October 09, 2025

Replay: The Land of Hot Air Balloons, Heritage Grains, and 300 Days of Sunshine

33 minutes

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

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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.

Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

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By AFAR Media

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