Escape the city bustle and uncover the hidden gem of Corrales, New Mexico, a tranquil village just north of Albuquerque. Mere moments after turning off the main highway, a sense of calm washes over you as you enter Corrales Road. Strip malls fade into the background, replaced by a picturesque landscape of towering trees, verdant alfalfa fields, and charming vineyards. Horse corrals dot the roadside, hinting at the village’s equestrian spirit. In mid-April, as cottonwood seeds drift through the air like snowflakes, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Corrales, a destination brimming with history, local flavor, and unexpected delights. For those wondering “New Mexico What To Do” beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Corrales offers a unique and enriching experience.
Originally inhabited and cultivated by the Tiguex Pueblo people, this fertile oasis along the Río Grande has a rich history. Spanish colonists established an agricultural settlement here in the 1540s, and Corrales remained a vital farming community even after the United States took possession of the territory. This legacy is palpable as you explore the village today.
Corrales: Where History Meets Modern Charm
Driving through Corrales is like stepping back in time, yet with a distinctly contemporary twist. Historic adobe buildings and quaint farmhouses stand alongside burgeoning art galleries and eclectic shops. The culinary scene is equally dynamic, with over a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars, many of which have opened their doors in recent years. While beloved institutions like the 75-year-old Sandia Bar undergo exciting renovations, new favorites like Ex Novo Brewing Company have quickly become local hotspots since their 2019 debut. This blend of tradition and innovation is what makes Corrales such a compelling destination for a day trip.
The laid-back atmosphere, combined with a vibrant food and drink scene, makes Corrales an ideal escape. It’s a place where you can truly “take the slow road,” as Aaron Silverblatt-Buser aptly puts it. Aaron and his brother Elan, co-owners of Silver Leaf Farms, a thriving 15-acre organic vegetable farm in Corrales, understand the unhurried pace of life here.
Farm to Table Experiences at the Heart of Corrales
Silver Leaf Farms, a testament to Corrales’ agricultural heritage, started small in 2007, primarily selling at local farmers’ markets. Today, their organic produce, especially their renowned buttercrunch lettuce, graces the tables of Albuquerque and Santa Fe schools, hospitals, restaurants, and markets. The Silverblatt-Buser brothers attribute their success to the strong community support in Corrales, where farming is deeply ingrained.
On a sunny Sunday morning, you can find Aaron and Elan at their newest venture, the Farm Stand. This collaborative space, housed in a century-old adobe, is more than just a coffee shop and retail space; it’s a community hub. Inside, the rustic charm is palpable, with white-painted walls, farmhouse-style décor, and warm wooden floors. A small grocery section offers Silver Leaf’s fresh produce, gourmet food items, and local artisanal products.
Outside, the Farm Stand buzzes with activity. Tables are scattered around, and a shaded stand displays a variety of plant starts for sale. Candlestick Coffee Roasters operates from a converted garage, providing the shop with freshly roasted beans. Elan emphasizes the intentionality behind every detail at the Farm Stand, noting the use of recycled materials and salvaged elements, each with its own story.
The Farm Stand is a partnership between Silver Leaf Farms, Candlestick Coffee Roasters, and Milagro Vineyards & Winery. This collaboration blossomed during the pandemic and officially opened in late 2022. Elan explains their vision was to create a place deeply rooted in Corrales’ sense of place, celebrating food, drink, and farming. The Farm Stand serves as a tangible link between local producers and the community, and a welcoming starting point for tourists seeking local insights.
Sip Local Terroir at Milagro Vineyards & Winery
For a taste of Corrales’ wine country, head to Milagro Vineyards & Winery. Just off Old Church Road, down a long dirt driveway lined with vines, you’ll find their tasting room. Owners Mitzi and Rick Hobson welcome visitors with warm hospitality and a glass of their 2017 Library Zinfandel, accompanied by a fascinating history lesson on New Mexico wine production.
Rick explains that winemaking in New Mexico dates back to the early 17th century with Spanish monks introducing Mission grapes. By the 1800s, Corrales was home to around 140 vineyards until Prohibition brought an end to the boom. Milagro Winery started as a hobby for the Hobsons in 1985 and grew into a commercial operation in the late 1990s, known for their Old World-style, French-oak-aged wines.
Milagro prides itself on quality control, focusing on estate-grown varietals. Rick emphasizes the importance of understanding Corrales’ unique soil and climate, tailoring their grape cultivation to the local terroir. Their syrah grapes, for instance, are planted in sandy hills to manage their vigor and water usage. Tasting their 2017 syrah, you’ll experience the spicy, earthy notes and red berry hints that reflect the Corrales landscape.
Corrales’ Evolving Community: Welcoming Newcomers While Preserving its Essence
Conversation in the Milagro tasting room often turns to Corrales’ recent growth. The influx of new residents, particularly with the rise of remote work, has brought changes and discussions about preserving the village’s character. While some express concerns about rising real estate prices and potential over-tourism, many newcomers are embracing the Corrales lifestyle and contributing to the community.
Larry Bernstein and Charlene Huston, who moved from urban Massachusetts in 2021, exemplify this trend. Drawn by the spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains and the desire for a rural setting, they quickly integrated into Corrales life, volunteering and forging strong community connections.
The Hobsons are actively involved in navigating this balance between growth and preservation. Their off-site tasting room at the Farm Stand aims to educate visitors about Corrales’ agricultural roots and commitment to maintaining its village identity.
Culinary Delights: From Green Chile Cheeseburgers to New American Cuisine
When hunger strikes, Corrales offers a diverse range of dining options. For a trendy and upscale experience, Forty Nine Forty is a must-visit. This eatery features a chic dining room with a modern-industrial bar and a menu of elevated New American cuisine. However, even amidst the sophisticated offerings, the green chile cheeseburger stands out as a local favorite. Chef Javier Montano’s version, made with local ingredients like Wagner Farms microgreens and Silver Leaf produce, is a testament to Corrales’ commitment to farm-to-table dining.
Owner Erin Williams, a Corrales native, envisioned Forty Nine Forty as a “fun date night spot with good music,” filling a niche in the village’s dining scene. Similarly, Mulas, another recent addition, offers a modern farmhouse ambiance and a menu inspired by Spanish, New Mexican, and Native American flavors. Co-owner Gabriel Holguin, also of Debajo Tapas Y Vino in Albuquerque, aimed to create a restaurant that caters to Corrales’ growing population while remaining deeply connected to the community.
Step Back in Time at Perea’s Tijuana Bar and Restaurant
For a truly authentic and historic Corrales experience, Perea’s Tijuana Bar and Restaurant is essential. This old-school New Mexican establishment, housed in a 220-year-old adobe building, is a local institution. Entering the Tijuana Bar is like stepping into a different era, with its dive bar charm, deer mount above the fireplace, and stacks of liquor bottles. In the dining area, you’ll find a convivial atmosphere where locals gather over steaming bowls of green chile stew and Frito pie.
John Perea, whose family has owned the building since 1928, runs the bar. His 85-year-old mother, Stella, still cooks from scratch in the back, preparing beloved family recipes. Perea’s offers a glimpse into Corrales’ past and a taste of genuine New Mexican hospitality.
Embrace the Slow Pace and Local Spirit of Corrales
As you leave Corrales, you’ll likely share the road with a cowboy on horseback, a fitting image for a village that cherishes its rural character. Corrales’ identity is deeply intertwined with its agricultural heritage and the spirit of its local growers. As Elan Silverblatt-Buser wisely notes, the connection to farming and the land is the foundation of Corrales, making it more than just another suburban town.
Corrales is protected by San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers and rural communities, a symbol that resonates deeply within the village. If you’re looking for “new mexico what to do” that offers a genuine taste of local culture, history, and community spirit, Corrales is an unmissable destination.
Plan Your Visit to Corrales: Things to Eat, Drink, Do, and Shop
EAT:
- Hannah & Nate’s: Start your day with New Mexican and American breakfast favorites on their inviting patio.
- Belle’s Urban Deli: Enjoy classic deli sandwiches on fresh sourdough or unique open-faced sandwiches.
- Indigo Crow Café: Indulge in elegant seafood dishes at this fine-dining staple with a sophisticated ambiance.
DRINK:
- Casa Vieja: Sample handcrafted beers and wines in an 18th-century adobe taproom with live music on the patio.
- Ex Novo Brewing: Relax in their beer garden with family-style seating and lawn games, and try their Perle Haggard pilsner.
DO:
- Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez/Minge House: Take a guided tour of this historic 1875 adobe farmhouse and museum showcasing colonial New Mexico artifacts and art.
- Corrales Growers’ Market: Visit on Sundays (April-November) to experience local agriculture and artisanal products.
SHOP:
- Village Refillery: Stock up on eco-friendly cleaning products and organic beauty items at this zero-waste bulk store.
- Desert Bird Mercantile: Browse charming gifts, furniture, and fabrics in this delightful shop.
- Pachamama: Discover Latin American folk art and antiques within the historic Casa Perea art space.
For a unique overnight stay, consider the suite at Casa Perea, offering antique charm and a private patio. Corrales, New Mexico, awaits – a village where slow living, rich history, and vibrant local culture create an unforgettable experience.
