La Reina De Los Altos - Albuquerque, NM

Although a relatively recent addition to the City of Albuquerque, La Reina de Los Altos and much of Albuquerque’s foothills have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Some of the first evidence of human activity in North America was found in Sandia Cave north of the neighborhood, and can be visited after a short drive and half-mile hike.

The European settlement of Albuquerque began in earnest during the early 1700s, and took until the 1980s to fully develop the area in and around La Reina de Los Altos. Intrepid history buffs head downtown to the many museums that chronicle the natural and human history of Albuquerque. Kids can act older than their age and explore natural history topics at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science’s prehistoric preschool for 3- to 5-year olds.

Favorite local perch, Pelican’s Restaurant flies in its seafood and serves sizzling steak in a nautical atmosphere that makes guests feel close to the water. Ask the server for the fresh fish of the day after building an appetite with a sea breeze or another cocktail for $4 during happy hour. Home lies just a few blocks east.

Patrons know when they’re nearing fast and inexpensive Golden Pride Chicken and Ribs by the smell of barbecue in the air. Slow smoked specialties aren’t the only thing available - breakfast burritos being perhaps the most famous among this establishment’s offerings. Over 10 available varieties include carne adovada and green chile bacon, all $4 or less at this establishment in the center of the area.

Ovens at Farina reach 800 degrees as they bake pizza known around town for flavor and the quality of its crust. Local ingredients and dough prepared daily makes for outstanding options, most around $12. It also features three-course meals with curated beer and wine – expect to pay around $50 for drinks and dinner for two at this eatery on Montgomery Boulevard near the north side of La Reina de Los Altos.

Taco bar happy hour at El Patron draws the hungry in droves with its fish- and fajita-stuffed selection of tortilla-wrapped snacks. Live music and drink specials every day and all night keep the party moving, and the dog-friendly patio allows for canine companionship while enjoying the ambiance. Dozens of types of tequila stand at attention to assist in the creation of many margarita varieties.

Moviegoers grab flicks at United Artists High Ridge a few miles south of the neighborhood, and other options about downtown and uptown.

A modern grid and light traffic makes Albuquerque exceptional for drivers, and nearby Tramway Boulevard spans the eastside of the city from north to south. Tramway’s broad lanes and 55 miles-per-hour speed limit allows for fast access to either of the two Interstates that conveniently cross near downtown. Free and easy-to-find parking exists everywhere in the area, and although residents usually drive, Uber and other ride services remain available. Taxis can be scheduled, but don’t rely on hailing one.

Inexpensive public transit exists across town, and $2 purchases a bus ticket anywhere in town. If you’re up for it, an extensive and modern bicycle and pedestrian trail system networks the city, often used in conjunction with the dedicated bicycle lanes present on many Albuquerque streets.

A dozen free and nearby parks add to the area’s recreation, many including play areas for toddlers. El Oso has spacious fields and barbecue pits for leagues of all kinds, and the Bear Canyon Open space harbors desert hills great for hiking and jogging.

Skyline Dog Park’s views of the setting sun prove difficult to match, unless you head farther east across Tramway Boulevard and into the foothills proper, which form a 10-mile long shelf above Albuquerque and hosts many more miles of jogging and mountain biking. It’s a great spot to see the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which rises above the city’s northwest valley each fall and blooms in the sky before dispersing across town. Biking continues on 400 miles of well-surfaced trails that network the city and intersect with dedicated bike lanes on many city streets.

Rent in the area averages $671 for a one-bedroom residence, which hits higher than average for Albuquerque, but with a quality of area parks and city services also above-par. A glass of beer averages $6, and individual meals start around $12. A couple of drinks, and steak or seafood for two costs a bit more at Pelicans at around $80, but make it up on the road; area gas prices sit about 9 percent lower than the national average. If you don’t feel like driving, $2 gets you aboard a bus with a one-way ticket anywhere in town.

Area shopping concentrates along Montgomery Boulevard in the north of the area and includes an interesting array of boutiques, many appropriately upscale for the area.

Gee Loretta features original and consignment ladies’ fashion. Its staff guides and advises guests in the quest for style, and jewelry from local designers rests on hand.

Cocoa-cravers find joy at Theobroma Chocolatier, and its large selection of chocolate gift boxes can be customized with a personal tag. Each holiday, this confectionery creates nifty treats in the shapes and colors of the season.

Sophisticated cats and canines prefer the natural ingredients in the pet food sold at Long Leash on Life. Biscuits and organic treats line shelves, and if your furry buddy plans on chasing any of the jackrabbits common in the foothills, grab some of the shop’s multivitamins so it can keep up.

La Reina de Los Altos has numerous options for stocking up on groceries and household items, including Sprouts Farmers Market and Wal-Mart in the northeast of the neighborhood, and fresh bread at Great Harvest Bread Company. Just west of the area, Natural Grocers carries organic produce and supplements, and Farmer’s Market a few miles to the south has long-lasting and local fruit and vegetables. Also nearby, Keller’s Farm Stores carries quality meats not available in typical chain stores.