Things to Do in North Valley

Dotted with 12 stations, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express’s 100 miles of track stretches between Belen and Santa Fe. Passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks aboard as they roll to hub-like stations, which provide easy access to Santa Fe Plaza, Bio Park, and bustling Santa Fe neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, Uptown, and Old Town. On Saturdays, artists from the University of New Mexico Theater Department spice up 506 and 509 train rides with classic Shakespeare performances that feature the ghost of Hamlet’s father wearing a conductor’s cap.

For nearly 30 years, Sluggers has given countless children and adults an arena in which to practice the universal pastime of hitting a ball with a stick. After fastening a complimentary helmet and selecting a bat, players step into outdoor cages where they can hone their skills on pitches of various speeds. Players can purchase gear onsite or borrow a bat from the center's stash of rental equipment, negating the need to whittle down a bat from one of their bedposts.

With a dramatic backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, Romero's Thunder Inc. treats its customers to sweeping views as they saunter along winding trails or gallop around the well-kept ring during lessons. Whether educating students on the history of horseback riding or teaching visitors how to connect with equine partners, the staff cultivates a laid-back, familial atmosphere, holding seasonal events such as Easter-egg hunts complete with art projects for participants and horses with opposable thumbs.:

A project of Feel Good Festivals, the New Mexico Cup celebrates the area's fine wines and craft beers while also supporting a worthy cause. This year's beneficiary is Tricklock Company, a theater organization dedicated to examining the human experience through poetic theater and absurdism. Festival-goers first sample adult beverages from regional wineries and craft breweries, then cast their vote for the tastiest pours. Professional and celebrity judges also weigh in on their favorites. The Albuquerque Convention Center echoes with the sounds of live music, the names of raffle winners, and the excited shouts of anyone who didn’t realize Prohibition ended 80 years ago.

From owner/proprietor Paula Manning Lewis's harmonic interpretations of guitars to painterly creations by Caroline C. Blaker, Chroma Studios houses a bevy of local and cultural pieces. This month, the creative hub hones in on the works of New Mexico artists and celebrates its two-year anniversary. View a list of showcased artists here to get a feel for featured talents. Chroma's collection includes jewelry, ceramics, photography, and mixed media.

Let the children pad their stats instead of their pants at SportsMix, where a friendly lineup of instructors and referees turn hesitant halfbacks into blossoming fullbacks. The flag foraging begins with three weeks of practice, giving youngsters of all experience levels a shot at stardom and summer exercise. The remaining weeks fuel your child's football IQ by pairing comprehensive training with in-game action. Throughout the season, the players focus on between-the-huddle skills such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pure enjoyment of the game instead of pounding protein shakes blindfolded or throwing perfect spirals at birds.