| Event: | Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | |||
| Location: | Albuquerque, New Mexico |  |
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| Dates: | Mon, Oct 4 - Sat, Oct 9 | |||
| CCU Event: | Yes | |||
| CCU Points: | 1 |
| Contact(s): | Karen DeSmet Phone: 801 910-2923 |
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| Description: | “An Event Like No Other” For nine days in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta creates an enchanted world of special-shaped balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon filled skies. Brisk autumn mornings in the Rio Grande Valley create an otherworldly backdrop for the breathtaking majesty this most popular event, the Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The event began with 13 balloons in 1972 and today is the largest hot air ballooning event in the world. Join Steve and Karen DeSmet as they enjoy early morning and evening balloon events, as well as touring thru some of New Mexico’s most scenic byways and historic towns. Day 1: Monday, October 4 Meet at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi for drivers meeting at 8:45 AM, departing at 9:00 AM for lunch at the Moab Diner. We’ll be staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Farmington, NM. Call 505-325-2545 for reservations booked under Corvette Club of Utah; 12 kings available at $80 + tax. Free hot breakfast is served in the lobby 5:00 -7:30 AM; self-serve after 7:30 AM. Day 2: Tuesday, October 5 Leave for Albuquerque via Grants, where we will see iconic Route 66 sites before going to the Pueblo of Acoma. It is the gateway to Acoma “Sky City,” part of New Mexico's cultural heritage, as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. Acoma history is also the story of the Southwest, from its initial role as the home to the Anaasazi people, to the thirteenth century founding of the Pueblo, which is still alive and well as a community and touchstone for Native Americans in the area and nationwide. . We’ll be staying at the Best Western Airport Albuquerque. Call 505-242-7022for reservations booked under the Corvette Club of Utah; 12 kings available at $169 + tax. Hot breakfast included. Dinner is at the Country Line BBQ, with a ride after on the Sandia Peak Tram, America’s longest aerial tramway. Once atop the peak, the view is a panorama of Albuquerque’s night lights below. Day 3: Wednesday, October 6 Rise ’n shine! We’ll be on the field bright and early for the Dawn Patrol Show at 6:00 AM. Dawn Patrol pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. Fellow balloonists appreciate the Dawn Patrol because they can watch the balloons and get an early idea of wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. This is followed by the Krispy Crème Morning Glow at 6:30 AM. Next at 7:00 AM, pilots from around the globe will be participating in the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension followed by the Remote Controlled Balloons exhibition. We’ll return to the hotel for a rest, and then head out to explore Historical Albuquerque and have lunch. Dinner is at the Route 66 Diner, followed by a cruise through the heart of the city along Central Avenue. This historic highway leads travelers through some of the city's most beloved neighborhoods and by many Route 66 landmarks ending at the Route 66 Casino and Hotel. Day 4: Thursday, October 7 We get to sleep in today! We will venture out to explore the Turquoise Trail after breakfast at the hotel. This includes exploring Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital city known for its relaxed pace, stimulating culture, fantastic food, historic architecture, and charming stores. Lunch to be determined. After lunch we will visit Madrid, where Wild Hogs was filmed, and travel the trail back to Albuquerque. We’ll park the Vettes, get in the vans and head to dinner at El Pinto for dinner just 15 minutes from the balloon fiesta field. Our evening session on the field includes the Shape Glowdeo followed by the AfterGlow Fireworks show. Day 5: Friday, October 8 We say goodbye to Albuquerque and began our drive home. Lunch is in Chama, NM, home of theCumbres & Toltec Railroad. Where will ride on the Chama High Noon, half day train trip with a bag lunch from one of the local restaurants. We’ll spend the night in Durango at the Hampton Inn. Call 970-247-2600 for reservations booked under Corvette Club of Utah; 8 kings and 4 queens available at $119 + tax. Hostess served hot continental breakfast from 6:00 – 9:00 AM. Day 6: Saturday, October 9 Leave for home thru picturesque countryside on our way to Pagosa Springs, CO. Lunch to be determined. After lunch we will head home. Additional costs: Note: October gets chilly at night so bring some warm clothes, and folding chairs, so you don’t sit on the grass. And don’t forget your cameras! |
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