The Perfect Day in Albuquerque
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, look no further than Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city has plenty to offer and is brimming with Southwestern charm.
Also, it’s only about a forty-five minute drive from Santa Fe if you’re looking to build in a mini road trip! Read on to see our recommendations for spending the perfect day in Albuquerque.
Morning: Enjoy a wonderful gourmet breakfast at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
After researching all that Albuquerque has to offer, we came across the beautiful Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. Los Poblanos Inn is an absolute must when in Albuquerque! This family-owned inn is a true hidden gem, boasting Albuquerque’s best restaurant and an organic farm set on peaceful and idyllic grounds.
We recommend starting your day off with breakfast at Los Poblanos’s restaurant, which focuses on farm-to-fork dining incorporating the region’s famous Southwestern favors into the menu.
We loved the Cold Grain Cereal made with forbidden rice, steel-cut oats, almond milk, fresh berries, toasted coconut, toasted almonds, and yogurt with mint. The menu offers many unique and light dishes for the health-conscious traveler. The fresh squeezed orange juice is a great addition to any breakfast dish, make it a mimosa if you’re feeling festive!
The Blue Corn French Toast was another stand-out dish on the breakfast menu. The French Toast is served with maple syrup, fresh jam, yogurt, and your choice of meat.
For something more regionally-inspired, try the Chilaquiles made with corn tortillas, house-made red chile, cheddar cheese, onion, LP potatoes, two eggs any style, and choice of meat (we recommend opting for the house-made chorizo).
Talking about travel, we’re excited to let y’all know about TOBI – a fun online shopping destination for on trend items to add to your suitcase that won’t break the bank! Barbie wore this off-the-shoulder floral top from Tobi with white cropped jeans and gold sandals, the perfect outfit for a day of exploring!
Mid Morning: Explore grounds of Los Poblanos & visit The Farm Shop
After breakfast, head to The Farm Shop at Los Poblanos where you can buy an assortment of fresh baked bread ranging from baguettes to sourdough to cherry pistachio loaves.
There’s also a refrigerated section with a savory selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and small batch gelato. The shop also features specialty items made on the farm, like Los Poblanos lavender honey, sweet & spicy pecans, herbed pecans, teas, spices, salts, farm food gift sets, and more!
The Farm Shop sells a variety of artisan lavender products hand crafted in small batches using the lavender grown at Los Poblanos! The artisan lavender products include, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip salve, mist, sachets, and body oil.
The guest rooms at the Inn are stocked with many of the lavender products as well, making your stay extra relaxing and spa-like. We brought many of these luxurious products home with us and they’re a constant reminder of the beautiful time spent at Los Poblanos Inn.
We also highly recommend strolling the grounds of Los Poblanos after breakfast. Set on a organic farm, there’s no shortage of natural beauty amongst the 25 acres of lavender, various gardens, animals and towering cottonwood trees.
Another pretty, feminine TOBI find, Emily wore this pretty scalloped rose shift dress that can be dressed up with heels as shown or paired with comfortable sandals or flats for a day of exploring.
Early Afternoon: Visit Casa Rondena Winery
After breakfast and exploring Los Poblanos, if you’re staying at the Inn you can take the complimentary bikes out for a spin.
The Casa Rondena Winery is just a short distance from Los Poblanos, making it the perfect place to go next! If you didn’t know New Mexico’s wine and craft beer scene is widely expanding.
At Casa Rodena Winery, you’ll be able to sample some of Albuquerque’s best wine and take in the picturesque Tuscan-inspired vineyard grounds. Open daily to the public, you can stop by the tasting room and winery between noon and 7:00 p.m. We arrived right at noon and a outdoor yoga class was just wrapping up. Wine and yoga?! Yes, please!
Mid Afternoon: Head into Albuquerque Old Town for lunch & shopping
Old Town Albuquerque is worth taking a trip to as well. Home to a beautiful Plaza, restaurants, museums, shops and art galleries. This historic neighborhood is a tribute to the city’s Native American and Spanish heritage. We loved the beautiful adobe buildings! Make sure and visit the city’s oldest building the stunning Church of San Felipe de Neri.
We popped into Vinaigrette for lunch and were excited by the innovative gourmet salads starring on the menu.
We highly recommend:
- The Salacho Salad: a dressed up taco salad with chopped red cabbage and romaine, tomato and corn, green and red onion, seasoned beef and chorizo, cheddar and jack cheese with a cumin honey-lime vinaigrette.
- Cherry Tart Salad with Dried cherries, mild feta cheese, swill chard, peppery baby arugula and toasted pecans with champagne vinaigrette.
Evening:
Make a reservation for dinner and a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, for a unique cultural experience!
Tablao Flamenco delivers the traditional Spanish tapas experience, created by world-renowned Chef Mark Miller of Santa Fe’s Coyote Cafe and Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef Gilbert Aragon, and features regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Ever since my first experience the art and dance of flamenco in Valencia, Spain every time the opportunity arises to see a show we jump at the chance!
Other things to do & see in Albuquerque:
- Gruet Tasting Room
- Sandia Peak Tramway
- Craft Breweries: Marble Brewery, Bosque Brewing Co, La Cumbre Brewing Company
- Drink at Hotel Chaco’s rooftop bar and lounge, Level 5
Happy travels!
Emily & Barbie
After reading this, I realize how little I know about this city. A coworker lived there for quite some time and he has sing the praises of Albuquerque many times. I have to make plans to visit. #OurWorldTuesday
I just don’t get the hype about El Pinto. The food is nothing special and the patio area is filthy. The waitstaff has always been very welcoming and kind.
That pot! I heard people from there are all good at pottery! So want to go there!