Lexi Petronis: Shopping

Lexi Petronis: Shopping

Lexi is an Albuquerque, New Mexico native who loves shopping. She developed her passion as a teenager and has fine-tuned her shopping skills as an adult in New Mexico. After graduating from high school here in the Duke City, Lexi went to journalism school in New York, where she worked as a copywriter for J. Crew and wrote for magazines such as Glamour, Cosmo Girl, Fitness and Self. After moving back home to Albuquerque, Lexi took a job as the editor-in-chief of Albuquerque The Magazine, the city’s monthly lifestyle publication. Part of her job at the magazine involves keeping tabs on the city’s best locally-owned and independent stores. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of the on-sale artifacts and New Mexico gifts that will help you forever remember your trip to Albuquerque.

 

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Questions & Answers

Q: Where can I acquire a rattlesnake coffee cup like the one craig Ferguson of the CBS Late Late show has. He said he got it from Alburquereque Thank you for your help. David
A: Hi David. I'm not familiar with the exact mug you are referring to, but if I had to guess I'd bet it came from the American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque's Old Town. They sell a ton of great rattlesnake-related items in their gift shop and I bet they can help you out. Good luck! 
Q: Within the past 10 years, my wife and I visited an outside market around the University. It was very large and seemed to be a parking lot or fairground. Still there? We will be visiting and would like to go back there.
A: I think you are referring to the New Mexico Flea Market, if in which case is true, yes it is still there. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (approximately) and is located on the Expo New Mexico State Fair Grounds (enter at Gate 9, Louisiana &  Central). For more information on the market, visit:  www.exponm.com/en/fleamarket
Q: coming to Albuquerque for balloon festival I arrive first to do some shopping ..what is the best place to stay to see old town Nob Hill etc. and still be close to festival site. I will not have a car...any suggestions for hotel etc. accomodations?
A: Because Old Town and Nob Hill are pretty far away from Balloon Fiesta Park (approximately 10-15 miles), I recommend staying in Uptown Albuquerque (to find hotels in Uptown, go to: http://www.itsatrip.org/lodging/default.aspx). From Uptown you will have easy access to Balloon Fiesta Park with the city’s convenient and affordable Park and Ride service (http://www.balloonfiesta.com/content/park-and-ride), which will pick you up from and drop you off at uptown’s Coronado mall. From there, you will also be near Albuquerque’s Rapid Ride bus line that has a direct route to both Nob Hill and Old Town (http://www.cabq.gov/transit). Remember to make your reservations early – Balloon Fiesta is a pretty popular time around here. Safe travels!
Q: My two daughters and I are taking a “girls-only” weekend trip to Albuquerque. Where’s the best area to take them shopping?
A:
Sounds like such a fun trip! What a great thing to do with your girls.  Where to go with them will depend on what you are looking for.  We have four distinct shopping districts: Historic Old Town, Nob Hill, Downtown and Uptown. But if I had to bet, I’d guess that Nob Hill and Uptown will suit you and your daughter’s best:
  • Nob Hill has an eclectic mix of small, mostly locally owned stores with unique, handcrafted goods. You get everything from southwestern clothing, one-of-a-kind jewelry, chic home de´cor to trendy fashion boutiques and a few popular chains like Urban Outfitters. In Nob Hill you’ll also find tons of outdoor dining options, interesting ethnic restaurants, diners, coffee shops, microbreweries and wine bars. 
  • Uptown is the state’s biggest shopping and dining destination and home to ABQ Uptown, an outdoor mall filled with upscale specialty shops and restaurants (BCBG, J. Jill, Coldwater Creek, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, MAC, The Apple Store, Elephant Bar, Bravo Cucina Italiana). Coronado Center is also in Uptown, and it features more than 150 stores (Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, Gap, Banana Republic, Cache´, Ann Taylor, The Body Shop). 
For more information on the different neighborhoods in Albuquerque, go to: www.itsatrip.org/activities/neighborhood-guide 
Q: My girlfriend and I both love outdoor flea markets, growers markets and festivals. Can you tell me if there are any held in August/September 2009?
A:
Open-air markets and outdoor festivals are a real treat in New Mexico. Albuquerque has a fantastic variety of markets and festivals: You can take a Sunday stroll through Corrales (http://www.corralesharvestfestival.com) where you’ll find a variety of art, music and food; stop by Tijeras (http://www.justimaginegallery.com)  to shop for jewelry, pottery and fine art; or visit Albuquerque’s downtown for the only open-air market (http://www.downtownabq.com) that features 100% locally grown New Mexico produce. 
Also, depending on exactly when you are here, I definitely recommend checking out the New Mexico Wine Festival on September 5-7 (www.nmwine.com) where you can browse high-quality arts and crafts, sample dozens of New Mexican wines, and enjoy live entertainment all in the glowing New Mexico sun.  I also recommend Go Arts Fest and the north valley farmer’s market

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Lexi's Shopping List

Start in Old Town

If you have a whole day to shop while you’re in Albuquerque, here’s what I recommend. Start in Old Town, where you can see a lot of the very traditional Southwestern shopping Albuq... >read more

Stroll Through Nob Hill

Nob Hill, just east of the University of New Mexico, is a funky neighborhood that lines a historic stretch of Route 66. Here neon signs light nearly every façade and the shops all try to ... >read more

Bring Home the Silver

When I have friends and family come to town I always suggest they buy some silver jewelry. Whether it’s traditional—loaded with turquoise—or more contemporary, silver jewelry is one of A... >read more

Don’t Underestimate the Gift Shops

No matter what city you’re in, some of the most amazing things can be found at museum gift shops. And the same is true in Albuquerque. Take the gift shop at the Albuquerque Museum, for e... >read more

Taste the Memories

Bringing home food and drink will help you remember your trip to Albuquerque, and help you share the amazing flavors of this place with your friends and family. When I visit friends and family... >read more

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