WHERE TO STAY:
Surrounded by the mountain chain for which it’s named, the Sandia Resort and Casino is a convenient and comfortable choice. The giant, adobe-style compound contains gaming and entertainment facilities, first-class dining options, and 228 guest rooms styled in Southwestern motifs with large windows to showcase the stunning views. Swanky “super suites” feature bonuses like stucco fireplaces, oversized bathrooms, and flat-screen LCD televisions that rise from the beds’ footboards (30 Rainbow Rd., 800-526-9366, www.sandiacasino.com).
WHERE TO EAT:
For a mid-day meal or a weekend brunch, snag a spot on the St. Clair Winery and Bistro patio near the historic Old Town neighborhood. For little money, the light lunch fare—including salads, soups, and sandwiches—pack a lot of flavor. But the real stars of the show are the wine offerings, harvested at St. Clair’s own vineyard, the largest in the state (901 Rio Grand NW, 505-243-9916, www.stclairvineyards.com).
Standard Diner is the newest darling on the Albuquerque dining scene, serving up sentimental favorites with enjoyable updates. It’s located in the recently revitalized downtown area amid scores of funky shops and sophisticated restaurants. The sleek, retro-inspired setting is a nod to historic Route 66, on which the restaurant sits (320 Central, 505-243-1440, www.standarddiner.com).
The charming Antiquity Restaurant is situated in an authentic adobe house with wooden accents and antique furnishings. A quiet atmosphere and spacious seating allow guests to easily talk business over classic surf and turf cuisine (112 Romero NW, 505-247-3545, www.themenupage.com/antiquityrestaurant.html).
WHAT TO DO:
High altitudes, a mild climate, and moderate winds make Albuquerque a prime destination for hot air balloon enthusiasts, especially during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each October. Those who want to take to the skies themselves should try Rainbow Ryders, the Fiesta’s official ride concession and one of the best balloon tour companies in town (505-823-1111, www.rainbowryders.com).
An easier way to get a bird’s eye view of the terrain is to hitch a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway. The 2.7-mile aerial tram, the longest in the world, provides passengers with an 11,000-mile, panoramic view atop the 10,378-foot-tall peak (505-856-7325, www.sandiapeak.com).
For a more grounded day of fun, culture junkies (or those afraid of heights) can get their fix at the first-rate Albuquerque Museum of Art and History (2000 Mountain Rd., 505-243-7255, www.albuquerquemuseum.com).
