BMR’s undergraduate reader, Emilia Madrid, explores the options for local writers who are in need of a new location in Albuquerque to help overcome writer’s block.
As a writer who constantly deals with writing blocks and boredom when it comes to writing at home, I have found it helpful to move around. Exploring has always encouraged creativity and I have often found myself wandering around different parts of Albuquerque in search of a new environment. However, being a student doesn’t allow me much time to explore, and many other students feel the same. Luckily, there are many options for different kinds of scenery to choose from within a short drive or even walking distance from UNM. Here are my recommended, tried and true writing locations.
Let’s start with my go-to, Humble Coffee (https://www.humblecoffeeco.com/nob-hill). The coffee shop has an open and inviting vibe that is perfect for writing if you are someone that finds silence to be too loud. Humble Coffee always feels busy, but will always have a location to sit, drink local coffee, and write without feeling hushed. Others who also find quiet locations to be stifling might also benefit from working here. It’s also perfect if you want to live out your “writing in a downtown aesthetic café” dreams. I often drive to Humble Coffee, though during warm days, the mile walk from campus to the café is quite enjoyable. I will never stop recommending this café to anyone who wants to study in small groups or alone.
On the other hand, if you are someone that needs a quiet location to work, I suggest Curious Toast (https://curioustoastcafe.com/), a café located about two miles west of UNM main campus on Central Ave. This location offers many different rooms that you can study in, including a room that has a desk – for an office-like feel. If you prefer to be more comfortable, there are also rooms with couches, and still, another room that is situated as if it were a dining room. Personally, I often choose to study in the dining room since it is quieter and allows for multiple people to sit across from each other. There are also many other separate rooms throughout Curious Toast, plenty for you to explore and find a good spot for yourself. There is also a small balcony with one bench and a small table that can fit two if you are wanting some fresh air. No matter where you choose to sit, creativity is everywhere within the café, with a constant array of different works of art throughout every room and funky décor.
Everyone who has grown up in Albuquerque has memories of going to ABQ BioPark (https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark) as a child. Often, I find that reminiscing or going somewhere nostalgic is a great idea for those experiencing writer’s block, especially if you prefer a location other than a café. During weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have found that the Aquarium is virtually empty. This allows me to sit by the shark tank (the one that offers seating) and write with little interruption. Throughout the Botanical Gardens there are also many great seating areas that allow for peaceful writing while outside in the fresh air. For example, behind one of the greenhouses, there is a small, covered seating area that few know of and often pass without even realizing it’s there. This is also a great place if you want somewhere peaceful to work.
Writing in groups also helps writers block, and the Flying Star Café (https://www.flyingstarcafe.com/), located about a mile east of UNM is a great option. There is a large couch as well as many tables that can seat multiple people if needed. I personally enjoy going to Flying Star at least once a week to catch up with friends, study, or just get food. The environment is incredibly welcoming and energetic. Similarly, the Sawmill Market (https://www.sawmillmarket.com/) is also a great choice. Though further away, the market offers a wide range of food options as well as indoor seating, outdoor seating, and second-story seating. The market is a great study spot during their early business hours as it tends to get noisy and far too busy for my tastes further into the evening. Both Flying Star Café and Sawmill Market are great options if you are in need of a small snack or full meal while working.
Of course, there are more popular writing locations in Albuquerque, like Little Bear Coffee (https://littlebearcoffee.com/), located less than a mile away from campus. The coffee shop is often busy, but is open late on weekends if you work better in the later hours of the evening. If you are a writer and feel like you thrive outside of your normal study or writing location, these locations will help you shake that cooped up feeling that hinders your creativity. There are a wide range of options in Albuquerque that could feel overwhelming to choose from, but try these out for yourself, add them to your list, and explore to find what works best for you.
