Denver to Albuquerque in Oct
Jun 26, 2007 | 9:18 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: USAirways - CP, American Airlines - Gold, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold
Posts: 125
I will definitely hit Tomasito's, there are lots of great reviews.
And trust me, I have no problem at all eating chile, cheese, etc... all week. The wine bar sounds good though.
Bandolier is a definite thanks to great advice and I can't wait to see the Dunes from the primative road.
I love planning trips! Thanks for all the help!
And trust me, I have no problem at all eating chile, cheese, etc... all week. The wine bar sounds good though.
Bandolier is a definite thanks to great advice and I can't wait to see the Dunes from the primative road.
I love planning trips! Thanks for all the help!
Jun 27, 2007 | 12:59 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Back to UA, missing DL; Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,242
Hi there,
I am looking for tips, things to do, and a sanity check on an itinerary I am planning for a 9 day trip in October. Quick notes...I LOVE driving, spending all day in a car with short hikes and photo stops are dream vacations for me. I like being out sun up to sun down.
Day 1 I drive Denver to Albuquerque
I wouldn't mind restaurant recommendations, is that about a 6 hour drive total?
Day 2 ABQ Balloon Fiesta, I am thinking about getting a VIP pass. Anyone experience the Fiesta or the VIP thing? Tips for good photo spots?
Day 3 I am arranging a balloon flight, going to Sandia Peak, and heading to Santa Fe. I am looking for good restaurant recommendations.
I am looking for tips, things to do, and a sanity check on an itinerary I am planning for a 9 day trip in October. Quick notes...I LOVE driving, spending all day in a car with short hikes and photo stops are dream vacations for me. I like being out sun up to sun down.
Day 1 I drive Denver to Albuquerque
I wouldn't mind restaurant recommendations, is that about a 6 hour drive total?
Day 2 ABQ Balloon Fiesta, I am thinking about getting a VIP pass. Anyone experience the Fiesta or the VIP thing? Tips for good photo spots?
Day 3 I am arranging a balloon flight, going to Sandia Peak, and heading to Santa Fe. I am looking for good restaurant recommendations.
I've been to the Balloon Fiesta but didn't have a camera or VIP access. I do remember the traffic being a little crazy. What hotel are you staying at? I'd imagine closer is probably better.
Are you driving to Sandia Peak (the road is via the eastern side of the mountain range so you have to drive around it) or taking the tram up the side facing the city? I've done both; both are amazing.
I also give a ^ to Tomasita's, The Frontier, and Sadie's. If you need a break while driving, stop by my hometown, Las Vegas, NM, and try Smiling Faces Restaurant for some great enchiladas!
Jun 27, 2007 | 10:42 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: USAirways - CP, American Airlines - Gold, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold
Posts: 125
Hey silverthief - you're not late at all. I plan well in advance.
I am staying about 3 miles from the fiesta park. One of the Hilton Garden Inns. Nothing closer was available, I've been checking this daily to see if I can get within a mile. I have heard traffic is a nightmare, so I know to leave the hotel at 4:30 am for the 7 am mass ascension. The VIP parking might help a little since that entrance is away from the main parking. I'd rather get closer and walk it though.
I am planning on taking the tram up Sandia Peak. Your tip about Smiling Faces is good...based on my plan I may be in that area around dinner time the first day.
I am staying about 3 miles from the fiesta park. One of the Hilton Garden Inns. Nothing closer was available, I've been checking this daily to see if I can get within a mile. I have heard traffic is a nightmare, so I know to leave the hotel at 4:30 am for the 7 am mass ascension. The VIP parking might help a little since that entrance is away from the main parking. I'd rather get closer and walk it though.
I am planning on taking the tram up Sandia Peak. Your tip about Smiling Faces is good...based on my plan I may be in that area around dinner time the first day.
Jul 3, 2007 | 11:55 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Back to UA, missing DL; Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,242
Hey silverthief - you're not late at all. I plan well in advance.
I am staying about 3 miles from the fiesta park. One of the Hilton Garden Inns. Nothing closer was available, I've been checking this daily to see if I can get within a mile. I have heard traffic is a nightmare, so I know to leave the hotel at 4:30 am for the 7 am mass ascension. The VIP parking might help a little since that entrance is away from the main parking. I'd rather get closer and walk it though.
I am planning on taking the tram up Sandia Peak. Your tip about Smiling Faces is good...based on my plan I may be in that area around dinner time the first day.
I am staying about 3 miles from the fiesta park. One of the Hilton Garden Inns. Nothing closer was available, I've been checking this daily to see if I can get within a mile. I have heard traffic is a nightmare, so I know to leave the hotel at 4:30 am for the 7 am mass ascension. The VIP parking might help a little since that entrance is away from the main parking. I'd rather get closer and walk it though.
I am planning on taking the tram up Sandia Peak. Your tip about Smiling Faces is good...based on my plan I may be in that area around dinner time the first day.
Jul 6, 2007 | 8:32 am
#20
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: LAS
Programs: UA 1MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Southwest A-List Preferred
Posts: 2,846
While in Santa Fe, a fantastic restaurant is, The Compound. They offer an amazing Elk Steak and typically offer traditional dishes that have a heavy New Mexican influence.
Also, the Coyote Cafe has a great roof deck that's situated in downtown Santa Fe.
Since you're a big driving fan - I suggest you take the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos. It snakes through the mountains and on the trip you'll pass through a number of artist communities. You can stop at glass blowing shops, art galleries, and stop at any number of small cafes along the road. Very enjoyable.
Enjoy Santa Fe - my sister moved out there and I try to get out there twice a year - incredible place!
Also, the Coyote Cafe has a great roof deck that's situated in downtown Santa Fe.
Since you're a big driving fan - I suggest you take the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos. It snakes through the mountains and on the trip you'll pass through a number of artist communities. You can stop at glass blowing shops, art galleries, and stop at any number of small cafes along the road. Very enjoyable.
Enjoy Santa Fe - my sister moved out there and I try to get out there twice a year - incredible place!
Jul 6, 2007 | 9:56 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: USAirways - CP, American Airlines - Gold, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold
Posts: 125
I just got a book...something like "Scenic Driving in NM" and one of the featured drives is the High Road. This one is a definite!
Edited to add...the link you sent is exactly from the book I got. Glad to have a double confirmation that it is a cool drive.
Edited to add...the link you sent is exactly from the book I got. Glad to have a double confirmation that it is a cool drive.
Jul 16, 2007 | 10:19 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: USAirways - CP, American Airlines - Gold, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold
Posts: 125
So I am still filling in the blanks for my trip...I could use some Denver tips. I am staying around the tech center...any neat things to do...places to see...food to be had?
I am there the same weekend as the Great American Beer Fest...which I am avoiding this year since I will be there next year. Any places I can go to avoid that crowd for dinner?
I am there the same weekend as the Great American Beer Fest...which I am avoiding this year since I will be there next year. Any places I can go to avoid that crowd for dinner?
Jul 17, 2007 | 8:57 am
#24
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Erie, CO USA
Programs: UA, M&M, AA, AS, Marriott, et al
Posts: 1,568
There are a number of threads in this forum on what to do in and around Denver. For the most comprehensive answers to your question, I suggest looking back at these other threads, as those who have already posted their comments to similar questions in earlier threads may not want to repeat the process. Though I am sure that those in this area will respond to specific questions (Del Frisco or Brooks for steak? Red Rocks or Coors Amp. for a concert? etc.).
Jul 20, 2007 | 9:37 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: USAirways - CP, American Airlines - Gold, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold
Posts: 125
There are a number of threads in this forum on what to do in and around Denver. For the most comprehensive answers to your question, I suggest looking back at these other threads, as those who have already posted their comments to similar questions in earlier threads may not want to repeat the process. Though I am sure that those in this area will respond to specific questions (Del Frisco or Brooks for steak? Red Rocks or Coors Amp. for a concert? etc.).
If you read past what you quoted, you will see I am looking for suggestions to avoid the crowds resulting from the beer fest...not the generic what should I do in Denver. If I missed some search keyword that will illuminate the answer, please let me know.
My gut feel is that all of the places listed in earlier threads will be packed with amateur drinkers, I'd like to avoid this, but still have a good time.
Jul 22, 2007 | 9:44 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Erie, CO USA
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Posts: 1,568