon festival in the business and one of the most photographed events in the world. The annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in April is another significant one for us, as well as the Festival Flamenco in June and Dia de los Muertos celebrations in early November.
8. What are the best family-friendly attractions that Albuquerque has to offer?
Oh my gosh, there are so many. Tinkertown (like I already mentioned) is a great one for kids, as well as the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden. The museums in Albuquerque are first class: the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History and Explora are great for educational, hands-on fun, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science has an awesome 5-story Dynatheater and Planetarium, and the American Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town is another quirky, “only in Albuquerque” attraction. The Anderson-Abruzzo Balloon Museum also just opened a 4D Theater; I’m looking forward to checking that one out.
Chiles! | Photo Credit: Marble Street Studio
9. What is Albuquerque’s signature food that every visitor has to try?
Chile! Red, green or Christmas, and don’t be ashamed to ask for it on the side. I’m a native New Mexican and I still often find myself sweating from my chile selection.
10. If I only had one day to explore Albuquerque, what MUST I see or do?
Take a tour on the ABQ Trolley, stroll through Old Town, ride The Tram and eat some New Mexican food.
Connect with Visit ABQ
Website: visitalbuquerque.org
Twitter: @VisitABQ
Facebook: Visit Albuquerque
Instagram: @VisitABQ
Leave a Reply