The biggest tour yet

I remember when I offered my first tour in June of 2023, I was thrilled to have nine guests show up—even if some of them were related to me.

The momentum kept up for a while, but there were some days with one or two, or sometimes zero guests, which was not entirely unexpected. I'm truly happy to give a tour for even just one person, but it's always exciting to see up to a dozen people show up.

So you can imagine my surprise when, by the end of last Friday's murals tour, we were up to 20 guests! The tour actually grew as folks joined in after the first couple of stops until we had a small crowd of nearly two dozen meandering through alleyways and grouping up in front of murals on Gold and Copper and behind buildings and in parking lots.

It was a motivating start to a busy weekend. Just a couple of days later, I launched the first of this year’s monthly Century of Steam Rail Yards Tours. It was a joyous occasion, marked by sunny weather and the familiar hum of excitement that accompanies the Rail Yards' Opening Day. It was heartening to see both new faces and familiar ones, some of whom have been part of the market for a decade. If you missed it, the Century of Steam Tours will be held on the Second Sunday of the month through the market season.

As we look ahead to this weekend, I hope you’ll make plans to join me for the Downtown Century Stroll this Saturday. It's your one chance this month to join me for a one-hour tour exploring Downtown Albuquerque through its 100-year-old architecture. We'll be meeting at Robinson Park, home of the Downtown Growers' Market, at 9 am. Don't miss out on this opportunity to dive into the rich history of our city!

Learn more and register for free here.

Hasta pronto!

Eric

Back in Action: A Recap of the Season Opener and a Look at What’s Next

This past Saturday marked the kickoff of our 2024 season, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to be back in action offering tours.

The experience of being back on the tour route, guiding new guests, and sharing my love for Albuquerque history was reinvigorating. It filled me with a sense of excitement and hope that this year might surpass even the success of the first season in 2023.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! I'm thrilled to announce not one, but two new tours coming your way.

First, get ready to step back in time with our Century of Steam Rail Yards Tour. Delve into the vibrant history of Albuquerque's Rail Yards during the 1920s with this immersive tour. Held once a month, this free walking tour offers participants an opportunity to explore the bustling world of the Rail Yards. Learn about the architecture, stories, and significance of these historic structures in shaping Albuquerque's past. The inaugural Century of Steam Tour will take place on Sunday, May 5th at 10 am to coincide with the Opening Day of the Rail Yards Market.

But that's not all! I'm excited to announce a partnership with ABQ Artwalk to bring you a free murals tour. Dive into the colorful world of downtown murals during the monthly ABQ Artwalk festivities. These walking tours will showcase the diverse array of murals adorning the streets of Downtown Albuquerque, providing insights into the artists and stories behind each masterpiece. The first of these tours will be at the next Artwalk on Friday, May 3rd, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. We'll meet at ArtStop—Artwalk’s outdoor marketplace featuring artisans, food vendors, and music at the corner of 7th and Gold. Special thanks to Visit Albuquerque for sponsoring these tours!

Readers can help further spread the word by following me on Facebook and Instagram. Following these pages is a great way to stay updated on upcoming tours and get behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Lastly, I want to encourage each of you to sign up for my newsletter. By joining my mailing list, you'll be the first to hear about upcoming tours, special events, and exclusive offers. Plus, it's a great way to stay connected with the Follow Eric community!

Thank you all for your continued support, and I can't wait to see you on our next adventure!

Hasta pronto!

Eric

What’s in store for 2024

Spring is officially here and growers markets in Albuquerque are gearing up to start again, which means Follow Eric Walking Tours is looking to get back to business!

I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you all. First and foremost, I want to say THANK YOU for your support in 2023. For every one of you who joined a tour or encouraged me along the way, you are the reason I’m bringing back tours in 2024. Your enthusiasm and support have been the driving force behind our success, and I can’t wait to kick off this next chapter with you all.

I don’t want to keep you in suspense any longer so here’s what I can tell you about this next season.

Walking tours are definitely coming back. Again, this is because of you and your encouragement. It was also a big boost when I received an award from Albuquerque the Magazine letting me know you all voted me in the Top 5 for Best New Business Ideas. THANK YOU!

There will be free options. In fact, the majority of the tours will remain free and my commitment is to always keep free options available. Payment is never required but you are always welcome to show your appreciation after a free tour with a tip based on your experience and to help make future tours possible. If you are interested in private tour options, those are in the works.

The frequency may change. I’ll be honest, weekly tours were a little tough for me to keep going but it was important to me to start strong with consistency to build strong momentum. I’m glad to say I think the momentum is there to allow for a few tours every month throughout the growers market season. Keep an eye out for exact dates soon.

There will be new tours! I’m excited to share that previous tours will be updated and new options will be added. The tours through the Rail Yards and around Downtown Albuquerque will be getting a refresh and a new focus, taking you back in time to life in Albuquerque 100 years ago. You’ll see what I mean when I officially announce the new slate of tours and don’t be surprised if there’s a new tour or two offered during the week and in the evenings as well, allowing you to experience the city in a whole new light.

If you're eager to stay in the loop and be the first to know about the new tour offerings, I encourage you to sign up for email updates using the form here.

Can I ask one last favor? If you took a tour in the past, would you please follow the same link and write a quick review? Sharing your experience helps others know what they can expect and offers the opportunity to improve future tours. It would mean a lot to me!

In the meantime, continue to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what's to come. Thank you for your continued support, and I can't wait to embark on this next chapter of our journey together!

Hasta Pronto!

Eric