Unpacked by AFAR tackles one tricky topic in travel each week. Whether you want to hack your points and miles, figure out where to travel next, or need advice on an ethical dilemma, we're your expert travel guides. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.
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Unpacked by AFAR tackles one tricky topic in travel each week. Whether you want to hack your points and miles, figure out where to travel next, or need advice on an ethical dilemma, we're your expert travel guides. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.
Replay: The Land of Hot Air Balloons, Heritage Grains, and 300 Days of Sunshine
Unpacked by Afar
33 minutes
3 weeks ago
Replay: The Land of Hot Air Balloons, Heritage Grains, and 300 Days of Sunshine
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.
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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.
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Unpacked by Afar
Unpacked by AFAR tackles one tricky topic in travel each week. Whether you want to hack your points and miles, figure out where to travel next, or need advice on an ethical dilemma, we're your expert travel guides. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.
