Hot Air Balloon Culture in Albuquerque

Hi everyone! This post is all about my travel experiences in New Mexico. This was technically my first full-state road trip, and it took place in October 2023. The journey included two national parks and one national monument—I hope this guide helps if you’re curious about visiting New Mexico! I arrived in Albuquerque around noon. My first impression of the airport was its strong Indigenous culture and warm vibe—hot air balloon logos were everywhere (a hint of the city’s famous balloon culture!). After finishing the rental car paperwork, I drove straight to the Indian Pueblo Culture Center—and even grabbed a meal at the on-site restaurant while I was there. 📍 Indian Pueblo Culture Center Address: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 Restaurant: Indian Pueblo Kitchen It was almost 1 PM when I got there, but I still waited in line for nearly 20 minutes to get a table—definitely a local favorite! Recommendations: Navajo taco with lamb and prime rib fry bread dip. The Indigenous fry bread is similar to youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks) but shaped like a flatbread. Soaking up the meat juice, it’s incredibly flavorful! Museum Highlights: The culture center is more like a museum, showcasing Indigenous culture and the history of their displacement. It’s well worth a visit—plus, if you have a student ID, you get a discount on tickets! 📍 Old Town (Albuquerque) Address: N Plaza St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 Albuquerque’s Old Town is a bit more commercial, but it’s rich with Mexican cultural flair (a big contrast to the Indigenous focus of the culture center). Here, you’ll see chili peppers hanging along the edges of buildings, and you’ll probably find yourself stopping to admire the art in local galleries. Souvenir Spot: Southwestern Handcrafts & Gifts Address: 1919 Old Town Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 This little shop is small but charming—their fridge magnets are way nicer than those in bigger stores (perfect for bringing back a piece of New Mexico!). 📍 Sawmill Market Address: 1909 Bellamah Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 I couldn’t resist one last meal before heading to the hotel! All the food here comes from local businesses—affordable and diverse. You’ll find everything: tacos 🌮, burgers 🍔, roasted chicken 🐣, pasta 🍝, and desserts 🍨. It’s a great spot to taste a little bit of Albuquerque’s local flavor. #Albuquerque #AlbuquerqueOldTown #NewMexico #AlbuquerqueHotAirBalloon #TravelGuide