My Ten Favorite Things About Albuquerque

Campaigning for Congress has taken me all across Albuquerque and the rest of New Mexico’s First District. I’ve met some great, some interesting and some eccentric people along the way. And, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for the place that we all call home.

After some thought, I’ve put together a list of my ten favorite things about Albuquerque – and, I’d love to get your thoughts in the comments. So, without further ado (Hat Tip to Kelly for the correction!)…

10. The newly renovated Tingley Beach, the Rio Line train, the Biopark, and increasing opportunities for locals and tourists alike.

9. Businesses that are making Albuquerque a leader in the field of renewables like Emcore, Schott Glass, and 310 Solar.

8. Eating chile-laden breakfast, on the patio at Las Mananitas in the spring when the cottonwoods are greening.

7. The Ta Lin Market, the South Valley Dia de Los Muertos parade, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and all the diverse communities that make up Albuquerque

6. Geocaching (aka "treasure hunting") around the city, hiking trails where gummy bears appear along the way, and Explora (according to my 5-year old).

Take a break and watch my new video...

Back to the top ten!

5. Taking my kids to see live music in the summer at Zoo Music, Summer Nights at the aquarium, and Old Town.

4. The fact that a pair of boots and a bolo tie is considered formal-wear.

3. The Sandias in such close proximity, and a river running through the City. It adds to the beauty of our city and gives us plenty of outdoor activities.

2. All of the sunshine and some of the nicest people I've ever met.

And my favorite thing about living in Albuquerque…

1. Working in our garden in the back yard with Johnny Cash on the stereo, BBQ coals warming, and a tall cold bottle of... milk!

What are your Albuquerque favorites?

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Comment by Adelita on May 19, 2008 at 2:19pm: Great list Martin! But remember, if you're talking about formal wear here, you gotta have a nice ironed crease in your jeans.

One of my favorite things about 'Burque - the cottonwoods along the bosque. I love the sound of cottonwood leaves rustling in the breeze.

Comment by Mario on May 19, 2008 at 2:23pm: Here's a few of the things I hate, maybe you can help do something about them?

1.) How every project in ABQ always gets scaled down because people are afraid of positive change, and density in this city.

2.) Investors and Potential Employers abandoning their plans to relocate here, because the approval process here is so ridiculously tiresome. Cities like Boise get it, and they are experiencing incredible job growth, while also having success revitalizing their urban core.

3.) Lack of qualified jobs to retain our college graduates.

4.) The City Council and the Mayor's office for their constant bickering and refusal to embrace change.

5.) No real plan for growth.

You're right though Mr. Heinrich, there is certainly plenty to love about this great city. I just wish we were a little more forward thinking!

Comment by Kelly on May 19, 2008 at 3:17pm: Um, Martin. The word is ado, not adieu. Other than that, you rock!

Comment by Joe S Sausage on May 19, 2008 at 3:27pm: There are more pos than negs, but to continue on Mario's list, get rid of the gross receipts tax, other than that i love ABQ, it's located in the climatic sweet spot of the SW, green chile makes many foods better, yeah and i mean italian sausage and bratwurst, not to mention the smell of roasting grn chile is aroma therapeutic, have a good one.

Comment by chantal on May 19, 2008 at 3:28pm: By far, my favorite scene in that video has to be the pick-up truck coffee klatch.

I've never been to Las Mananitas but will have to check it out soon.

Comment by Hermes_505 on May 19, 2008 at 3:54pm: Re: your #9: What about PNM's Sky Blue program? A top ten nationally recognized program with one of North America's largest wind farms feeding its customers. Not a bad addition to your Mesa del Sol mentions for renewables. And it's a local company, too.

Comment by Pat O. on May 19, 2008 at 7:08pm: I like:

1. New Mexican style food, red or green.
2. When in Abq I live within earshot of the Zoo, so I hear gibbons in the early morning.
3. Almost no suits at all.
4. A drive to the east edge of town brings me to the Sandias, and desert places to hike.
5. A drive through the canyon to the Sandias or Manzanos brings me to hikes in the pine forests.
6. Blue jeans and cowboy or hiking boots (with or without hats) are always allowed.

Don't Likes:

1. Drunk drivers.
2. People who move here and complain because they can't get some things that they could get in Texas/California/The Midwest/The East.
3. Forest fires, especially human caused ones like the one that recently messed up the Manzanos.
4. Bickering and heavy politicking in the City Council that gets in the way of solving problems.
5. #4 again for the County.
6. Some people who believe that their ethnicity (any kind) gives them privileges over other ethnic groups.
7. I agree: change the Gross Receipts Tax to a regular sales tax. The GRT is a big problem for companies that provide services in other states, and makes them non-competitive.

Comment by Stevie on May 19, 2008 at 8:54pm: I lost count but there are a lot more than ten things in your ten things. I would like to add a thriving film industry that is keeping many people well employed. In addition to people benefitting from jobs, many vendors, suppliers and ancillary businesses are reaping the effects as well. Carry on.

Comment by Mike on May 19, 2008 at 10:20pm: I agree with #9 - Solar and wind energy! Albuquerque and New Mexico should be a world leader in these technologies. We have way more solar and wind then we can handle. We have Sandia and Los Alamos labs. We will soon have progressive representation in Congress ;) A massive investment in renewable energy would bring jobs, environmental and health benefits, clear skies (think of the enormous coal plants in the Four Corners darkening the skies over the Grand Canyon), independence from foreign producers of oil, the ability to export the technology and reverse some of the trade deficit. Plus it will bring peace on earth, reduce road rage, cure cancer, put a chicken in every pot, save the silvery minnow, land a person on Mars, and eradicate invasive kudzu and zebra mussels. OK, so maybe I am exaggerating. But still, it would be good.

Comment by Masshole in Fringecrest on May 19, 2008 at 11:33pm: I liked Summer Nights at the Botanic Gardens (5b above) better when they were free. Now it's 8 bucks, right? $4 for me 'cause I'm a member, but still... Howzabout an appropriation to offset that after you get elected? No Quid Pro Quo, I'm just sayin'...

My favortie thing about ABQ- the fact that I moved here in 1993 with $750 (from selling my 1976 VW Beetle) and it was enough for 1st & last month's rent, security deposit, and I still didn't have to get a job for a few weeks... AND I STILL THINK THAT WOULD FLY TODAY!