Neighborhood sights in New Mexico
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South Valley & North Valley
These traditional agricultural areas near the Rio Grande are characterized by open spaces, small ranches, farms, and acequias (traditional irrigation ditches that also mark walking paths). Chickens and horses roam fields between historical adobe and wood-frame houses and newer developments. The 39-sq-mile South Valley is bordered by I-25, I-40 and the West Mesa and volcanic cliffs.
North Valley is more mixed and upscale, with a reputation as affluent, pastoral, quiet and determined to keep it that way. Although it's just 7 miles from downtown Albuquerque, it feels like a world away. This 100-sq-mile area is roughly bordered by I-40, I-25, the Rio Grande and the…
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Corrales
This village, just north of North Valley, was established by Spanish settlers in 1710 but was home to Tewa Indians for centuries before that – they were practicing irrigated agriculture here 1300 years ago. Even more rural than North Valley, Corrales offers splendid strolling through the bosk (riparian woods) and along acequias. Take NM 448 north into the village and then drive or walk along any side roads – most are unpaved and will reward with earthy scents as scampering rabbits and quail crisscross your path among 200-year-old adobes and modern replicas. There's also a surprising amount of fine wine being made in these hills.
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Earthships
Innovative and off-the-grid, Earthships are self-sustaining, environmentally savvy houses built with recycled materials like used automobile tires and cans. The community is the brainchild of architect Michael Reynolds, whose idea was to develop a building method that 'eliminates stress from both the planet and its inhabitants.' Buried on three sides by earth, the Earthships are designed to heat and cool themselves, make their own electricity and catch their own water. Sewage is decomposed naturally, and dwellers grow their own food. The Earthship 'tour' is a little disappointing – you pay five bucks basically to watch a short dvd and check out the visitor center. It's…
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