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Showcasing New Mexico's Top Craft Brewers at the New Mexico Brewfest

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and presents travelers with numerous activities and attractions to enjoy. Everything from historical sites to scenic golf courses is available in this city, as well as some lively community events.

 

The history of the Albuquerque dates back thousands of years to the Native Americans that originally settled the area. The people's will to preserve the unique history of the region has resulted in the establishment of numerous historical attractions. The Albuquerque Museum is located in the heart of Old Town and highlights the culture, history, art, and people of New Mexico. The storied history of the city is taught through world class exhibits, live demonstrations, detailed classes, and more. The Coronado Historic Site is located just a few miles north of the city. This is the spot where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and his men entered the Rio Grande Valley. The site is a great example of living history and contains some of the finest pre-Columbian murals in the entire United States.

 

The city also lays claim to an impressive variety of golf courses which present a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club was ranked by Golf Digest as the No. 2 course in the state. It’s a public course with a layout that stretches out over 7,500 yards featuring 27 holes, stunning natural backdrops, and five sets of tees. Twin Warriors was also named on the Golf Digest list and is conveniently located 20 minutes north of Albuquerque. The course contains 18 championship holes that are set among 20 ancient cultural sites. Black Mesa was mentioned by Golf.com as one of the top public courses in New Mexico. Located just north of the city, the course features 18 challenging holes set against beautiful sandstone ridges.

 

Events in Albuquerque cover a spectrum of interests. The New Mexico Brewfest is back for its seventh year with another great lineup of beer, food, and entertainment. You’ll encounter 25 different breweries, cideries, and distilleries that represent a cross section of New Mexico’s fast growing craft brewing community. While you're sampling, you’ll get the opportunity to speak with many of the crafters/brewers and find out all about your favorite brew. Add in a selection of food trucks, live music, and fun lawn games, and this event really has something for everyone. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Kevin Hopper, founder of the event, to find out all about this New Mexico craft brewing showcase.  

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

KH: We founded the event in 2010, so this is our seventh annual festival. We usually bring upwards of 25 breweries, four or five food trucks, and local music acts that are featured throughout the day.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?

KH: Mostly we see thirsty millennials who are enamored with craft beer, but many couples in their 30’s and 40’s also attend.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

KH: The Brewfest is a celebration of New Mexico’s thriving craft beer scene. It’s a place where you can feel the sense of community among fellow brewers, each very proud of what they are offering.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

KH: When guests arrive they get a free commemorative pint glass. They can take it to any of the 20+ breweries to sample craft beer. There are also cideries and distilleries serving up samples, as well as leisure games such as corn hole and giant beer pong.

 

RAL: What dining options will people encounter?

KH: Food trucks are placed throughout the festival grounds. They will be serving everything from bratwursts to hamburgers and barbecue.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

KH: There is good amount of unique hotels in the area. Many have an authentic New Mexico feel and some of them have the best restaurants in town.

 

RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?

KH: Many of our attendees like the downtown area. Hotel Andaluz is a popular choice that many visitors flock to.

 

RAL: Does lodging hit max occupancy during the event?

KH: Our Brewfest is paired with the International Balloon Fiesta, which is happening across town. I would say definitely, that lodging is at max capacity during the event.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

KH: We see many attendees after the event is over at local restaurants. Some even return to their favorite breweries for even more craft beer.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)

KH: We support the New Mexico Brewers Guild, which is made up of dozens of craft breweries throughout the state.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

KH: It’s a wonderful way to experience fall in New Mexico. We have live outdoor music, great food, and you get to spend the day with 3,000 other happy people.

 

For more information about the New Mexico Brewfest, please visit their website.

Photo Credit: Daniel Hulsbos