Bowlers Journal International - February 2008 - (Page 47) USBC OPEN PREVIEW on any given day. If such high-flying expeditions don’t interest you, however, there’s plenty else to see and experience. For history and/or art buffs, Albuquerque boasts a wide variety of museums and cultural centers, including the Indian Pueblo Culture Center Museum and the National Hispanic Culture Center. For the young (and the young-at-heart), the Natural History and Science Museum offers a crash-course in our past as well as an extensive dinosaur exhibit. Albuquerque’s Old Town is yet another option — take a scenic stroll at night, shop for turquoise and silver jewelry, and soak in the Spanish and Indian history of the city while you wander past adobe buildings in the cool desert air. The Sandia Peak Tramway is another adventure bowlers might take while in town. One of the most popular local attractions, it's the world’s longest aerial tram and offers riders numerous chances at catching that perfect sunset or gorgeous mountain vista on camera. New Mexican wildlife sightings also are quite common. For the golfing fanatic, Albuquerque is home to several challenging and worthwhile courses. Keep in mind, too, that the reasonably high altitude of the city might aid those in need of a few more yards off the tee. Athletically inclined but not interested in spending a whole day chasing a ball around? Consider that Albuquerque was rated the fittest city in America in 2007 by Men’s Fitness magazine and is, naturally, home to many gyms, running paths, hiking trails, etc. It’s also the base of operations for the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins, the Albuquerque Isotopes. With one of the most highly-regarded ballparks in the nation and the most popular merchandise around, the Isotopes — named after the Springfield-based team in “The Simpsons” — are sure to entertain bowlers with a fondness for America’s “other” pastime. Of course, no trip would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. The Southwestern fare is renowned, and the aforementioned red and green chiles are the stars of the show at many restaurants. They offer a burst of heat and flavor in sauces, $10,000 IS ADDED TO 'THE BJ' PRIZE POOL WHY SHOULD THOSE HEADING to Albuquerque set aside a few hours to compete in the 62nd USBC Bowlers Journal Championships, presented by Storm? Let us count the ways 1. The tournament features a pair of five-figure first-place prizes — $10,000 to the Open Singles champion, and $10,000 to the Open Doubles winners. 2. A subscription to Bowlers Journal International magazine is included with each full Singles entry. And that's even more valuable than ever as BJI introduces expanded PBA coverage and several new instructional features in 2008. 3. Have some sightseeing to do? Bowlers may compete in the Singles and Doubles events concurrently, using one four-game score — freeing up time for a tram or hot-air balloon ride. 4. Multiple divisions offer bowlers of all ages and abilities an opportunity to earn prize money. 5. Optional sidepots — including the 40 Clean, 300 Game and Strikeit Rich pots — provide even more ways to cash. 6. This year, a new prize pool has been added. Those competing in both "The BJ" and USBC's Sport Challenge will automatically be eligible for part of a $10,000 prize list, based on combined event scores. Holiday Bowl — owned by sixtime PBA Tour champion Gary Skidmore — once again is hosting "The BJ," with squads available daily except Thursdays. With Skidmore's obvious knowledge of the game and respect for the sport, bowlers can expect a welcoming atmosphere and superior service. Holiday Bowl is an easy drive from the USBC Open site, and further information is available in the USBC Open Championships area of bowl.com. salsas, soups and sandwiches. Not to worry, though: They aren’t nearly as hot as the infamous Naga Jalokia pepper (officially the hottest in the world), which might very well make an appearance at the 20th annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show, in town February 29-March 2. For an authentic taste of New Mexico, we can’t think of a more appropriate food destination than Sadie’s, just a few miles from the Convention Center. After all, Sadie’s used to be in a bowling alley. But while those days are long since past, the food is still a “300” in anyone’s book, including many locals. The portions are stunning, the sauces are spectacular, and the sopaipillas are… striking. After a long day on the lanes, head to Sadie’s, kick back, relax and enjoy an eye-popping enchilada along with an invigorating and refreshing margarita. Another local favorite worth mentioning is the Duran Central Pharmacy, tucked away in Old Town. This cozy diner is only a few tables large, but the food is a far cry from what the name on the sign might indicate. This is the real deal, the bona fide Southwestern fare that makes many a New Mexican remember his or her comfortable meals at home. Stop in and warm your belly and soul with a bowl of the signature green chile stew, served with a homemade tortilla on the side. Keglers wishing for a more “refined” dining experience also have plenty of options in Albuquerque. Just because you are in the Southwest doesn’t mean you have to abandon your desire for a thick, succulent steak and a balanced but rich glass of wine. Epicureanminded bowlers might wish to try the Gruet Steakhouse, a venture of the same Gruet family that owns one of Albuquerque’s foremost wineries — which is, by the way, another visit worth making if you are an oenophilic bowler with a discerning palate. When bowlers journal international 47 FEBRUARY 2008 http://bowl.com
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