Author Archives: selena

Fall into an agritourism weekend

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I know it is a little early in the week to be thinking about the weekend… BUT with this fantastic fall weather, I can’t help but start planning! As an agritourist in Northern/Central New Mexico, there is never a dull weekend (in fact the leaves are changing into these vibrant yellow and reds; its far from dull around here). Here are 5 New Mexico agritourism must visit fall locations:

1) Purple Adobe Lavender Farm: Elizabeth and Roger Inman’s farm is located in beautiful Abiquiu in Northern New Mexico. Once you’re there you can take a tour of the farm, watch steam distillation demonstrations, and check out their super cute lavender gift store. (www.purpleadobelavenderfarm.com)  

2) Estrella Del Norte Winery and Vineyard is one of Northern New Mexico’s hidden gems. Eileen and Richard Reinders opened their doors in 2008 among the cottonwood trees in Chimayo, New Mexico. You can stop by for a wine tasting or attend one of their many events; like chocolate and wine pairing. (www.estrelladelnortevineyard.com)

3) Marigold and Harvest Festival is happening THIS weekend in Albuquerque, Saturday, October 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Morning yoga, cooking demos, farm food, and live music- count me in and I hope you see you there!

4) Martinez Apple Orchard is the ruby of the Dixon Valley. Take a scenic drive to Dixon (on your way to Taos) to purchase fresh from the field apples and peaches.

5) McCall’s Pumpkin Patch: Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin from the field, try to find your way through the 16-acre corn maze, feed the farm animals, race a pedal kart, slide, launch a pumpkin, mine for gemstones, shop, eat…& much, much more! (www.mccallpumpkinpatch.com)

and one for the road- Santa Fe Walkabouts is rated #1 by Tripadvisor for tours in Santa Fe. Sue and Georges Mally can customize your New Mexican agritourism adventure for you.

-Enjoy!

Get your hands dirty in New Mexico: Agritourism

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Last week, I toured the Alvarado Urban Farm in downtown Albuquerque; a project of the Downtown Action Team. It is unique in a downtown city center to be standing in the middle of a farm.  Alvarado is surrounded by the Silver Gardens apartments, a parking garage, and the downtown train station…it is, in other words, a patch of farmland surrounded by the tall buildings that make up the Albuquerque skyline. The number of residents in this part of town is growing by leaps and bounds, yet it is missing key features like a grocery store and community space.  It is a “food desert” as defined by the USDA.

That’s where the Alvarado Urban Farm comes in. Their goal is to become a local food hub and community space– to set up a farmers market on Wednesday afternoons for commuters (on their way to or from the Railrunner) and local residents. Along with 40 some-odd raised planting beds and several bocce courts, there are plans to build a gazebo and market building, and to host community events such as lectures, and concerts. Some of their partners include Amy Biehl High School and the Veteran’s Farm Project. In the near future they have plans to partner with a local daycare to teach a younger generation about urban farming.

 

Alvarado Urban Farm is a great example of local agritourism. Tying agriculture and community together in one space (in the middle of a city, I might add) is amazing! If you are on your way to a show at The Box, headed to the train, or just walking around downtown Albuquerque I recommend you stop by the Alvarado Urban Farm at 101 Silver Ave SW to see all of the great work they are doing.

At the end of the tour we were handed scissors and a bag and were told “now go get your hands dirty”. I went home with a bag full of freshly dug carrots and collard greens.