International Ballon Festival
Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and sits in the center of the state. With a Native American heritage that dates back centuries, strong Hispanic and Latino influences, and an old west legacy, Albuquerque's culture is unique and its diversity celebrated.

The USA Track and field Indoor Championships held at the Albuquerque Convention Center started 2010 on the right foot. Sports fans can enjoy the end of basketball season at men's and women's games at the University of New Mexico or at a Albuquerque Thunderbirds game, they are an official minor league NBA team. Come out and cheer for the next wave of pro players. Look for baseball as well, Albuquerque is home to the Isotopes, a minor league team. Games start in April.

The first 2010 Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival is held in March. You can also plan for October and November festivals as well. The Festival is held at the EXPO New Mexico Fairgrounds and features the country's most talented artists and crafts makers. In addition to the art, there is a variety of entertainment and activities. Bring the entire family for this outstanding and fun event.

For those specifically interested in Native American arts, the Spring Indian Art Market is held in April at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. For those looking for something more unique, the Tattoo and Arts Festival will also be held in April downtown at the Hyatt Regency. This festival is complete with live tattooing and even extreme midget wrestling.

Albuquerque's 304th Birthday Celebration will be on April 24th, 2010. This is celebrated at the Founders Day Fiesta in Old Town. Filled with history and culture each era of the city will be featured through music and performances. This includes Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Territorial and Statehood – an amazing diversity of activities. Bring the kids for the parade and special children's activities, this is a weekend for all.

Albuquerque Summerfest takes place from June through August. New this year the events will take place in various sights across the city. Look for Summerfest events and activities starting in June.

North America's largest Native American Pow Wow is held in Albuquerque near the end of April. Due to construction this year's gathering will be held at the UNM Football Stadium. The crowning of Miss Indian World is a featured event along with the traditional dancing and singing. This is an inspiring event and all visitors are welcome.

Best Western Hotels in New Mexico proudly welcome visitors with clean, quality accommodations. Convenient locations and affordable prices make your travels in New Mexico simple and easy. Look for Best Western Hotels where ever you go.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico is called the land of enchantment and traveling across the north of the state from Farmington and Bloomfield across to Clayton puts the label into perfect focus. The ancestral Native American roots of the state come alive in the northwest with an abundance of Anasazi history. Today the region is home to America's largest Native American reservation, the Navajo Nation, as well as various other tribes. Moving east through the landscapes that inspired well know American artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Today visitors enjoy the full breath of outdoor recreation offered in the mountains of northern New Mexico.

Notice as the sun rises or at sunset the red hue that the mountains takes – The Sangre de Christo Mountains were named so, because of this. To the east, the mountain range merges into plains dotted with lakes suited for outdoor water recreation. Even scuba divers can experience New Mexico in Santa Rosa at the Blue Hole – a clear pool with a depth of 81 feet and year round temperature of 81 degrees.

Fans of the paranormal will want to schedule the end of March for the Aztec UFO Symposium in Aztec just north of Farmington and Bloomfield. The central event in discussion is the alleged 1948 UFO crash that occurred outside the city. An opportunity for intelligent discussion on UFOs with like minded scholars. If you also like to bicycle too, the 10th annual Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition is held the first Sunday in May. Beginners are welcome with the new single speed class.

Traveler's Tip: Farmington's Riverfest at the end of May is one of the most popular festivals of the year. Featuring an arts and crafts fair, live music, food, activities and entertainment for the kids, it is worth planning for. Runners can participate in 10K and 5K runs and all are welcome to enter the 2 mile walk Celebrating the local rivers, the family can even take a river raft ride.

Los Alamos makes a special effort to support their four legged friends and the local Friends of the Shelter at the Los Alamos Dog Jog. Bring your best friends along for a 3.1 mile competitive run or a 2 mile fun walk. A good time will be had by all, especially the dogs. Remember many Best Western Hotels are pet friendly, check the locations near you for terrific accommodations.

Clayton far to the east of the region hosts New Mexico's largest trout derby. Grab the tackle box and load up the family early June for the event. This is two days of trout fishing so it has to be good. There are children's prize categories, a kids sand dig and door prizes so mom and dad can focus on the fishing. You may want to because the grand prize is a boat and some cash. It doesn't get much more fun than this.

Best Western Hotels across New Mexico are ready to welcome you. Whether you are stopping for the night, on a weekend get away or living a family vacation, Best Western Hotels welcome you with warm hospitality and quality you can count on. Convenient locations and affordable prices will make your stay even nicer.

White Sands National Monument

Southern New Mexico from Lordsburg across to Hobbs will surprise you with a variety and diversity of entertainment for any traveler. Las Cruces, New Mexico's second largest city, is central in the region, is situated on the popular east west corridor of Interstate 10. You may not know, the town of Truth or Consequences actually changed it's name in honor of the popular game show with the name. Any Hispanic food enthusiast will recognize Hatch, just north of Las Cruces, as the “ chile capital of the world”. It is famous for its chile crop.

Las Cruces is the cultural and urban influence in the region. A broad variety of events and activities in and around Las Cruces will get most anyone's attention. The second weekend in April brings the 16th Annual Border Book Festival. The festival is a celebration of writing and brings together authors and readers from around the globe. The weekend is filled with storytelling, workshops, live music, and reading.

Mid-April Film buffs will converge in Las Cruces for the White Sands International Film Festival. The 2010 event will continue to focus on films with roots in New Mexico, whether it be production, Latino themes or locations in New Mexico. All genres are represented, and outstanding short and feature length films will be shown.

Bicycle riders take note – White Sands National Monument will re-open after dark on April 30th for a rare opportunity. This is the spring Full Moon Night Bike Ride, where individuals and families can enjoy the dunes by moonlight. This is a popular event and reservations are required. Riders are also required to have helmets and lights.

Don't miss Cinco de Mayo in New Mexico. Contrary to popular belief the holiday is not Mexican Independence day, but celebrates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla over the French army. Find the best mariachis, flamenco and folk dancers, music and authentic Mexican food. A perfect warm up to summer fun. If this doesn't fit your schedule, May 15 the Blessing of the Field celebration will be held. This was formerly La Fiesta de San Ysidro. Featuring many of the same events and activities, culminating with the blessing of the fields and an evening dance.

We can't talk about New Mexico and not reference UFOs. Roswell is home to the International UFO Museum & Research Center. Of course, the infamous 1947 UFO crash near Roswell sparks many a debate and makes Roswell the perfect location for the museum.

Las Cruces is a vibrant and active city, however, there is much more to see and do in southern New Mexico. Check back at BestWesternNewMexico.com throughout the year for highlights from around the area. There are a lot of things to see and do.

Best Western Hotels are convenient and affordable. The perfect mix to make your vacation smooth and carefree. Whether you are traveling for a weekend getaway, a vacation or even a business trip, you will appreciate the quality and hospitality of Best Western Hotels.