The_NM_TX

  One thing that I love about breweries is that no two are the same. Each one offers a unique variety of beers, has a buildout that is reflective of its owners, and has a different mission in what they want their business to be about. That is no truer than in the Historic Huning Highland neighborhood of Albuquerque where not only are they pouring high quality, unique beers, but they also have a rotating art gallery connected that features local artists that guests can walk around with their beer. Factor in a full schedule of live music and you have a brewery that also cares about the local artists in the community. So, when in the area make sure to stop by Thirsty Eye Brewing Company.  Located along Broadway this is a very small, but comfortable taproom. Inside there are a few tables, seats at the bar, a stage for live music, and an enclosed patio featuring beautiful murals and picnic tables for larger groups and pets. The small brewhouse is divided only by a half wall, and ...

  If there is one thing I instantly fell in love with when I moved down was unexpectedly the hot air balloons. I honestly thought that they went up during the annual fiesta and that was it. Obviously, I was wrong, and now I look forward to seeing them in the sky almost daily. It is such a part of New Mexican culture that you tend to forget that they are more than just great scenery, or a bucket list item to ride in one. Thankfully near Fiesta Park is the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, which I knew I had to visit. Upon arriving the first thing you notice is that the building has similarities to a balloon, including the beautiful back window that looks out of Fiesta Park. Once inside though your eyes are instantly drawn to the ceiling as you are surrounded by all different types of balloon replicas throughout history. Once you stop looking at the ceiling the first exhibit you will find is basically the beginning of ballooning in Europe. From there you can go in either direction to che...

  Anybody that has read this blog or followed me on social media knows that I have a real affinity for Route 66. So, living in New Mexico, one of my favorite aspects is the ability to be on the Old Mother Road whenever I feel like it. While most of the time that keeps me in Albuquerque, I know I have the whole state to explore. I have done Moriarty and that only scratched the itch of wanting to drive this highway. Recently, on a total impulse, I decided to take an amazing day trip to the eastern most part of Route 66 in New Mexico which helped served as the inspiration for an iconic Pixar movie. Of course, I am talking about a trip to Tucumcari.  The excitement began before I was even technically in the town, when I drove upon a recreation of a very iconic cartoon tow truck. Then, I pulled into the town and saw an amazing Route 66 sculpture outside of the Convention Center shaped after the tailfin of a classic car. While I had an agenda for what I wanted to see in this small...

  With each new one I visit I always feel like I am going to run out of new coffee shops to try. Yet, I am continuously proven wrong. Some come up as recommendations, and others I discover just driving and seeing a sign for a new one. It still amazes me that wherever in Albuquerque I am or the surrounding suburbs the number of local coffee shops are astonishing. Even more recently I am now discovering even more places that also roast their own beans. Here are a couple new great coffee shops worth visiting while out exploring.  Candlestick Coffee Roasters: Located in the small town of Corrales, Candlestick is unlike any coffee shop I have ever been to, and one where the beans are roasted on site. Their new location within the Farmstand is a truly great experience where you are basically walking into a small farmers’ market. Here you can enjoy great local produce, meats, chesses, pastries, wine, and of course freshly roasted coffee. While they do have a small espresso bar mak...

  It is no secret that I am a huge fan of craft beer. Something some people don’t know about me, is that at one point, years ago, I used to home brew. On top of enjoying a craft beer, I also enjoy the science and skill that go into creating a delicious pint. As time went on, I brewed less, but my love for it never waned. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to secure a ticket to the first of what I hope is many Mavster Brewing classes hosted by Marble Brewing. Guests are allowed a behind the scenes look and the opportunity to observe their head and lead brewer create a batch of beer beginning to end. The day of the class I was excited and intrigued about what the day would bring. After signing in, and a quick introduction by head brewer Andrew and lead brewer Gregory, the day started with prepping the grain for brewing. In between steps, we were educated on various aspects of brewing, and the ingredients being used that day and it all starts with the grain. It was fascinating to sample...