Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, and one of the country's oldest, established in 1706 by Spanish settlers. Today it's a sprawling city of about a half million residents, and because it has the largest airport in New Mexico, it's is a good starting place for a New Mexico vacation,

When to Visit Albuquerque

With daytime temperatures that never soar above the mid-90s or below the 40s, and generally sunny weather, Albuquerque an excellent year-round travel destination. Here are some things to consider:

• My favorite time to visit Albuquerque is around Labor Day, when green chiles are roasting on every corner, and the weather is fine.

• The Balloon Fiesta takes place in October. If you plan to go, make reservations far in advance.

• Around Christmas, Old Town's buildings are decked out with glowing luminaries. While these were traditionally a candle-filled paper bag, these days they're more commonly electrified. but charming nevertheless.

• Summer's afternoon thundershowers are often followed by luminous rainbows, and lightning sparks the night.

• August is the rainiest month, with an average of 1.6 inches.

How Long Should I Stay?

I find Albuquerque drab and somewhat uninteresting in comparison to Santa Fe or the colorful ex-mining town of Madrid just north, but it has a few interesting sights. In one day, you can take most of them in.

Where to Stay in Albuquerque, Getting Around

You will need an automobile to get around Albuquerque efficiently, but it's small enough that any hotel location is within a few minutes' drive of all the attractions. Choose your lodgings by price and amenities. A hotel near the freeway will be a little more convenient.

Albuquerque Food

Albuquerque has restaurants of all kinds, and many are quite reasonably priced. For a spectacular view, try the restaurant at the top of the Sandia Peak Tram. New Mexico's Mexican cuisine is different than in other parts of the country. Try it in an authentic local restaurant like Los Cuates, El Bandido or Dos Hermanos.

If you acquire a taste for green chile like I have, you'll want to take some home as an edible souvenir. If it isn't fall fresh chile season, you can find frozen green and red chile in most grocery stores.

Albuquerque Tips

These tips may help you have a more pleasant visit:

• Albuquerque's elevation is 5,314 feet. Bring lots of sunscreen and moisturizing products, and remember to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and limit alcohol intake until you get acclimated.

• It cools off fast in the desert, so bring a variety of clothing and a warm jacket. Even in July, when daytime temperatures soar well into the 90s, night temperatures will be in the 60s.