NORTH VALLEY/LOS RANCHOS/CORRALES

At a Glance: North Valley, Los Ranchos & Corrales

Distance from Airport: 9.5 miles/15.29 kilometers (North Valley); 15.7 miles/25.27 kilometers (Los Ranchos); 19.8 miles/31.87 kilometers (Corrales)

Activities: Indian Dances and Demonstrations, Hiking, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, In-Line Skating, Horseback Riding, Bird Watching

Highlights:  Area is part of the Rio Grande Valley State Park, a 4,300-acre nature park

Albuquerque's North Valley stays true to the city's agricultural roots, offering an escape to a slower pace that is steeped in tradition and dedicated to preserving Albuquerque's rural heritage. Early Spanish colonists selected the North Valley for use as farmland, and it retains much of its rural character. The North Valley is part of the oldest wine-producing area in North America, and several wineries are located here. The area's weekly farmers markets are extremely popular, selling fresh, seasonal produce as well as baked goods, preserves and crafts.

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Corrales are small villages nestled north of Albuquerque, on the banks of the Rio Grande, with broad green pastures and orchards, as well as a strong artistic flair.