recommendations from the locals


Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a population just under 900,000. It is a rapidly growing ‘city with a personality’. This high desert city sits at a mile-high elevation providing 320 days of sunshine a year.

Below is a list of attractions and restaurants to explore while you are visiting ABQ. These aren’t going to be the typical places you find in Fodor’s or similar publications – these are the secrets of the local.

ABQ International Balloon Fiesta

Be sure to see the 40th Anniversary ABQ International Balloon Fiesta while you’re here! With over 700 hot-air balloons, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. We’ve planned our Sunday pre-conference schedule to give you enough time to head out to Balloon Fiesta Park for the final mass assension. Enjoy!

namevenue typephone
Sophia's PlaceGourmet Mexican dive505-345-3935
Casa Rodeña WineryWinery. A bit of Italy – in ABQ505-344-5911
Church of BeethovenUnique. Definitely unique505-307-9647
The GroveHappiness through food505-248-9800
Satellite CoffeeLocal coffee: good stuffmultiple locations
ABQ Balloon Museum Hot air balloon museum505-837-6480
Sandia Peak TramwayWorld’s longest aerial tramway505-856-7325
Sandia CasinoGet your gambling fix505-796-7500
The Apple StoreOk, not unique . . . but, it's an Apple store!505-837-6480