Escape the ordinary and discover a hidden gem just north of Albuquerque: Corrales, New Mexico. A mere turn off the bustling Alameda Boulevard onto Corrales Road transports you to a tranquil oasis, where towering trees and sprawling alfalfa fields replace strip malls, and the air is filled with the promise of a slower pace. This designated scenic byway, especially enchanting in mid-April with cottonwood seeds resembling a gentle snowfall, invites you to explore a village steeped in history and brimming with contemporary delights. If you’re searching for authentic New Mexico Things To Do, Corrales offers an experience unlike any other.
Originally cultivated by the Tiguex Pueblo people, this fertile stretch along the Río Grande became an agricultural haven for Spanish colonists in the 1540s. This rich heritage is palpable as you journey through Corrales, evident in the timeless adobe buildings, picturesque farmhouses, and vintage tractors that dot the landscape. Yet, Corrales is far from frozen in time. A vibrant present pulses through the village, showcased in the eclectic boutiques, quirky art galleries, and a burgeoning culinary scene. Over a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars, many newly established, add a modern zest to Corrales’s rustic charm. The village center buzzes with activity, from the renovation of the beloved Sandia Bar, a local institution for 75 years, to the rise of Ex Novo Brewing Company, a popular spot for craft beer since 2019. This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation is what makes Corrales an exceptional destination for those seeking unique New Mexico things to do.
Immerse Yourself in Corrales’s Agricultural Heart at Silver Leaf Farms
“Take the slow road,” a local Corrales t-shirt proclaims, perfectly capturing the village’s unhurried spirit. This sentiment resonates deeply with Aaron and Elan Silverblatt-Buser, co-owners of Silver Leaf Farms and Corrales natives. Their 15-acre organic vegetable farm, a testament to Corrales’s enduring agricultural roots, thrives with year-round greenhouse and hydroponic production. Starting modestly at farmers’ markets in 2007, Silver Leaf Farms has blossomed, now supplying their sought-after buttercrunch lettuce and other fresh produce to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and markets in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The brothers attribute their success to the strong community support in Corrales, where farming is not just an occupation, but a shared heritage.
Their latest venture, The Farm Stand, embodies this community spirit. This collaborative space, housed in a beautifully restored century-old adobe, functions as a retail outlet, coffee shop, and wine-tasting venue. The Farm Stand exudes rustic elegance, with its white-painted interior, farmhouse-style décor, and inviting wood floors. Beyond coffee, the Farm Stand offers a curated selection of Silver Leaf produce, gourmet local goods, and serves as a tasting room for Milagro Vineyards & Winery.
Experience Local Collaboration at The Farm Stand
The Farm Stand is more than just a business; it’s a testament to Corrales’s collaborative spirit. Born from a pandemic-era partnership between Silver Leaf Farms, Candlestick Coffee Roasters, and Milagro Vineyards & Winery, The Farm Stand officially opened its doors in late 2022. “We wanted to create something that’s based in a sense of place and rooted in food, drink, and farming,” Elan Silverblatt-Buser explains. The intentional design, often incorporating recycled materials, adds to the Stand’s unique character. Planters fashioned from old hydroponic channels and a coyote fence salvaged from a fire are just a few examples of the thoughtful details that tell a story.
The Farm Stand has quickly become a community hub, a place where locals gather and visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth. Aaron Silverblatt-Buser appreciates the direct interaction with the public, while Elan highlights its role as a starting point for tourists, where local insights and recommendations for exploring Corrales, including river walk access, are readily shared. “It’s a real community here and people take pride in it,” Elan emphasizes.
Taste New Mexico Terroir at Milagro Vineyards & Winery
Just a short drive from The Farm Stand, off Old Church Road, lies Milagro Vineyards & Winery. Venture down the dirt driveway, lined with grapevines, to discover their tasting room, a welcoming space where owners Mitzi and Rick Hobson share their passion for winemaking and Corrales history. New Mexico’s wine heritage dates back to the early 17th century, with Spanish monks introducing Mission grapes. By the 1800s, Corrales alone boasted around 140 vineyards. Milagro Winery, established as a hobby in 1985 and commercialized in the late 1990s, is committed to producing Old World-style wines aged in French oak barrels. Rick Hobson emphasizes the importance of estate-grown grapes for quality, allowing them to select the best fruit and tailor their practices to Corrales’s unique soil. Their syrah vines, for instance, thrive in the sandy hills, requiring less water and developing exceptional character. Savor a glass of their 2017 syrah, a spicy and earthy wine with red berry notes, and experience the taste of Corrales terroir.
Corrales: A Village in Transition
Conversations in Milagro’s tasting room often turn to Corrales’s evolving landscape, particularly the influx of new residents drawn by remote work opportunities and the allure of rural living. While rising real estate prices and occasional tensions between newcomers and long-time residents exist, a sense of community prevails. Larry Bernstein and Charlene Huston, transplants from Massachusetts, exemplify this positive integration. Drawn to Corrales’s stunning Sandia Mountain views, they quickly immersed themselves in village life, volunteering and forging deep connections.
The Hobsons, at Milagro Winery, actively contribute to Corrales’s growth while preserving its authentic character. Their Farm Stand tasting room aims to educate visitors about Corrales’s agricultural heritage and commitment. “We’re committed to keeping the village in agriculture,” Mitzi Hobson affirms, ensuring that Corrales remains rooted in its farming foundation.
Indulge in Corrales’s Culinary Renaissance
For a taste of Corrales’s trendy dining scene, Forty Nine Forty offers an elevated New American brunch and dinner experience. Chef Javier Montano’s menu showcases local, high-quality ingredients, including Wagner Farms microgreens, Lone Mountain Wagyu beef, and Silver Leaf produce. Owner Erin Williams, a Corrales native, envisioned Forty Nine Forty as a sophisticated “date night spot” that was previously missing from the village.
Mulas, another recent addition, presents 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’s growing population while staying true to its community spirit. Erin Williams notes the collaborative atmosphere among Corrales’s business owners, united in shaping the village’s future as “an entertainment and culinary destination.”
Experience Old-School Charm at Perea’s Tijuana Bar and Restaurant
For a journey back in time, Perea’s Tijuana Bar and Restaurant offers an authentic New Mexican dining experience in a 220-year-old adobe. This beloved local haunt, owned by the Perea family since 1928, exudes old-school charm. Step into the Tijuana Bar, a true dive bar with a deer mount and liquor bottles stacked high. In the cozy dining area and patio, savor traditional dishes like green chile stew and Frito pie, prepared from scratch by 85-year-old Stella Perea. John Perea, Stella’s son, embodies the welcoming spirit of Corrales, sharing stories of the village’s past and present. Perea’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a community gathering place, where everyone seems to know each other, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Embrace the Slow Pace and Discover Corrales’s Soul
As you leave Corrales, sharing the road with a cowboy on horseback, you’ll understand why San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, is also the protector of Corrales. The village’s growers are indeed its heart and soul, preserving its unique character. Elan Silverblatt-Buser’s words resonate: “If we lose our connection to farming and the land, then Corrales loses its foundation.” Corrales offers more than just scenic beauty; it offers a connection to a community deeply rooted in its land and heritage. For those seeking authentic New Mexico things to do, Corrales invites you to slow down, stay awhile, and discover its unique soul.
SLOW DOWN AND STAY AWHILE: Your Guide to Corrales Experiences
EAT:
- Hannah & Nate’s: Start your day with New Mexican and American breakfast favorites on their charming patio.
- Belle’s Urban Deli: For lunch, enjoy classic cold cut sandwiches on fresh-baked sourdough or unique open-faced turkey Mornay on Japanese milk bread.
- Indigo Crow Café: Conclude your evening with elegant seafood dishes in a fine-dining setting with a great ambiance.
DRINK:
- Casa Vieja: Savor handcrafted beers and wines in an 18th-century adobe taproom with live music on the spacious patio.
- Ex Novo Brewing: Relax in their new beer garden with family-style seating and lawn games, and try a Perle Haggard pilsner.
DO:
- Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez/Minge House: Explore this beautifully restored 1875 adobe farmhouse with 1,800 artifacts and art pieces, blacksmith and weaving demonstrations, and native plant courtyard.
- Corrales Growers’ Market: Connect with local agriculture at this Sunday market (April-November) featuring fresh produce and local goods.
SHOP:
- Village Refillery: Stock up on eco-friendly cleaning and organic beauty products at this zero-waste bulk refillery.
- Desert Bird Mercantile: Discover unique gifts, furniture, and fabrics at this charming store within the 3650 Corrales Road Collective.
- Pachamama: Explore Latin American folk art and antiques within the historic Casa Perea art and event space.
STAY:
- Casa Perea Suite: Consider an overnight stay in the adorable suite tucked behind Casa Perea, featuring antique touches and a private patio.
