I was invited to Albuquerque, New Mexico a few weeks ago to enjoy the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. I was ecstatic. I have ridden in a hot air balloon once before and couldn’t wait to do it again, and I was even more excited about the chance to photograph the visual spectacle of 500 balloons launching over the Sandia mountains at one time.

My camera broke in transit – strike 1 for my fantasy strip.

Wind and rain kept the hot air balloons grounded during my entire visit – strike 2.

And yet I had a fabulous time in Albuquerque and am eager to go back. Despite a lackluster experience with the 40th Balloon Fiesta, I discovered an old city surrounded by unique natural beauty and brimming with rich cultural traditions. I also had the best margarita(s) of my life.

Let’s start with the margaritas.

El Pinto (or The Spot in English) is one of the most popular restaurants in Albuquerque and arguably one of the city’s most successful businesses. What began as a family restaurant serving New Mexican cuisine has become a destination for locals and tourists, boasting an extensive chile garden and their own line of salsas. El Pinto is now the largest restaurant in the state, but guests still enjoy a level of hospitality associated with a family business. And really – you have to have the margaritas.

(Check out this video tutorial of how to make the perfect margarita.) Read More »

Native American dedication ceremony at the Grand Canyon.

If you’re going to visit the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona this summer make sure to stop by the Mather Point Amphitheater and Landmark Feature. The new area will allow people an opportunity to view the canyon from seats of native limestone. I highly recommend sunrise or sunset for all your mental picture needs — it’s breathtaking. Actual photos should be pretty cool then, too.

This above photo is from the dedication of said amphitheater and landmark feature, which honors the native peoples affiliated with the Grand Canyon National Park. Pictured is Diana Sue Uqualla of the Havasupai People.

This post is supposed to be a Wordless Wednesday entry, but I’m a talker.

Photo by Grand Canyon NPS via Flickr

A stream runs through it.

Ah, the water and the sunshine and the barefeet. It’s good stuff.

Finally, winter is going away (kicking and fighting, but still going away) and as such we can once again return to the great outdoors for all of our daytrip needs. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, boating, rafting, biking, or pretty much anything this side of snow activities, it’s a great time to dust off the old waistline and get back in the saddle (or whatever you sit on for your preferred activity).

Don’t forget, as we get closer to summer the State and National Parks (and other assorted campgrounds) will be filling up fast. Many of them take reservations for campsites and RV spaces (and have already started to do so). You may want to start planning your getaways now (or wait and complain about it being full like I usually do).

Goodbye, Winter. Don’t let the door hit you.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo by Muffet via Flickr.

Falls Park

Charleston and Myrtle Beach may win more name recognition but Greenville, SC has just as much to offer as those other  SC vacation spots.  With unusual museums, a myriad of state parks, exceptional restaurants as well as the dazzling Blue Ridge Mountains just a few miles away, this mid-sized, Southern metropolis has it all. Read More »