Travel Tips

Weather
Albuquerque boasts lovely mild fall weather, with daytime temperatures hovering around 72°. This is another reason why October is ideal for the Balloon Fiesta. Keep in mind, however, that you're at an altitude of 5000 feet, so dress in layers. While it's sometimes cool in the morning, after the sun rises it warms up considerably. Be sure to bring sunscreen and appropriate eye protection.

Thousands of people attend the Balloon Fiesta each year. If you want to join them, book your travel plans as early as possible. You can purchase tickets online at www.aibf.org (the Balloon Fiesta's official website), or call 888/422-7277, ext. 303. Admission is $6 for persons over the age of 12. Children 12 and under are admitted free. General parking is $5 per vehicle. Five-event ticket packs are available for $25; an all-event parking pass is $30.

Where To Stay
Albuquerque offers a wide range of accommodations. Here are just a few suggestions:
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel
505/821-3333; http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/ABQMC.
Located in Albuquerque's Journal Business Center, this elegant hotel features a 10-story atrium with a rock waterfall and lush greenery. It offers 310 guest rooms and suites, an indoor/outdoor pool, whirlpool and sauna, exercise room, and an excellent restaurant.

Hacienda Antigua Inn
505/345-5399; 800/201-2986; www.haciendantigua.com
This adobe hacienda is a bed-and-breakfast inn dating back to the 1700s. It has several rooms with a fireplace or wood-burning stove, as well as attractive brick floors.

Best Western Rio Grande Inn
800/959-4726; 505/843-9500; www.riograndeinn.com
This southwestern-styled hotel has 173 units and is located within walking distance of Albuquerque's Old Town Plaza and other attractions.

Other October Events
Can't make it to the Balloon Fiesta? Check out these other fall events around the country:
October 1--2
Great Pumpkin Festival, Oswego, New York
315/349-8322, www.co.oswego.ny.us/tourism/festival/seasonalevents.html#oct.
Pumpkin growers from Oswego and throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New England and Canada travel to compete. In addition to award-winning pumpkins, this festival features live music, arts and crafts, pumpkin-carving lessons,
scarecrow building and pumpkin-carving contests.

October 7--10
Bay Chamber Concerts, Rockport, Maine
207/236-2823, www.baychamberconcerts.org
This event features a variety of music from classical to jazz at the Rockport Opera House.

October 8
Midwest Models Expo, Southfield, Michigan
517/548-1431, www.modelsofmichigan.com
Models and photographers from all over the country gather at this expo for networking and to learn more about modeling and photography.

There will also be a fashion show. Some proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

More Online
www.balloonfiesta.com
2005 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta schedule of events, photo gallery and more.

www.cabq.gov
Information on the city of Albuquerque.

Getting There
Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city and is situated in a wide valley between the Sandia Mountains and the plateau country that parallels the Rio Grande. The two major freeways that bisect the city are I-40 and I-25.

Balloon Fiesta Park is located in the northern part of Albuquerque, west of I-25 between Alameda and Tramway streets.