AboutValerie S Expertise I can answer questions regarding travel around NM, including hotels, restaurants, sights and information about the New Mexico Pueblos. I live in the Albuquerque area and of course know a lot more about this city and environs, but can also answer questions about Santa Fe, Taos, national parks and culture.
Experience I have lived in NM for 19 years and have a deep love for our multi-ethnic culture. I have volunteered for the Albuquerque Convention and Vistor's Bureau. I have been involved in the travel industry for 7 years.
Education/Credentials BA History for University of New Mexico
Expert: Valerie S Date: 4/27/2008 Subject: cheap fun place to stay
Question hi, Valerie...
my friend and i are road tripping from chicago to unm in may to bring a church sized crucifix my late artist dad (a unm alumni) made which is being donated to the unm newman catholic center. we will only have one night there and will be exhausted from the drive, (not to mention transporting a giant crucifix on yakama rack on top of a two-door hyundai) but we want to stay somewhere fun and cheap, and have a similar meal to celebrate before we head back sunday afternoon. with such little time and money -- what would you consider a don't miss? thanks!
Answer Hi Marcy,
What a great reason for a trip to Albuquerque. I am a UNM grad, too and am sure that the Newman Center will be very pleased with your gesture and donation.
First, the lodgings. A couple places come to mind. Las Casas de Suenos just south of Old Town is a fun place, each suite or casita is different. Cinnamon Morning B&B on Rio Grande Boulevard is cute, and the North Valley offers charming atmosphere with easy access to other parts of town. Best Western Rio Grande Inn is near Old Town just off I-40, so it's close to good restaurants, easy to get to the University and generally offers good rates. The cheapest hotels are usually those near the airport, since so many opened up in the past few years. They are the usual chains (La Quinta, Ramada, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, etc.) There are several of these same franchises grouped together in what is called Midtown, around Menaul and University Boulevard. It's not a charming neighborhood but it's easy.
Now for the important part...dining! ;) Don't miss breakfast (or brunch, or lunch, or...) at the Frontier. It's a UNM tradition, one I'm certain your dad indulged in. It's an institution and a real experience. Everybody who's anybody and every nobody goes to the Frontier! Great sweet rolls, and anything smothered in green chile stew is good. Also near UNM at Lomas and Carlisle is the Model Pharmacy with a lunch counter serving nice sandwiches and quiche along with soda fountain specialties (lunch only). For New Mexican we like Padilla's on Girard, just north of UNM (and south of Indian School Road.) Near Old Town there is Duran's Central Pharmacy on Central Avenue (yep, inside another pharmacy but this time it serves down-home style New Mexican fare); or Ben Michael's right off Rio Grande Blvd. and Mountain Road. If you don't like spicy food try Flying Star on Rio Grande Blvd. (even if you do like spicy food but want something fabulous for dessert...this place knows how to do sweets!).
Must sees would include a trip around Old Town, definitely a stroll around the UNM campus and down Central Avenue to Nob Hill (from UNM to just past Carlisle Blvd.) and, if you have the time and the money, ride the tram for stupendous views. Truly, if you've never been to the Southwest, this is worth the bucks because you'll be able to see for 60 (or more) miles. Gorgeous! If you like off-beat you may want to check out the Rattlesnake Museum while you're in Old Town (and they give you a certificate of bravery when you complete the tour) or drive past the Space-ship House on Montevista (east side of UNM). A drive through the rural village of Corrales gives you a glimpse of a trendy yet casual place with historic roots, still typically New Mexican in design; it skirts the Rio Grande and there are some eateries and a couple of wineries, too.
I hope this helps! Enjoy your very quick trip to the Land of Enchantment!
All the best,
Valerie
