Filled by impressive pueblo architecture and with
the striking Sandia Mountains occupying the skyline, Albuquerque embodies
the image of a Southwestern utopia. Its regional flavor is reflected
in the quaint Old Town district, where distinctive local art and jewelry
shops can be found alongside the expansive Albuquerque Museum of Art
& History. New Mexican cuisine is one of the city’s sources
of pride; almost everything is served with a choice of the town’s
famous red or green chile. In October Albuquerque’s premier event,
the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, sees crowds flocking
to watch hundreds of brightly colored hot-air balloons rise up into
the sky as exciting cultural heritage events take place on the open
ground below.
