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Author: Andrea

Andrea is a foodie girl in Albuquerque's foodie world. Born-and-raised around the sights, sounds and smells of a New Mexico true home, her favorite restaurant question is "Which is hotter?". When not munching her way around the city, she enjoys soaking up the sun and traveling. Having visited lands near and far, she is proud to call this unique place her home. Andrea was the Social Media & Content Specialist for Visit Albuquerque. The opinions shared on this blog are her own. 

Veterans Day is a time to reflect, remember and honor those who have served in the United States…

Albuquerque’s Most Haunted Places

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:00 AM by Andrea

Albuquerque’s layers of history make it a unique place to see historical landmarks, haunted and…

Tour of Wineries and Vineyards in Albuquerque

Monday, September 18, 2023 8:00 AM by Andrea

There is nothing like sipping on your favorite glass of wine. At the wineries and vineyards listed…

Diverse Lodging Options by Neighborhood

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 8:00 AM by Andrea

From cozy adobe bed and breakfasts to modern hotels and everything in between, Albuquerque’s variety…

Spectator Sports in Albuquerque

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 8:00 AM by Andrea

From professional soccer to professional hockey and everything in between, Albuquerque is home to a…

The History of Luminarias and How to Make Them

Friday, December 2, 2022 8:00 AM by Andrea

The glowing brown sacks that adorn Albuquerque walkways, churches and homes each holiday season are called luminarias (sometimes called farolitos), or “little lanterns,” and date back more than 300 years. The New Mexican tradition began when Spanish villages along the Rio Grande displayed the unique and easy-to-make lanterns to welcome the Christ child into the world. Today, Albuquerque residents make luminarias out of brown paper bags that have been folded at the top and filled with a couple of cups of sand with a votive candle in the center. But luminarias or farolitos have not always been made out of paper bags. The early versions were actually small bonfires of crisscrossed piñon branches that were built in three-foot-high squares. As paper became more widely available, luminarias evolved into what they are today. Instead of making paper lanterns that would hang in a tree or from a roof, which would become damaged by the wind, small paper bags were placed on the ground, on rooftops and along pathways. Many churches, families and neighborhoods around Albuquerque decorate their homes and businesses with luminarias for the holidays. In Old Town, where they line the walkways by the hundreds throughout the plaza, their simple light transforms into an impressive and welcoming glow, leading to the historic San Felipe de Neri Church and its Christmas Eve mass. Spectators enjoy the annual tradition of a stroll through the magnificent holiday light display, or a driving tour through Historic Old Town and the nearby Albuquerque Country Club neighborhood.   How to Make a Luminaria…

Camping and Glamping In and Around Albuquerque

Monday, September 12, 2022 8:00 AM by Andrea

Camping and enjoying nature can be a great way to take a break from daily routines and relax…

ABQ In The News: Fall 2021

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 11:00 AM by Andrea

Albuquerque has been receiving some major shoutouts from some of travel and tourism’s most prominent…

TrueABQ Packing List

Monday, July 26, 2021 4:00 PM by Andrea

Planning a vacation to Albuquerque? Packing for a trip can be both exciting and stressful if you’re…

Road Trips to Albuquerque

Thursday, May 27, 2021 9:00 AM by Andrea

Road trips are making a comeback, and they are a great way to take in the scenery, meet the locals…