re: the frontier
I was at an vernacular architecture/cultural geography conference at UNM a couple of years ago. I can't tell you how many pictures of said conferees were snapped at the frontier. I hope they also stayed for the food. I love a good green chile burrito with my cinnamon roll.
open 24 hours a day and really close to the airport
los cuates is also really good
also, don't miss gruet winery for some pretty darn tasty american sparkling wine-at the crossroads of 1-25 and 1-10