Balloon Museum


 

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 check out the rest of the exhibits. 

The other exhibits include an interesting one on S.A. Andree ballooning in the Arctic, a small exhibit on special shape balloons, and an interactive area for kids. However, there are two other exhibits that stood out where I learned a lot. One is a small exhibit on the use of hot air balloons in war like in the Civil War where they were used to spy on either the confederate or union soldiers. Also, they were briefly used during World War 1. The other interesting exhibit is the weather one. I’m so used to seeing balloons as commercial flights that you forget about weather balloons. Also, there is a really fun interactive screen where you learn about the Albuquerque Box. 

But the highlight of the museum is the main show room that also has a great timeline of the International Balloon Fiesta. Here you learn about the origins of fiesta, as well as find yourself surrounded by balloons suspended from the ceiling. This also allows guests to go upstairs and see the displays from multiple views. It is not only where you learn about ballooning in Albuquerque, but also can take some great pictures. This is where you will spend most of your time. 

All in all, this was a great museum to go and spend a couple hours. It is not too big so it can fit in with your day easily, and it is very cheap to go to. This would be great for out-of-town guests, or anybody wanting to learn more about one of New Mexico’s greatest past times. It was a lot of fun, you will get some great pictures, and have an enjoyable time. I would recommend making the trip and checking it out anytime, but during Fiesta would only add to the experience. 

To see photos of my adventures check out my Instagram @the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx
To support my adventures check out www.patreon.com/thenmtx


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tap N Taco

Image
  When I first made the decision to move down here there were several things I was excited about. But near the top of the list was food, and to be more specific the great Mexican food. So how lucky was I to discover a place in Rio Rancho that not only serves great tacos, but also quesadillas, and has a great bar on the inside serving specialty cocktails, and craft beer? The answer is very lucky, and with a great variety to choose from at very affordable prices one of the great taco places I’ve tried is Tap N Taco. Located on Highway 528 in an old fast-food restaurant this place is worth seeking out. There is ample seating on the inside, as well as a beautiful outdoor patio with picnic tables for those beautiful New Mexico days. All the food is prepared right in front of you as you order, and the prices are all the same. $2.00 tacos, $6.00 quesadillas, and $7.00 baked potatoes/French fries. There are also five different proteins to choose from including al pastor, barbacoa, carne ...
Read more

Steel Bender Brewyard

Image
  New Mexico is a state that like many others loves their craft beer, and the variety of places to go continues to grow. Not only do a lot of these breweries produce a variety of high-quality beers, but also high-quality foods. One of the first places I discovered in Albuquerque was actually in Los Ranchos where if you blink you will drive right by it. But keep an eye out because it is totally worth the visit for a bite or pint. Of course, the I am talking about Steel Bender Brewyard, a brewery that embodies a strong sense of the community around them. When you first drive up you find yourself in disbelief of how large this building is. With the massive branded silo that lets you know you found the right place. The inside is just as big with its large bar, and ample seating, but the place to sit is on its patio. With small tables for intimate groups, or large picnic tables for big groups the patio is far enough back that the traffic isn’t a bother, and guests can relax with a pin...
Read more

New Food Trucks

Image
  The past few weeks have been a great time to be a food lover in and around Albuquerque. We have been lucky enough to have 2 great new food trucks open, and both are unique with what they are offering. Even more lucky for me is that I have been able to try both and was very impressed by both. Love at First Slice: If there is one food I have been missing since I moved down here it is a good pizza. While I have had some good ones, there is always room for another good one. Thankfully Love at First Slice makes a great pizza, that is also wood fired. While the menu is extensive, and in addition to pizza they also offer wood-fired sandwiches, I opted for pizza. I went simple, but also ordered one of my favorites and ordered the Margherita. It was a delicious pizza that had so many great flavors going on. The crust was slightly charred, the cheese melted perfectly, and the tomatoes and basil added a great bite of freshness. I was very happy with my order and can’t wait to explore mor...
Read more