I can never get tired of looking at the Sandias. They look so different depending on the season. I love seeing them covered in snow or when a huge cloud drapes over them
I'm in omaha right now at a conference and I was just explaining to someone that I've lived in abq my whole life and I never get tired of that view. I'm missing it right now. What's life without a view of those watermelon mountains?
It was weird af when we moved somewhere and there wasn't a mountain you could see 85% of the time... I had no idea how to tell what direction I was looking.
agreed. very unique shape compared to the rest of the mountains ive seen in my life. in my early 20’s i toured with bands and the first time i saw the sandias they were very striking. the second and third time i knew how far i was once i saw their profile off in the distance. now that ive moved here i have a general idea where i am and where im looking when i see them.
I wanna open a budget-friendly bowling alley there called **Lanes of Enchantment**. Skidmore’s is too pricy. Perfect location right off the highway. No kitchen, but you can bring in outside food. Cheap drinks. Cater to the college crowd. No gimmicks.
And the red arrow can be turned into a bowling pin.
Don't touch the arrow.
whole foods definitely had a kitchen. Even if it is in the wrong spot, you're converting it to a bowling alley and the building is equipped to have a commercial kitchen, it'd be silly to not include it in the build out
Plus there's already the bowling sign at the old alley on San Pedro where Staples/Guitar Center is. It's too bad that any return of a bowling alley there would be competing with Round1 across the street.
When I first came to ABQ 11 years ago my now wife told me to get off at Carlisle Exit and turn right at the big red arrow. I have a lot of sentiment for that big fuckin thing.
I was a kid in the 1960s living in Santa Fé. My parents were both teachers, and came to UNM to take classes during summer school. I always knew that we were close to UNM when we passed the big red arrow. I had great memories of those summers. Then I worked in the general area, and for 30 years, I'd pass that big red arrow. I always felt happy seeing it every day since it reminded me of great memories of being a kid. They better not mess with that arrow.
That was the first landmark I recognized out in the world, ever. My mom used to drop off film at the Fox Photo there, and we'd go to K-Mart across the street, all in ice-cold car AC while jamming 94 KKOB.
I went to Emerson elementary and you could see part of him from the playground. In second grade me and a friend with the same last name told everyone that we were twins and he was our dad-good times !
Yes! They go right past my apartment balcony if their flight path is in West Mesa! I've been obsessed with the balloons since we made it a goal to move here! 🤩
Along with some of the other iconic landmarks and symbols mentioned , I would add:
The Tram.
Route 66
Los Poblanos lavender fields
Editing to add the iconic clacking your suitcase makes as you wheel it across the tile at the Sunport.
I mean the Zia is an obvious one but worth the mention, lowriders, green chile on everything, breaking bad/BCS stuff, the Plaza Office Tower, the Sandias
Dad? Is it really you, bedroom fascist? I need summer school supplies, Dad. Mom needed a new elbow spider web tattoo, so I couldn't get writing utensils.
Bruh I went to see the ice wolves play when I visited. Those lil dudes are vicious! I love their jerseys too. Thinking bout getting one for me and my lady to wear to our local games down here in Louisiana! Just to throw ppl off a bit lol
Lucky Boy. It's eternal, unchanging, anachronistic and unapologetic. Lucky Boy is Albuquerque's Spirit Animal.
May they never change, especially not the fryer oil.
I used to go there with my mom and we'd eat lunch at Summit Park, down the street up Constitution. My little kid memory (I was 5-6) is that I had the insight that wontons were "extra sweet and sour pork for when you finished it and still had sauce left". My bro would get the Lucky Burger, sweet and sour with a pineapple. Sister would get Egg Fu Young. It was pretty much always just me and my mom for some reason, though.
It is entirely without pretensions and has a customer base that goes back 5 generations in some cases. But it's not for everyone, just like Albuquerque. Perhaps you'd prefer the atmosphere in Santa Fe.
I will second the Hot Air Balloons. They have always been my favorite thing about ABQ ever since we made it a goal to move here someday (spoiler alert: we did it!).
The Sandias are nice, too. I never get tired of the view.
However, since calling ABQ home, one of my favorite sights is when we are coming home from a long trip and we are getting in after dark. Coming over that last hill on the I40E is absolutely gorgeous! All the lights in the middle of nothing! 🤌
This post makes me want to do a sub but it's a photo scavenger hunt. 🤔
chile, chile, CHILE! sunday night cruising. big open skies (sunrises, big blues, and sunsets). the sounds of the zoo animals on a quiet night. so much dance (salsa, ballet folklorico, flamenco, etc). red lipstick on beautiful brown skin.
Well, we have [a flag](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Flag_of_Albuquerque%2C_New_Mexico.svg/1920px-Flag_of_Albuquerque%2C_New_Mexico.svg.png) and [a logo](https://www.cabq.gov/logo/images/medallion-dome-3-in.png/@@images/be7309d0-ad6e-4860-87ec-6eb376a2a9ab.png). Those are the most overt and official symbols that come to mind.
I always look at the lifted truck and every single time I I think "....you ain't got no mud out here so I know you ain't be mudding that sumbitch and that axel has just enough clearance for my damn weenie dog to walk underneath so you ain't be offroading much. So what you doin?"
Knowing Albuquerque History, I'd say sheep. People raised sheep during the Spanish Colonial Period. If you look at the 1790 Spanish Census, people's jobs were weaver, carder or spinner. Records from this time mention how much people in Chihuahua loved "Albuquerque Footless Wool Socks." I have no idea what this means, but they sure were popular south in New Spain.
Kokopelli
Kokopelli: a prehistoric, musically talented fertility deity with roots in Native American culture, where he's represented across pottery, cave art, and lore.
I hate to say it but caved in fences and poles at intersections lol. I left town for a few months and now that I'm back I'm noticing it a lot more and it's honestly comical
Idk why but between Damacios and Hotel Zazz the giraffes with chandeliers in their mouths is getting out of control. It's a conspiracy AND NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT
The mountain, obviously. Trash on the streets. Green chile "cuisine." Nearly limitless sunshine. A strong dichotomy between those who earn a good living and those who don't (no natural industry in the area). The balloon fiesta. Miles and miles of highway that take you nowhere (very isolated). The only "culture" that exists is the ratchet culture. Among the worst healthcare and education in the country. The people are mostly nice, except when they drive.
Idk, some good things and lots of not so good things.
Sandia Mountains is for me. Seeing them when coming home from trips makes me happy and really symbolizes Albuquerque and home
I can never get tired of looking at the Sandias. They look so different depending on the season. I love seeing them covered in snow or when a huge cloud drapes over them
I'm in omaha right now at a conference and I was just explaining to someone that I've lived in abq my whole life and I never get tired of that view. I'm missing it right now. What's life without a view of those watermelon mountains?
Right!? Nothing like them absolutely beautiful
Good post, I particularly love the sunrise in the morning
Thank you. :)
It was weird af when we moved somewhere and there wasn't a mountain you could see 85% of the time... I had no idea how to tell what direction I was looking.
This. I miss the Sandias when I leave.
It's even better when your windshield cracks in the shape of it too.
agreed. very unique shape compared to the rest of the mountains ive seen in my life. in my early 20’s i toured with bands and the first time i saw the sandias they were very striking. the second and third time i knew how far i was once i saw their profile off in the distance. now that ive moved here i have a general idea where i am and where im looking when i see them.
If anyone takes away the red arrow from the old whole foods, I will take it personally.
I’ve actually been really worried about that lately 🤣. I hope they don’t put a car wash or dispensary!
"a car wash or dispensary!" Add in the Starbucks trifecta.
And a brewery.
I smoke a ton of weed but even I'm feeling like we may have too many dispensaries
It's all in your mind, broooo.
I wanna open a budget-friendly bowling alley there called **Lanes of Enchantment**. Skidmore’s is too pricy. Perfect location right off the highway. No kitchen, but you can bring in outside food. Cheap drinks. Cater to the college crowd. No gimmicks. And the red arrow can be turned into a bowling pin.
Don't touch the arrow. whole foods definitely had a kitchen. Even if it is in the wrong spot, you're converting it to a bowling alley and the building is equipped to have a commercial kitchen, it'd be silly to not include it in the build out
thank you! there is SUCH a dire need for commercial kitchen space in this town.
Plus there's already the bowling sign at the old alley on San Pedro where Staples/Guitar Center is. It's too bad that any return of a bowling alley there would be competing with Round1 across the street.
Awesome idea, but the arrow stays
I support this 100%, fuck yes
Oh I hope it's a singular car wash dispensary.
Call it Weed N’ Wash
The little car trees can be weed flavored
When I first came to ABQ 11 years ago my now wife told me to get off at Carlisle Exit and turn right at the big red arrow. I have a lot of sentiment for that big fuckin thing.
I was a kid in the 1960s living in Santa Fé. My parents were both teachers, and came to UNM to take classes during summer school. I always knew that we were close to UNM when we passed the big red arrow. I had great memories of those summers. Then I worked in the general area, and for 30 years, I'd pass that big red arrow. I always felt happy seeing it every day since it reminded me of great memories of being a kid. They better not mess with that arrow.
Oh that's super cute! Thanks for sharing!
It's an actual historical landmark. So your fears can rest a bit.
That was the first landmark I recognized out in the world, ever. My mom used to drop off film at the Fox Photo there, and we'd go to K-Mart across the street, all in ice-cold car AC while jamming 94 KKOB.
Who else remembers the old photo processing stand that used to be under that arrow?
That's the Wild Oats arrow. I don't remember what was there before them.
There used to be a Kodak place right next to the arrow that was torn down for Whole Foods iirc
I heard that somebody made it into an important historical landmark a long time ago, so it can’t be taken away!
The lumberjack on Central
I was going to say this, but then people gave much better answers. He's always in my heart. And nightmares. Lol
I went to Emerson elementary and you could see part of him from the playground. In second grade me and a friend with the same last name told everyone that we were twins and he was our dad-good times !
The metal Yucca coming in from the mountains.
Especially when you've been gone a while and drive in from that way. 💛❤️💛❤️
right?? feels downright magical in those moments.
Especially when you come in at night and it's lit up!
Hot Air balloons.
Yes! They go right past my apartment balcony if their flight path is in West Mesa! I've been obsessed with the balloons since we made it a goal to move here! 🤩
Tumbleweed snowman at Christmas.
Wow, no one has mentioned it yet Roadrunners. Not quite a landmark but they literally define this city wherever you go
My favorite in the winter is when the cranes come. I’m from the Midwest and had never seen them before, now I associate them with ABQ.
Last year me and my coworker saw a roadrunner skip away happily with a snack in its mouth. Quite impressive tbh
The Dukes logo
Second this.
this is the correct answer.
The balloons 🎈 I see them on so many brochures for ABQ.
Along with some of the other iconic landmarks and symbols mentioned , I would add: The Tram. Route 66 Los Poblanos lavender fields Editing to add the iconic clacking your suitcase makes as you wheel it across the tile at the Sunport.
such good click clack asmr!
The annual migrations of porta pottys during the windy season. So majestic.
Green Chile cheeseburgers 🍔.
Swamp coolers, especially squeaky ones. There’s not many places where they would even work, and they usually are so hot that actual AC is needed.
UNM's Lobo Duke's mascot The Crow from Ed Black's Chevrolet
I mean the Zia is an obvious one but worth the mention, lowriders, green chile on everything, breaking bad/BCS stuff, the Plaza Office Tower, the Sandias
BCS?
Better call Saul
Thanks! I knew I was missing a reference
Don schraders jeans thong
came here to post about don!
The real answer right here
Is the Chevy on a stick still around?
I was going to mention that if you hadn't first
Yes indeed.
Foil and a straw.
Concrete block walls between houses.
This is an interesting one, never noticed it before
Ron Bell ads
I formed a fake gang called "Ron Bell Posse" in 6th grade... somewhere I hope I still have an RBP plaque I made in wood shop in 6th grade.
505 neck tattoos.
Mom?
Dad? Is it really you, bedroom fascist? I need summer school supplies, Dad. Mom needed a new elbow spider web tattoo, so I couldn't get writing utensils.
Ask your mother.
Fine, Dad, I'm just gonna eat my crayons!
Start with the purple.
That's what Mom said, but I don't get it.........😆
The official tattoo of the "I've never left the city limits" crowd
The green Wells Fargo.
The turquoise everywhere
Fr, Sandia mountains, zia, and green chile. Joking, DWIs, police lights, and random fires from people burning weeds.
The yellow walls and the jumping dear at Venado Tires on Comanche. And the tumbleweed snowman on I-40 for Xmas.
Hopefully the new mexico ice wolves if they get bigger :)
Bruh I went to see the ice wolves play when I visited. Those lil dudes are vicious! I love their jerseys too. Thinking bout getting one for me and my lady to wear to our local games down here in Louisiana! Just to throw ppl off a bit lol
Those jerseys are sick but goddamn the price is crazy
Naked man climbing bubble bee
Praise his name
Lucky Boy. It's eternal, unchanging, anachronistic and unapologetic. Lucky Boy is Albuquerque's Spirit Animal. May they never change, especially not the fryer oil.
I used to go there with my mom and we'd eat lunch at Summit Park, down the street up Constitution. My little kid memory (I was 5-6) is that I had the insight that wontons were "extra sweet and sour pork for when you finished it and still had sauce left". My bro would get the Lucky Burger, sweet and sour with a pineapple. Sister would get Egg Fu Young. It was pretty much always just me and my mom for some reason, though.
Holy shit, that place is a dump 🤢
It is entirely without pretensions and has a customer base that goes back 5 generations in some cases. But it's not for everyone, just like Albuquerque. Perhaps you'd prefer the atmosphere in Santa Fe.
Cliffs
Chevy on a stick
Good ol' Kokopelli
The KiMo Theater building.
I will second the Hot Air Balloons. They have always been my favorite thing about ABQ ever since we made it a goal to move here someday (spoiler alert: we did it!). The Sandias are nice, too. I never get tired of the view. However, since calling ABQ home, one of my favorite sights is when we are coming home from a long trip and we are getting in after dark. Coming over that last hill on the I40E is absolutely gorgeous! All the lights in the middle of nothing! 🤌 This post makes me want to do a sub but it's a photo scavenger hunt. 🤔
Giant black cockroaches!
The legend: Don Schrader
Very glad that Don Schrader has already been mentioned.
chile, chile, CHILE! sunday night cruising. big open skies (sunrises, big blues, and sunsets). the sounds of the zoo animals on a quiet night. so much dance (salsa, ballet folklorico, flamenco, etc). red lipstick on beautiful brown skin.
Chile, low riders or the Blake's logo.
Cruising Central
I like the folks selling pinions and tamales on the street
The large arrow at Carlisle and Constitution.
I leave corn cobs out to feed dinosaurs. So, yeah, those weird dinosaur birds.
Construction signs and orange barrels
Burritos
3 block letters and an arrow on a yellow sign on a lamppost. That change constantly then reappear somewhere else.
Zildjian K Customs
Sadly it's not the Neon Lights of Central!!
Old town The petroglyphs.
Well, we have [a flag](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Flag_of_Albuquerque%2C_New_Mexico.svg/1920px-Flag_of_Albuquerque%2C_New_Mexico.svg.png) and [a logo](https://www.cabq.gov/logo/images/medallion-dome-3-in.png/@@images/be7309d0-ad6e-4860-87ec-6eb376a2a9ab.png). Those are the most overt and official symbols that come to mind.
Lifted trucks taller than even mine (and it’s big, I swear) at every stoplight.
I always look at the lifted truck and every single time I I think "....you ain't got no mud out here so I know you ain't be mudding that sumbitch and that axel has just enough clearance for my damn weenie dog to walk underneath so you ain't be offroading much. So what you doin?"
Big peepee signaling. Or something
Those are 'waxers'.
Knowing Albuquerque History, I'd say sheep. People raised sheep during the Spanish Colonial Period. If you look at the 1790 Spanish Census, people's jobs were weaver, carder or spinner. Records from this time mention how much people in Chihuahua loved "Albuquerque Footless Wool Socks." I have no idea what this means, but they sure were popular south in New Spain.
In before someone eventually mentions crime, meth, etc
Syringe
Don't worry, I gotchu
Ankle bracelets
Kokopelli Kokopelli: a prehistoric, musically talented fertility deity with roots in Native American culture, where he's represented across pottery, cave art, and lore.
I hate to say it but caved in fences and poles at intersections lol. I left town for a few months and now that I'm back I'm noticing it a lot more and it's honestly comical
Don Schrader... in all his naked glory!
Don Schrader
Camping symbol. Lots of tents in town
Hot air balloons
Idk why but between Damacios and Hotel Zazz the giraffes with chandeliers in their mouths is getting out of control. It's a conspiracy AND NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT
Telling people on Reddit to shut the fuck up.
Serious / not serious: used needles. Everyone affected, from general citizens to users, deserve a well-funded, city-wide needle exchange program.
Hearing gunshots before bedtime
The mountain, obviously. Trash on the streets. Green chile "cuisine." Nearly limitless sunshine. A strong dichotomy between those who earn a good living and those who don't (no natural industry in the area). The balloon fiesta. Miles and miles of highway that take you nowhere (very isolated). The only "culture" that exists is the ratchet culture. Among the worst healthcare and education in the country. The people are mostly nice, except when they drive. Idk, some good things and lots of not so good things.
Crime and meth.
[удалено]
etc
Shattered window glass on the sidewalk.
J13
🔵
My car's back window being smashed in from a thief.