Saturday Spotlight

Saturday Spotlight: The East Mountains

Rodeos, Pinto Bean Queens and Drones

The East Mountains outside Albuquerque is one of the fastest growing area in New Mexico. Since 2000, the area’s population more than doubled. The convenience of nearby Albuquerque with a country lifestyle explains part of the area’s appeal, but I suspect that the warmth and southwestern hospitality of the residents accounts for a generous portion. One long-time local estimates that nearly 30% of the residents make the workday trek to Sandia Labs, the University of New Mexico or the University’s hospital.

Saturday Spotlight: A Look at Route 66

The famed Chicago-to-Los Angeles Route 66 looms large in American century history. It introduced travelers, Dust Bown refugees, and Beat era drifters to Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Grants and Gallup, New Mexico. While it may no longer be cherished as "America's Main Street," the historic route is still New Mexico's main street in many towns. The most notable example is Albuquerque. The "Mother Road" used to be synonymous with the desire to hit the open road. In Albuquerque, the Mother Road now signifies a pedestrian lifestyle that appeals to Millennials and Boomers who prefer to leave their cars at home. Many prefer to not even own one.