Albuquerque, NM (March 1, 2011) – As we kick off March, we look forward to a month-long celebration of creative women throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico. The annual Women and Creativity Celebration showcases exhibits, performances and creative talents presented by arts organizations, artists, writers and business owners in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

For women looking to vacation together, Albuquerque should be on your list of destinations to consider. Women are often under incredible stress to balance everything from family to work to home, so taking a break for “me time” often gets put on the back burner. So, whether you and your girlfriends enjoy shopping and dining out or need some fresh air and relaxation time away from home, plan an escape to Albuquerque.
 
Albuquerque hotel partners have put together a variety of packages for an easy girlfriend getaway. Details are available online at www.ItsATrip.org/girlgetaways. From wine tasting to shopping to organic cooking classes, there’s something for every type of gal-time adventure seeker. 
 
Here’s a sample of activities for a perfect girls getaway itinerary:

Albuquerque is full of events throughout the year, but these special events may entice you to plan your getaway at a certain time of year.

March 2011
The Women & Creativity Celebration (www.womenandcreativity.org) fills the month of March with over 50 art exhibits, performances, workshops, and discussions focused on creativity in every form. Women & Creativity is organized and presented by the National Hispanic Cultural Center in partnership with more than 30 arts organizations, artists, writers and business owners in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

March 2011 – March 2012
The National Hispanic Cultural Center offers several performances in the Latin Diva Series (www.nhccnm.org) throughout the year. Upcoming performers are Katia Moraes from Brazil on March 12, 2011, Lucia Pulido from Columbia on November 5, 2011 and Susana Baca from Peru on March 3, 2012.

April 16-17, 2011
This weekend looks to be jam-packed with opportunity. The Spring Indian Art Market (www.indianpueblo.org) at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will introduce visitors to the Native American pueblo culture with an extensive art market full of pottery, jewelry, sculpture and more.

The Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest (www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com) will offer a two-day food festival featuring the very best, and most delicious, chocolatiers, candy makers, coffee roasters, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants throughout New Mexico.

May 28-30, 2011
The Albuquerque Wine Festival (www.nmwine.com) takes place over Memorial Day weekend each year at the famous Balloon Fiesta Park. Browse through handcrafted art, listen to live music and taste local wines of New Mexico.

June 3-12, 2011
Savor Albuquerque (www.savorabq.com) showcases the best of Albuquerque's arts, culture and cuisine. The week also includes the remarkable Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque.

June 24-26, 2011
2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair (www.nmartsandcraftsfair.org), which is a premier juried event that features New Mexico artisans and craftspeople exclusively.

October 1-9, 2011
Join in the celebration of the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.ItsATrip.org/balloon-festival). The world-renowned event during the first week in October delivers a beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air. More than five hundred balloons will be taking flight during nine days of festive events.

November 4-6, 2011
Weems International Artfest (www.weemsinternationalartfest.org) is a major multi-cultural art event displaying over 200 top artisans in every medium and price range. The festival celebrates 30 years in 2011.

Holiday Events in December
The magic of holiday season comes to life with luminaria displays throughout Albuquerque. Two early season opportunities to experience the magic take place during the Nob Hill Shop & Stroll (www.rt66central.com) on December 1st and the Old Town Holiday Stroll (www.albuquerqueoldtown.com) on December 2nd.

No matter when you choose to visit, Albuquerque has something for everyone. For information on planning your girlfriend getaway to Albuquerque, visit www.ItsATrip.org/girlgetaways.