New Mexico is close enough to Phoenix to make for an easy getaway but its weather, especially in the fall, is far from Arizona temps. Often considered the best time of year in the Land of Enchantment, fall provides cool, crisp mornings with mild temperatures throughout the day plus the added beauty of changing leaves. And since it’s also chile season, it’s that much better. Here’s two fall festivals to not miss if visiting this season.
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
September 22-29, 2019
This five-day event is overflowing with vino and spice. Featuring 90 national wineries, guests will be able to sip and sample wine from all over the country, plus attend seminars, wine dinners and more. Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy cooking demos and food tastings from 75 participating Santa Fe restaurants so expect lots of red and green chile. The event will also include a live auction to raise money to support Santa Fe restaurants and community events. Click here to read our full Santa Fe travel guide.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 5-13, 2019
Due to Albuquerque’s unique landscape and geography, the southwest city provides the perfect conditions for hot air ballooning. So it’s no surprise that it’s home to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, often considered the most photographed event in the world. Taking place every October, the week-long festival takes place at the Balloon Fiesta Park where more than 500 balloons take off from its launch field that spans the size of 54 football fields. Aside from the daily sky-soaring spectacle, the fiesta hosts hundreds of food vendors, entertainment, night glows, special-shaped balloons and more. Guests even have the opportunity to take one for a ride. Click here to read more about what you can expect at the Balloon Fiesta.
Where to Stay
Stay in between the two fall festivals by booking a stay at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. Located on the Santa Ana Pueblo about 20 minutes from Downtown Albuquerque and 50 minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza, the resort offers easy access to both festivals plus other fun events throughout the season. The hotel offers direct shuttle service to the Balloon Fiesta’s entrance and service to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train station which takes guests directly to Santa Fe.
Along with easy access to the festivals, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa features the Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon, offering fall treatments and the Twin Warriors Golf Club, which winds its way through 20 ancient Pueblo historical sites.
