Featured Article - May 2009
Top 25 Reasons Rail is Cool, Now (Page 3 of 3)
We asked our staff and contributors to share the best things to experience via the New Mexico Rail Runner Express—a passenger train with service from Belén to Santa Fe. From history museums to fine dining, here are 25 reasons rail is riding high again.
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21. Entertrain Yourself
Stop: Isleta Pueblo
Hit the links at the Isleta Resort and Casino (4001 N.M. 47 SE) for a day of fun in the sun at one of the “Southwest’s premier golf destinations.” Test yourself on the challenging 27-hole course that winds alongside the Río Grande, complete with mesa-top tees and scenic views. The three artificial lakes and manicured grass are an oasis in the desert. After working up a sweat, quench your thirst at the clubhouse. At night, check out the Isleta Showroom for world-class entertainment, including concerts, boxing, and more. For info: (505) 244-8246, www.isletaeagle.com—B.C.
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22. Hob Nob
Stop: Downtown Albuquerque
Visit quirky Nob Hill, a retro-chic neighborhood of locally owned art galleries, clothing boutiques, antique shops, and eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for an open-air lunch on the patio of Kellys Brew Pub (3222 Central Ave. SE), a cozy dinner for two at the upscale Nob Hill Bar & Grill (3128 Central Ave. SE), or are ready to beat the heat with Ecco Espresso & Gelato (3409 Central Ave. NE), Nob Hill has something for everyone. Peruse fine art at the Mariposa Art Gallery (3500 Central Ave. SE), discover antique trinkets at Old World Imports (3019 Central Ave. NE), or buy one-of-a-kind earrings at Ooh! Aah! Jewelry (110 Amherst Ave. SE).
Finish off the day by catching an indie flick at
The Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NE). There are
so many things to see and do, you’re sure to discover
a new, hidden gem on each visit. For info: Kellys,
(505) 262-2739, www.kellysbrewpub.com;
Nob Hill Bar & Grill, (505) 266-4455,
www.upscalejoint.com; Ecco, (505) 268-0070;
Mariposa, (505) 268 6828, www.mariposa-gallery.com;
Old World Imports, (505) 265-0433,
www.oldworldimports.net; Ooh! Aah! Jewelry,
(505) 265-7170, http://oohaahjewelry.homestead.com;
The Guild Cinema, (505) 255-1848, www.guildcinema.com —B.C.
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23. Wine and Dine on the Line
Stop: Downtown Bernalillo
Thousands of oenophiles are expected at the New Mexico Wine Festival in Bernalillo this Labor Day weekend (September 5–7), and the Rail Runner Express will take you there for the second year running. (According to Department of Transportation stats, last year’s festivities correlated with 19,000 train boardings.) About 12 bucks buys you all the New Mexico wine you can taste from about 20 wineries, and the train means you’ll get home safely—and perhaps meet some fun people on the journey. For info: (505) 867-3311, www.newmexicowinefestival.com—T.W.
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24. Take In the Scene
Stop: All
New Mexico’s landscapes have a magical quality—it seems impossible that, without at least a little enchantment, light-kissed magenta mountains could look so glorious or skies so truly blue. As you travel by rail, you’ll take in views seldom seen from the road and, from your relaxed vantage point, you’ll have the time to appreciate them. Riding off into the sunset has never looked so good.—A.M.B.
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25. Climb Aboard
Stop: All
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express runs 10 locomotives and 22 coaches. The diesel-electric, 3,600-horsepower MP36PH-3C locomotives—built by Motive Power Inc., in Boise, Idaho—are capable of running at speeds in excess of 100 mph, and can push or pull the cars with equal ease. All aboard!—A.M.B.
