In season three of Unpacked, we're introducing "Unpacking," a series that explores some of our favorite destinations around the world. First up: Albuquerque, land of hot air balloons, chiles, and some fantastic outdoor spaces. Join host Aislyn Greene as she unpacks the Southwestern city's outdoorsy roots.

Meet this week’s guests

• Sarah Sheasley, director of marketing for Los Poblanos
• Elaine Briseño, journalist and historian 
• Terry Brunner, the Director of the city of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
• Justin de la Rosa, a local food writer and director of outlets for the Sawmill Market
• Dylan Storment, director of wine and spirits at Los Poblanos
• Missy Begay, cofounder of Bow & Arrow Brewing 
• Bill Stimmel, the entrepreneurial director at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• Murray Conrad, hot air balloon pilot and owner of World Balloon

My Albuquerque itinerary

Where I ate, stayed, and played.

Hotels

• Book a stay at Los Poblanos
• Book a stay at Hotel Chaco

Restaurants

• El Patio
• Mesa Provisions
• Coda Bakery
• Campo at Los Poblanos
• Level 5 at Hotel Chaco
• Farm & Table
• Bow & Arrow Brewing
•  Old Town Farm

Activities

• Take a bike and taco tour with Routes
• Tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• Visit the Paseo del Bosque
• Take a tram up Sandia Peak
• Fly with World Balloon
• If you want to hear more of the flamenco episode you hear at the top of the episode, see a show at Tablao Flamenco

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.