Albuquerque isn't just a stopover—it's a destination where ancient land meets modern vision. On this replay episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she discovers why this Southwestern city has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, food innovators, and cultural preservation. From sunrise balloon rides to Indigenous-led breweries, explore the Albuquerque that's rooted in 10-million-year-old landscapes and 700 years of Pueblo heritage.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Albuquerque preserved one-quarter of its land as open space—and what that means for visitors today


• The Indigenous entrepreneurs and chefs reclaiming food sovereignty through heritage grains, native ingredients, and innovative brewing


• Why New Mexico's oldest wine region is finally getting the recognition it deserves


• The best ways to experience Albuquerque's outdoor spaces, from the Sandia Peak Tramway to the new downtown Rail Trail

Meet this week’s guests

• Sarah Sheasley, director of marketing for ⁠Los Poblanos⁠
  


• 
  ⁠Elaine Briseño⁠, journalist and historian 


• Terry Brunner, the Director of the city of Albuquerque’s ⁠Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency⁠
  


• 
  ⁠Justin de la Rosa⁠, a local food writer and director of outlets for the Sawmill Market


• 
  ⁠Dylan Storment⁠, director of wine and spirits at Los Poblanos


• Missy Begay, cofounder of ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠ 


• Bill Stimmel, the entrepreneurial director at ⁠Indian Pueblo Cultural Center⁠
  


• Murray Conrad, hot air balloon pilot and owner of ⁠World Balloon⁠
  

My Albuquerque itinerary

Where I ate, stayed, and played.

Hotels

• Book a stay at ⁠Los Poblanos⁠
  


• Book a stay at ⁠Hotel Chaco⁠
  

Restaurants

• ⁠El Patio⁠


• ⁠Mesa Provisions⁠


• ⁠Coda Bakery⁠


• Campo at ⁠Los Poblanos⁠
  


• Level 5 at ⁠Hotel Chaco⁠
  


• ⁠Farm & Table⁠


• ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠


•  ⁠Old Town Farm⁠
  

Activities

• Take a bike and taco tour with ⁠Routes⁠
  


• Tour the ⁠Indian Pueblo Cultural Center⁠
  


• Visit the ⁠Paseo del Bosque⁠
  


• Take a tram up ⁠Sandia Peak⁠
  


• Fly with ⁠World Balloon⁠
  


• If you want to hear more of the flamenco episode you hear at the top of the episode, see a show at ⁠Tablao Flamenco⁠
  

Explore more places to stay and savor with Afar's New Mexico travel guide.

Stay Connected

• Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. 


• Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

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