ABQ spa

Few things shout “romance!” like a spa treatment for two at Betty’s Bath and Day Spa. (Photo: Mark Hollingsworth)

Albuquerque

The Perfect Albuquerque Couples’ Getaway

Few things shout “romance!” like a spa treatment for two at Betty’s Bath and Day Spa. (Photo: Mark Hollingsworth)

Between stunning vistas, an abundance of outdoor adventures and world class culinary options, there’s no denying it: Albuquerque has its fair share of romantic ambiance. Try dedicating an entire weekend to the wonders of this historic and culture-packed city, which is brimming with ways to entertain you and your plus one year-round.

Friday Night: Date Night Cocktails

Once you’ve settled in, head for a stroll through the Huning Highland Historic District, the city’s first subdivision that is still home to a legion of Queen Anne-style architecture.

Post-tour check out the Apothecary Lounge, where a round of expertly crafted negronis pair up perfectly with the breathtaking sunset views you’ll be faced with.

Hard as it might be to peel yourself away, it’s time for a picturesque drive up two lanes of Rio Grande Boulevard, which provides glimpses of the city’s most beautiful homes and estates and some of the area’s only remaining farmland.

It’s this route that will take you back to the 20s with a reservation at Vernon’s Speakeasy, a cozy, password-required steakhouse where the cocktails rival the cuts. If it’s not nostalgia romancing you here it’s the decor, which is built upon tablecloth-lined and candlelit tables.

Saturday: Seeing the Sites and More

humble coffee
Get your java fix at Humble Coffee in Albuquerque. (Photo: Mark Hollingsworth)

In the morning it’s all about cappuccinos at Humble Coffee in Nob Hill, the city’s notoriously trendy and artsy district that is ripe for people watching the creatives of the neighborhood.

Get your caffeine to go — it will come in handy during your promenade through nearby McDuffie Park. Dubbed the “Hidden Park” by locals, this serene patch of greenery is the perfect stop to find some shade, unpack a blanket and split a croissant.

When you do get the show on the road it will be for good reason: Next up for you two is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a museum dedicated to the preservation of Pueblo Indian history.

Seeking out one another’s favorite art medium won’t be tough here — the museum houses more than 2,500 pieces of pottery, jewelry, textiles and paintings from each of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos and other tribes of the Southwest.

Saturday Night: Happy Hour and Dinnertime Romance

Before you know it, happy hour is on the horizon. Because there’s nothing more romantic than sharing, try Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. in the city’s industrial Wells Park neighborhood.

It’s here that a variety of flagship brews will have you sampling nearly every ale under the sun together — along with the venue’s famed bread and butter from Grandma Jo’s Bakery on Laguna Pueblo.

Antiquity ABQ
Wine and dine at Antiquity. (Photo: Mark Hollingsworth)

A slight buzz will only heighten your movie-going experience at KiMo Theatre, a historic destination for films, theatre and musical performances that has been entertaining the town’s performing arts enthusiasts since 1927.

By now you’ve likely worked up an appetite just in time for dinner at Antiquity, a restaurant serving up refined American fare in rustic and intimate environs.

The dining room provides just enough light to determine your order from the menu’s array of shareable and sizable entrees, from shrimp scampi and Australian lobster, to pork Normande and filet mignon.

Cap off the night with a visit to Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro across town in Nob Hill, where live jazz and blues every Thursday and Saturday night is the perfect score to a couple of perfectly tailored martinis.

Sunday: Relaxation and Good Eats

Finish off your weekend with some Sunday R&R at locally loved Betty’s Bath and Day Spa, where a 90-minute couple’s retreat package consists of three weekend-worthy treatments: a warm oil scalp massage, the spa’s signature full body massage, and a salt glow.

If and when you’re ready to pull yourself away from the hot tub and sauna action, try a tram ride to the top of the Sandias. County Line Barbecue awaits with live music and piping hot smokehouse specialties.

The colossal portions are a sight in and of themselves, as is a view in any direction from the main dining room — it boasts epic outlooks of the Sandias and the city lights alike.

This article was published through a partnership with Visit the USA, inspiring travelers to explore America’s boundless possibilities.