Albuquerque, New Mexico

Retro post dated February 28, 2025 📅​ If there’s one word to describe the vibe of Albuquerque I felt today, it’s “maximalist beauty”—every corner was packed with character, yet never felt cluttered. Let me walk you through this lovely, detail-filled day!​ First stop: Sawmill Market 🛒. This indoor food hall isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a feast for the eyes 🎨. Almost every vendor’s stall was decked out with rich, vibrant decor: some had hand-painted murals of New Mexico’s deserts 🏜️, others draped colorful woven blankets over their counters 🧶, and a few even added tiny potted cacti 🌵 and vintage Southwest trinkets. What impressed me most? How cohesive it all felt—no two stalls looked the same, but together they screamed “Albuquerque charm.” I wandered around for a while just taking photos 📸, then grabbed a matcha latte from a local spot (they topped it with a tiny cinnamon dust design of a hot air balloon 🎈—so cute!). I’ll save the full food recap for later, but let’s just say my taste buds are already begging to go back 🍵.​ After fueling up, I headed to Old Town—and it was like stepping into a cozy, colorful postcard 📮. The streets were lined with adobe buildings 🏡, and outside almost every shop, woven decorations (think brightly dyed rugs, macramé plant hangers, and small tapestries with Indigenous patterns) were hung in neat rows. No messy piles here—each piece was arranged with care, making it easy to stop and admire without feeling overwhelmed. I popped into a few stores: one sold hand-carved wooden figurines of desert animals 🦌, another had shelves of turquoise jewelry (the stones glowed under the warm lights 💎), and a third was filled with homemade chili jams and salsas (the owner let me sample a spicy peach salsa—sweet, tangy, and addictive 🌶️). Every shop felt like a little hidden treasure trove 🕵️—you never knew what unique find you’d stumble on next.​ The highlight of the afternoon was the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 🏛️. From the moment I walked in, I was drawn to the adobe architecture—thick, earthy walls that looked both ancient and welcoming, with wooden beams across the ceilings and large windows that let in soft natural light ☀️. Inside, the exhibits showcased Indigenous crafts: tiny woven baskets (some no bigger than my palm 🧺), pottery painted with bold red and black designs 🎨, and beaded jewelry that sparkled like little pieces of the sky ✨. I spent a long time staring at a display of traditional Pueblo dolls—each one wore clothing stitched with intricate patterns, and the guide explained they were often made to teach children about their culture 🧸. The gift shop was just as wonderful—I left with a small, hand-painted ceramic mug (it has a cactus 🌵 and a hot air balloon 🎈 on it, perfect for remembering ABQ!). #SummerCatWhoLovesEating #RoadTrip #Sunrise #HotAirBalloon #BalloonFiesta #Albuquerque #AlbuquerqueTravel #NewMexico #NorthAmericanLif