sandiapeak.com, which glides nearly 4,000 feet in less than 15 minutes. Suddenly,
the granite rock gives way to a breathtaking valley, punctuated by aspen and pine
trees. Stand near the back of the tram when you’re ascending, and look out at the
breathtaking landscape. At the summit, you’ll feel as though you’re hanging on the
bottom of an airplane that is flying at 10,378 feet.
Dress accordingly, the temperature plummets at the peak. And if you dine at High
Finance Restaurant, which boasts 70-mile views, watch your intake of alcohol — its
effects are intensified at higher altitudes. In fact, drink plenty of water during your
entire stay in Albuquerque.
Keep your feet on the ground
If you’re not comfortable that high in the air, hiking trails crisscross the Cibola
National Forest. To hike into another time, trek up to the Petroglyph National
Monument, nps.gov/petr, where you can inspect archeological sites featuring
nearly 20,000 carvings. Some are easily identified as animals or people. Others
are more mysterious.
As for accommodations, you’ll want to stay at the Marriott Albuquerque,
marriott.com/abqnm, for a room with a view. The hotel windows front the Sandia
Mountains. Plus, it’s conveniently located near ABQ Uptown, home to La Bella Spa,
labellaspasalon.com, and Marcello’s Chophouse, marcelloschophouse.com — where
the center-cut sirloin or flash-fried lobster are both divine.
Take in a little culture
Dining is a spicy adventure in Albuquerque, which is heavily influenced by Latin
and Native American flavors. Even the kitschy Route 66 Diner, 66diner.com, offers
green chile chicken enchiladas and burgers topped with green chiles. Save room for
the old-fashioned sundaes, smothered in whipped cream.
You’ll soon notice that, whether in art or in food, chiles are everywhere in Albuquerque.
El Pinto Restaurant, elpinto.com, which flame-roasts chiles on its patio from July
through October, packages its famous salsa and
other products in a facility behind the restaurant.
Pueblo Harvest Café & Bakery at the Indian
Pueblo Cultural Center, indianpueblo.org,
features authentic Native American food that’s
been vetted by tribal elders. “If you came to
eat healthy, it isn’t going to happen,” quips
Robert Mondragon, special events coordinator
for the museum.
Expect plenty of cheese, shredded pork,
and frybread — a flat dough that’s fried in
oil, shortening, or lard.
After dining, tour the Cultural Center’s
museum, which highlights the 19 pueblos.
Or observe a pueblo firsthand atop a 370-foot
mesa, where Acoma people have resided for
2,000 years. Today, about 15 people live full
time in 300 structures. The rest use the homes
as weekend getaways of sorts. Laced with ladders leading to second stories, the block
builders stand shoulder-to-shoulder, an early version of the live-work-play concept
so popular among today’s urban developers.
There is no running water or electricity, so visit the restrooms at the visitor’s center
first. And bring cash. Acoma — known as Sky City — is famed for its pottery, and
vendors sell their wares on-site.
The peaceful sensation of standing atop the mesa does not end when you descend.
Perhaps owing to Albuquerque’s open landscape, there is a sense of expansiveness that
opens you to new experiences.
Some might say that is what traveling is all about.
Pam George can be reached at delwriter@comcast.net
growingwealthmag.com I Growing Wealth I July 08 I 17
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