Unpacked by Afar

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


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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, andTravel 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.

              Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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              Unpacked by AfarBy AFAR Media

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