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Albuquerque, New Mexico
The root: The crossroads of Route 66, old Camino Real trade, and Pueblo heritage — where the Hatch green chile is practically a sacrament.
Eat: The Frontier Restaurant — huge, beloved, smothered-in-green-chile New Mexican fare; Sadie's — Hatch chile enchiladas and local legend; El Pinto — sprawling hacienda-style setting, famous salsas.
Skip — don't: The overpriced chain "Southwestern grills" off the interstate exits — green chile from a squeeze bottle isn't the same religion, so stay in the neighborhood joints.
Specialty: Hatch green chile — roasted, smothered, Christmas-style, on everything; it's less a condiment than a civic identity.
Shops & crafts: Old Town's Pueblo silver-and-turquoise jewelry stalls and pottery galleries; chile ristras and roasted-chile gift packs at farmers markets; Route 66 neon-sign kitsch.
See: Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway above the city; wander adobe Old Town's plaza; walk the volcanic rocks at Petroglyph National Monument.
Main Street: Central Avenue — the old Route 66 — strings neon motels, dive diners, and theaters along one long, dusty-bright ribbon.
After dark: Cruise the neon of Central Avenue, or catch flamenco and folk acts at Old Town's plaza in summer.
When — events
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (first full week of October)
Gathering of Nations Powwow (late April).
Event dates are the typical annual timing; confirm with the town before traveling.