Gay-friendly Albuquerque is considered the hot-air ballooning money around the globe, and dozens of outfitters right here (in conjunction with a couple of various other components of brand-new Mexico) give early-morning (and quite often sunset) rides of spectacular Rio Grande a€‹Valley – the vista of this urban area in addition to cloud-scraping Sandia hills become something else. The Duke area in addition has the Albuquerque Global Balloon Fiesta each trip – its among brand-new Mexico’s biggest draws.
The fiesta takes place due to the advanced Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Foreign Balloon Museum. Several reputable businesses well worth calling if you’re looking for a hot-air balloon journey associated with region feature Enchanted gusts of wind, Rainbow Ryders, and far above Affordable Balloon Rides.
Albuquerque has many decreased traditional gay nightlife solutions, such as the highly pleasing neighborhood coffeehouse-restaurant chain, traveling Superstar. These cool, wisely supplied hangouts become large and beautifully decorated, several of them with fireplaces and a lot of with large patios. There are several of these throughout Albuquerque. The main one in Nob Hill along core Avenue gets the gayest group and it is completely cruisy some nights. The the downtown area and Corrales stores in addition bring a lot of “family”, however you will feel quite pleasant any kind of time of those. All of the traveling Stars provide three dishes per day, a variety of coffees, wine and beer, and fresh-baked merchandise, and in addition they have free of charge Wi-Fi.
Nob Hill-Highland Traditional District and First Thursdays Arts Stroll
Albuquerque’s quirkiest, artiest district, Nob Hill-Highland was – needless to say – probably the most prominent parts of the metropolis to reside in among gays and lesbians. This energetic area along ancient Route 66 (main Avenue) sits a quick drive east of downtown, and merely on the eastern edge of the University of New Mexico campus. A lot of fun to 
check out is actually through the monthly very first Thursday a€‹arts walk, which occurs along Nob slope’s main pull, core method, from about Dartmouth Drive to Carlisle Boulevard.
Anytime of time or night, this several-block stretch of main abounds with distinctive galleries and boutiques, cool cafes, trendy dining, and interesting people-watching – the extent in the companies district expands well east and west of Dartmouth and Carlisle. In recent years, the area enjoys specially started to expand eastern – you will discover some significant companies whilst walk or push upwards main toward San Mateo.
The most important Thursday carrying out arts walks take place monthly – middle Avenue is shut to motor traffic, and retailers stay available late. Bands and musicians perform across the street, and dining and bars overflow with clients. It is an extremely fun time and energy to test items completely.
Project north or south along the side roadways that intersect with main, and you will determine domestic blocks of classic adobe houses, a lot of internet dating on the very early a portion of the 20th millennium. It is during these parts that some of Albuquerque’s gays and lesbians live. As a whole, this local are well-liked by young professionals, children, and faculty from regional UNM, and musicians and artists.
Apothecary Lounge, in the ancient resort Parq middle, in the downtown area Albuquerque
With an expansive roof deck affording clear panorama with the the downtown area Albuquerque skyline as well as the highest mesa that extends for miles beyond, the sophisticated Apothecary Lounge (806 core Ave. SE) is among the urban area’s trendiest spots for cocktails, wines, and inventive tapas and little plates cuisine. The hip pub, which also possess extreme indoor area with dining tables, an extended bar, and windows seating, sits atop the city’s swish lodge Parq Central, into the vibrant EDo part of the town, just off ancient path 66. It is a great spot for sunset cocktails, a light supper, or late-night hobnobbing, and it’s really a brief drive and 15-minute walk from the urban area’s hottest gay nightclub, Effex, also getting near the funky diners and cafes of Nob Hill.