Albuquerque is considered the "Ballooning Capital of the World" because of the excellent flying
conditions, number of resident hot-air balloonists and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ®.
Consistently one of the Nation's Top 25 Arts Destinations by American Style 2002-2006.
Albuquerque is home to several wineries, as New Mexico is the oldest wine-producing region in the
country. The first grapevines were brought to the state in 1629. New Mexico's sun-soaked and cool high-
desert nights create an ideal climate for making wine. The state now has 19 wineries, producing almost
350,000 gallons of wine each year.
One of the top 6 travel destinations to keep on your radar for 2006 by SmarterTravel.com and reported in
USAToday.com.
Third-bets mid-sized city to bike in the U.S. by Bicycling 2006.
The famous Route 66 was first commissioned in 1926, picking up as many bits and pieces of existing
road with a giant S-curve that linked Santa Rosa, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Los Lunas and several Indian
reservations. The first route alignment of 1926-1937 ran north-south through Albuquerque.
Number 21 of "America's 50 Hottest Cities" by Expansion Management 2006.
The city of Albuquerque celebrated its 200th birthday in 2006. Albuquerque is one of only a few U.S.
cities to celebrate a tricentennial.