Roswell Overnight, Watch for Aliens

If you're looking for a quick getaway from Albuquerque. Roswell is only a 3 hour drive. 

The directions are pretty easy too. I40 east to Clines Corners/hwy 285 south to Roswell. 

There are a decent amount of hotels and motels to choose from and lots of Alien themed photo opportunities. Room rates can vary from $50- $150 depending on property and dates. The trip including gas, room, food, and admission to attractions was less than $300 for 2 people. Souvenirs and alien antenna are extra. 

Things to do in Roswell:

• International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop
• 114 N Main St, Roswell     Open 9-5, 7 days a week. 
• admission $7 adults, discounts for seniors, military, and children
• the building is a former movie theater built in the 1930s converted in 1991 to the museum. There is a lot of newspaper articles from the time the "unidentified objects" were found, tributes to movies and shows about aliens, and many alien and UFO props. 

  

  Entrance to UFO museum

  
  
• https://www.roswellufomuseum.com/

Newspaper articles from 1947

• Roswell UFO Spacewalk
• 116 E 2nd St, Roswell,    Open 10-6, 7 days a week 
• admission $6 (includes glow bracelet and stickers)
• walking distance from UFO museum
• its a great black light maze experience with aliens, plasma orbs and glowing footprints
• fun for all ages 

Spacewalk 

        *Museum pricing updated 3/13/24

Glowing footprints

Brains on display at Spacewalk

• Bottomless Lakes State Park 
• about 15 miles southeast of Roswell. 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell
• The first state park in New Mexico established in 1933. There is a beach at Lea lake with facilities, picnic tables, swimming, and rental pedal boats. 
• the lakes are actually sinkholes ranging in depth from the shallow beach to 90ft with water fed from underground pools. 
• there is a $5 park admission during the day with plenty of parking.

Beautiful rock formations around lake

Sunset at Lea Lake

pedal Boats

Upper road view of Lea Lake

• Food in Roswell
• Farley's Food Fun & Pub 1315 N Main St, Roswell. Good pub style food, shakes, fun atmosphere, fun t-shirts
• RibCrib BBQ 4495 N Main St, Roswell. great side salad, tender ribs.
• Blakes Lotaburger  3017 N Main St, Roswell. I always enjoy their breakfast burrito with green chile

                                    See you in Roswell

Friendly Aliens at UFO Museum

Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest 2022 Deals

2022 Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest, and Block Party 

Single Day Tickets:
Adults (ages 13 and up): $15 

$5 off discount code Fiery (provided by vendors at Fiery food show)

Ages 3-12, $2 (100% of this ticket is donated to the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network)
Under 3, Free

online tickets here https://holdmyticket.com/event/388785

Time and Date:

Saturday, April 2nd 10am - 6pm 
Sunday,   April 3rd 10am - 6pm

Location: 

Expo NM State Fairgrounds  Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex and Main street for the block party.

 www.ChocolateAndCoffeeFest.com

If you like Chocolate, coffee, beer, wine and gourmet foods. there will be samples to try and treats to buy. Live music both days

Come indulge outdoors with over 100 of the finest chocolatiers, coffee roasters, candy makers, bakers, breweries, wineries, and gourmet food companies.

While an indoor marketplace will showcase regional chocolates to be sampled and purchased, we invite you to the enjoy the outdoor music stage and dining areas to savor divine chocolates and sip on world class coffees, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Be sure to visit the official website for details on live music, painting classes, wine pairings, the latte art throwdown, baking contests, and Bend and Brew yoga. 

We are NOT requiring proof of vaccination, nor negative Covid test for entry. 

See you there

Look for these vendors there. They shared their coupon code at the fiery food show plus they have tasty treats and cool stuff. 

Celina's Biscochitos

Elixir Boutique Chocolates

Phil’s Gourmet Sauces

Strawberries and More

Sweet & Saucy

Tea’ze A More

Movie Theater discounts $6 and up

 I like movie theater popcorn, and a giant screen. Did I mention I like to save money? 

Cheapest way to go see a movie is an advance screening. You get free passes for a specific movie, date and time, usually a few days prior to the movies release. You can find out about advance screening on local radio stations or email from a screening company like https://searchlightscreenings.com/ these can be very random and last minute. 

Since we no longer have discount theaters you can take advantage of the discounts at the regular theaters. Tuesday, Matinee, Senior, Student, and Military. Make sure to ask for your discount.

Cinemark theaters:

There's a whole page of discounts to choose from  https://www.cinemark.com/discounts

the best Price is $6.25 on Discount Tuesday. There is an upcharge for XD and D-box seats (a more immersive experience) $5.75 for movie club members. 

Early bird tickets every day before 1pm. $9.00

if you can't go on a Tuesday current general admission is $11.25.  

Regal Theaters: 

Every Tuesday, Regal Crown Club members can enjoy discounted movie ticket prices and 50% off popcorn!

$5.95 for Winrock and Cottonwood locations. Details here Regal Crown club value days  

matinee pricing online is coming up $9-$11, General admission after 5pm $12- $14. Their Web page is not so user friendly. 

• Online ticket purchases on either of these theaters pages include booking fees if you are not a paid club member. 
• Last time I was at Cinemark (January 2022) they were doing Credit, Debit or exact change only for tickets and concessions. 

See you at the movies

*Pricing is subject to change based on the theater, please check before you go.

The National Fiery food & BBQ show, March 4th - 6th 2022

The National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show 

at Sandia Resort and Casino 

    30 Rainbow Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (Free parking onsite)

hours for general public: 

Friday March 4th, 4pm - 8pm

Saturday 5th, 11am - 7pm

Sunday  6th, 10am - 6pm

Ticket prices: $15.50 online or day of show. Children 11-18 $5 at door, 10 and under free

for online ticket purchase https://www.fieryfoodsshow.com/general-public/

for additional information about the show https://www.fieryfoodsshow.com/

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Please be advised that crowd capacity at this event will be strictly monitored.  Guests who choose to leave the event and later seek readmittance are subject to crowd capacities and may be required to wait. 

• It is now optional for guests of Sandia Resort & Casino to wear masks while visiting or attending events.

crowds Friday 4pm 2020 show

Xfinity photo op

 The Hottest show on Earth. Do you like it really hot. There are samples for all tastes but they do cater to spicy. Be warned about the Carolina reaper and Ghost pepper, have some water handy to put out the fire.  See you there. 

Deep fried garlic

Metal the brand 

 

Beer samples 

bacon dipped in chocolate and green chile

Balloon Fiesta 2021 price, advice, and chase crew

here's a couple tips and tricks to enjoy the 49th annual Balloon Fiesta.  October 2nd -10th, 2021

General admission $15, children 12 and under are free. 

parking at Balloon Fiesta park is $20 cash only.

The park and ride option to avoid the traffic  is $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $10 children and includes admission. with parking at Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, and Hoffmantown Church

ride your bike to the Fiesta bike valet parking is free. 

Little inspector Balloon - Brazil 

• you will want to get there early because dawn patrol usually starts at 6am with traffic getting in you can expect to leave at 4:30am
• The Balloon Glow usually starts around 6pm followed by a fireworks display.
• dress in layers it can be 53 degrees in the morning jacket weather, by the afternoon its in 70s and 80s a t-shirt will be comfortable. 
• all sessions are weather permitting. If the event cancels due to weather save your ticket for the next session.
• bring a camera, make sure all your batteries are fully charged. 
• there are metal detectors and searches of purses and backpacks at the gate. 
• if you are walking on the field with the balloons and pilots watch the ropes when they are inflating balloons. that rope is going up...

I enjoy the fiesta experience. I like to volunteer for Chase crew. You can sign up day of the event or in advance at the chase crew tower south end of the field. You don't have to drive your vehicle and you get the opportunity to work with the pilots and crew on the field assisting with getting the balloon from a bag in the back of the truck. To fully laid out in your section to inflate. Cold inflate, then the pilot adds the propane to make the envelope float. finally the zebras (launch director) come over and tell you you're next to fly. Watching the balloons fly away is a magical experience and everybody cheers. When you sign up for chase crew you choose the mornings and evenings you are available, you watch an instructional video, you get a free pass for the fiesta and you meet pilots from around the globe. 

Little Inspector pilot and crew 2013

                                                                

Chase crew for America Balloon

Don't forget to get a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate to complete your experience. 

Check the Balloon Fiesta page for a schedule of events  https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule 

Purchase tickets here https://balloonfiesta.com/General-Admission

See you at the Balloon Fiesta 

Birthday Freebies in Albuquerque and Beyond

The Melting Pot 

I love to celebrate birthdays why not make it special when you go out. 

Here's a few locations that offer a little something extra. 

• Fuddruckers - Free 1/3 pound original burger the month of your birthday. Fudds Club
• Genghis Grill - free appetizer or dessert with sign up. Free small or regular bowl on your birthday. Note - you will receive your offer 7 days prior to your birthday on file, and this offer is good for up to 14 days after you receive. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. This offer and unique alpha-numeric code will automatically appear in your mobile app - cannot redeem based off of this message. Offer valid toward purchase of SMALL or REGULAR BOWLS only.  Genghis rewards
• Jack in the Box - 2 free tacos with purchase. Jack in the Box offers and stuff
• Krispy Kreme - receive a free doughnut just for signing up. Birthday Rewards are valid from the 1st day of the birthday month until the last day of the birthday month. Krispy Kreme Rewards 
• Pizza Hut - Join the Hut Rewards program and score a birthday gift for yourself each year — currently free cinnamon sticks with a $5 minimum purchase! For your birthday, enjoy free cinnamon sticks at participating Pizza Hut locations. Hut Rewards
• Redbox - Simply sign up online and you'll instantly get a free DVD rental. You'll also get a free 1-night DVD rental during your birthday month. Redbox perks 
• Red Robin - one free Birthday Burger Reward, valid only during the month of your birthday. Valid at participating locations only. Valid on dine-in and dine-out occasions. Offer valid once. The Birthday Burger Reward is good for one free Gourmet, Finest, Tavern Double or Big Style Tavern Burger.  Red Robin Royalty rewards 
• Regal Movie Theater - Treat yourself to a movie night out & present your Regal Crown Club card for a free small popcorn. Offer expires in 30 days from receive date. Regal Crown club 
• Starbucks - On your birthday (as indicated in your Starbucks Rewards account), you will receive one (1) complimentary handcrafted beverage OR one (1) complimentary food item OR one (1) complimentary ready-to-drink bottled beverage ("Birthday Reward"). Valid on your birthday only. sign up here at least 7 days prior to your birthday Starbucks rewards
• Red Lobster - one free dessert for your birthday with purchase of 2 adult entrees. Red Lobster Rewards 
• Target store - Let’s make your big day extra special. Enjoy your 5% off coupon! Find your gift in the Target Circle Offers section in the Target app or at Target.com/Circle
• The Melting Pot - a complimentary box of six of our Signature Dipped Strawberries with any menu purchase while dining in the restaurant. please reserve strawberries 24 hours in advance. Present email voucher at restaurant.  Club Fondue
• Tucanos - Club Tucanos members receive a FREE Birthday Meal during the month of their birthday. If you mention the birthday celebration to your waiter they may end up singing for your birthday. Don't forget to bring your photo ID! Offer is not valid until 24 hours after initial sign-up. Offer is only valid with the purchase of another meal of equal or greater value. Club Tucanos

*these offers are all bound by terms and conditions listed in the rewards club info. so you may want to double check your rewards status or call ahead to see if they are a participating location. 

New Mexico State Fair 2021 Deals and discounts

This year is a little different with covid procedures. Here is a link with info for admission. Please check before you go. https://statefair.exponm.com/p/covid-procedures

When: September 9th- 19th, 2021

 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday

 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday

General admission: 

Adults (age 12-64): $12 

Seniors (age 65 and up): $8 

Children (age 5-12) $8 

Little Ones (age 0-5) FREE

Tickets can be purchased online here https://statefair.exponm.com/p/buy-tickets

dates and deals: 

9/9 $2 admission opening day, All Law Enforcement Officers get in FREE with valid ID. 

9/10 Friday All Firefighters get in FREE with valid ID or uniform. 

9/13 Monday $2 admission, $25 ride wristband

9/14 All Military and Veterans get in FREE with valid ID or uniform. $5 admission, $20 ride wristband

9/15 Wednesday Dollar Day! $1 admission | $1 rides -$10 minimum purchase | Get $5 off your PRCA Rodeo ticket with the promo code RODEO21

9/16 - $20 ride wristbands | Graze Days from 11am-4pm – every food vendor will offer at least one item from their menu for $3 | $12 adult admission, $8 child (5-12) and senior admission

9/17-9/19 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEKEND – All teachers will get into the Fair for FREE when they present their district-issued ID or a pay stub at the ticket booth

+Sunday, 9/19 – Get $5 off your PRCA Rodeo ticket with the promo code RODEO21 

Bicycle parking/Bike valet is free  

Lots of free entertainment. music at the pavilion, Indian village artist demonstrations, Car shows on Main street. rides on the midway. and state fair food. 

See you at the fair