Slow travel has emerged as a popular travel trend over the past few years. Forbes describes it as an intentional slowing down to not only spend more time in a destination, but to fully immerse in it. Slow travelers want to see a destination’s main attractions, but also want to wander off the usual tourist path.
Albuquerque is an ideal destination for slow travel. With hundreds of years of culture to explore, countless miles of trails to hike and hundreds of local restaurants to dine at, getting immersed in Albuquerque, slow travel-style, will leave you breathless.
Here are a few stops to add to your slow-travel itinerary in Albuquerque.
Bike In Coffee at Old Town Farm
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For a relaxing morning coffee or a tranquil lunch, stop by Bike In Coffee at Old Town Farm. Nestled in a neighborhood near the Rio Grande, the menu is full of dishes made with ingredients grown on the farm. Enjoy your food amidst the cottonwood trees, and listen to live music on certain days.
Eldora Chocolate
This award-winning chocolatier creates delectable treats that are inspired by New Mexico. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facility to follow the entire bean-to-bar process. Be sure to take some handcrafted chocolate home with you.
Farm & Table
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Dine on a meal made from fresh, local ingredients at Farm & Table. The dining room is cozy and intimate, or choose a table on the patio to watch the sunset over the 12-acre farm where the restaurant is located. Keep an eye on Farm & Table’s events calendar — the restaurant periodically hosts themed dinners!
Flamenco
Albuquerque is the flamenco capital of North America, and there are many great ways to experience this art form. Enjoy dinner and a show at Tablao Flamenco, located inside Hotel Albuquerque. You’ll see performers from around the world. Casa Flamenca hosts intimate shows where you get up close and personal with the performers, many of whom are from Spain.
Historic Old Town
There is no better place to get immersed in the history and culture of Albuquerque than Historic Old Town, the neighborhood where Albuquerque was founded in 1706. Stroll through historic plazas, art galleries, restaurants and other local shops, as well as San Felipe de Neri Church and nearby museums. Wander the streets of Old Town to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hopping aboard a hot air balloon is a way to take the term “slow travel” literally. Float above the city on a bucket list-worthy adventure in the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World. Nearly a dozen private companies in Albuquerque offer magical hot air balloon flights year-round
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Avanyu Plaza
Spend the day immersing yourself in the Indigenous history of Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Learn about the history of the Pueblo people at its educational museum exhibits, and experience a traditional Native dance. Refuel at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen for an Indigenous dining experience.
Afterward, head across the street to Avanyu Plaza. Owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, this dining and shopping area features Native-owned businesses including Itality: Plant Based Foods and 12th Street Tavern.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Photo Credit: Sergio Salvador
Book your slow travel stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. Located near the Rio Grande in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Los Poblanos is home to fields of lavender. The lavender is incorporated into the menu at Campo, the on-site restaurant, and in products used at the Hacienda Spa.
Pimentel Guitars, Music and Entertainment
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Learn about the exquisite craft of making guitars at Pimentel Guitars, Music and Entertainment. The Pimentel brothers have been making guitars by hand for decades, and each is one-of-a-kind. Book a guitar lesson or take a tour of their guitar making workshop.
Sherwood Coffee ‘n’ Bread
Get your hands dirty with a cooking class at Sherwood Coffee ‘n’ Bread. Learn the ins and outs of sourdough bread, flatbread, pizza dough and more. The cooking classes are small and hands-on, so you get to create your own culinary creations and then bake them in a wood-burning oven.
