What's going on, Albuquerque?

Fall is Almost Here

"Fall in New Mexico. This is why we live here."

A co-worker said this today, and it has stuck with me.

I'm sure many other places also are nice in the fall, but this is the time when New Mexico really shines. Santa Fe just had its fiestas, the State Fair is ongoing, and roasting green chile can be enjoyed at nearly every produce shop and grocery.

Some of the weaker trees are already sporting yellowed leaves. The cottonwoods and aspens will soon put on their annual shows, and there may be hot-air balloons overhead.

The clear air sparkles, and the sunshine seems to hug you. Weird, right?

Almost ...

Officially, the people tracking the first day of astronomical fall says autumn beings Friday, Sept. 23. I can barely wait.

After such a frigid winter and blisteringly hot summer, Albuquerque is due for some pleasant days. I don't expect to taste a Dixon apple this year, but that's OK. Summer really was brutal.

Whether you are new to the area or a longtime resident, make some time to enjoy the season.

Tags: Albuquerque, Autumn, Fall

6 members like this

Comment by Dale on September 21, 2011 at 6:36pm: i don't know what the plant is really called, but to me it's officially fall when i see the pumpkin berry bushes bloom.

Comment by Ron Da Bomb on September 22, 2011 at 8:36am: This is, hands down, my favorite time of the year! Take some long walks this autumn. Doesn't matter where, along the bosque, the foothills, around your neighborhood...

Comment by aByX on September 22, 2011 at 1:33pm: Fall in New Mexico is magical. To me it's the time of year when you really get why it's called the Land of Enchantment.

Comment by Dee Cohen on September 24, 2011 at 3:29pm: Perfect weather for long walks with the mutt and photographing just about anything. Thanks!

Comment by Stephanie on September 24, 2011 at 6:28pm: I got up at 6 am this morning to get my Dixons apples. You can tell the trees were beat up pretty bad, but the champagne apples still rock.

Comment by Paula Manning-Lewis on September 24, 2011 at 7:43pm: Just came home after a week in Palm Desert, California and suffering through 110 degree heat! So happy to be home in the Land of Enchantment during one of my favorite times of the year! I also happen to love the spring in NM!

Comment by Krista on September 24, 2011 at 11:00pm: Perfect weather, zero wind, gorgeous colors, trees (and nature) ready for a well-deserved nap, green chile in the air, crisp nights and mornings, bluest skies of the year, (the list goes on and on and on)--it is why we live and love it here! I enjoy our autumns so very much and thank you for posting this! I think we need a reminder on occasion to really sit back and enjoy the little things before winter sucks them up. :) Happy Fall!!