Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque, New Mexico was recently named one of the Top 25 Places to Go in 2013 by Fodor’s Travel. Fodor’s editors have chosen Albuquerque as a hot travel destination because of our excellent value for visitors, calling the city an affordable getaway for nature lovers and families. We would add romance to the list during this time of year. In Albuquerque, celebrate the season of love with concerts, shopping deals, hotel specials, dance performances and much more.

With 310 days of sunshine each year, even winter offers beautiful weather in Albuquerque. Take advantage of our blue skies with a fun Valentine’s themed event February 9-10 called the Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally. The event takes place as the sun rises at Balloon Fiesta Park with more than 135 balloons launching and floating gently over the city. Adjacent to the park, the Albuquerque Balloon Museum will be hosting a breakfast event in conjunction with the rally on Saturday, February 9th.

If you plan to visit for the balloon rally, check out the Amor Y Mas Valentine’s Celebration in Historic Old Town later that day. Visitors will enjoy specials at the shops, galleries and restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Live entertainment, special chocolates, Valentine’s gifts and more will be available – they will even have marriage certificates and free walk-up weddings!

Redbook recently named Albuquerque to be one of the Most Romantic Date Destinations in America highlighting Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm and quaint experiences like strolling the gardens, meeting the farm animals and relaxing by the gated pool. On February 14th, Los Poblanos will host A Valencia Valentines Evening – an elegant three-course Valentines dinner inspired by the flavors of Spain.

Routes Rentals & Tours, a bicycle rental and tour company, will offer their annual ‘Bikes On the Rio’ tour series to celebrate the Valentine’s season in style (February 14, 16, and 17). Options include ‘Romance on the Rio’ for couples and ‘Vino on the Rio’ for singles to meet and mingle.

Other Valentine’s Day Events

Feb 8: Valentine's Adult Night at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Feb 9-10: Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally at Balloon Fiesta Park with breakfast at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum on Feb 9th.

Feb 9: New Mexico Philharmonic Valentine's Day Concert at Popejoy Hall

Feb 9: Amor y Mas Celebration in Historic Old Town

Feb 9: Valentine's Tours at the ABQ BioPark - a non-traditional look at the complex dance that is love in the animal kingdom with several events:
• Zoo: Birds and the Beasts
• Aquarium: That's a Moray!
• Botanic Gardens: Love Bugs

Feb 8-10: Performance of Defending the Caveman at the KiMo Theatre

Feb 8-10: Concert: Breaking Up is Hard to Do at the South Broadway Cultural Center

Feb 10: Valentine's Chatter Cabaret at Hotel Andaluz

Feb 14: Latin Love Fest - Mingle in a magical Valentine's atmosphere of chocolate fountains and desserts plus live salsa and bachata.

Feb 14-March 10: Romance/Romance - Two one-act musicals take varied looks at romance seekers at Musical Theatre Southwest’s Black Box Theater.

Come for the weekend
Plan a quick getaway to Albuquerque – one of the top 25 must-see places for 2013 – and take advantage of a romantic hotel or bed & breakfast package. Amenities include champagne, chocolates, spa treatments, breakfast in bed, roses, wine tastings, hot air balloon rides and more. Getaway packages start at $229. Find more details on events and getaway packages at www.ItsATrip.org/valentines2013.

Needing some romantic inspiration? Check out our Pinterest romance board. Whether you’re looking to pop the question in a hot air balloon or enjoy a relaxing getaway in a historic bed & breakfast, Albuquerque has been ranked as a top destination for romance. Come see why!