Breaking Bad – the TV show about a terminally ill chemistry teacher turned crystal meth cooker which had its finale in the US last night – has been a boon for Albuquerque, and it’s not only loyal fans who will feel the loss now the show has reached its conclusion.
The New Mexico city’s economic development office reckons producers spent about US$1 million per episode in the city. That resulted in $60m to $70m being spent on goods, services and wages in the state, according to the Los Angeles Times. The town has also experienced an influx of tourists who want to visit locations featured in the show. Local business people have also benefited from supplying both the producers and visitors.
Place to stay: Hotel Parc Central and Hyatt Regency Albuquerque are popular with business travelers. The more intrepid can book in at the Crossroads Motel, which features a number of times on the show. Admittedly the reviews on TripAdvisor aren't great – "horrific from start to finish" is a typical comment – but it seems like the owners are open to negotiation on price. Quoted prices start from about $45.
Places to eat: The Albuquerque food writer Andrea Feucht likes the simple but expertly prepared food at Jennifer James 101, a gourmet farm-to-table establishment. Breaking Bad fans, however, will want to try the Dog House, the drive-in hotdog dive favoured by the show's Jesse Pinkman. Downtown Java Joe's is a popular breakfast spot – and, in the show, crazy drug dealer Tuco Salamanca's hideout.
Off hours: Take the ABQ Trolley Co’s 3.5-hour “BaD Tour”. The tour, the first to be set up, visits 13 locations featured in the show. The price is $65. Those interested in a spot of shopping can visit the Getrude Zachary jewellery store. This is where Hank’s wife, Marie Schrader, shoplifts a baby’s tiara for her sister, Skyler White. Join fans who have travelled from far and wide to get their car cleaned at Octopus Car Wash.
Getting there: Emirates has flights from Dubai to Houston and Dallas, Texas, from where you can connect to Albuquerque.
lgutcher@thenational.ae
