The Enchantment of Santa Fe

Ah, New Mexico!  The land of enchantment.  And no where is it
more enchanting than in Santa Fe.  The land, the the art and
the vibrant cultures that coexist here are unlike any other
place on earth.  It's no wonder artists from all over the world
come here to be inspired.

Whether you rent a home in the hills or close to the Plaza...

...or stay in a hotel around the Plaza...

...you have many great choices of stunning architecture and
beautiful accommodations to choose from in Santa Fe.
Hotels in and around the plaza range from 5 star....

...to 3 star and there is something for everyone's
personal preference and price range.
Some of my favorite hotels include:
St. Francis
La Fonda
El Dorado
Inn of the Anasazi
 The Bishop's Lodge
Encantado Resort
Inn of Five Graces

A must on your list of things to do in Santa Fe is  to make
your way to the Railyard District.  It is home to the Farmers
 Market and the international art space SITE...

... as well as an assortment of restaurants, performance art spaces, shops
and contemporary galleries.  Venture to the south side of the Railroad
District to Baca Street and watch glass being blown, jewelry
 assembled and metal welded in actual working studios and galleries.

You will find a vast assortment of Mexican doors, ranch furniture,
and Spanish Colonial Antiques at Antique Warehouse
in the Railyard District...

...and beautiful art at James Kelly Contemporary next door.

Santa Fe is a city known for its quality of visual arts.

Fabulous studios, home furnishings, rug and art galleries are
 found from the Railyard District...

...to the infamous Canyon Road and all
streets in between.  Art and Santa Fe are
synonymous with each other.  But you'll
also find boutiques selling jewelry and clothing
along Canyon Road.  Some of my favorites
are Dancing Ladies, La Mesa and Nathalie's.

The Plaza is the heart of Santa Fe.  It is a National Historic
Landmark and Native Americans gather there daily to sell
their wares.

Shopping is in abundance in and around
the Plaza.

Doodlet's is like a five and ten store with Santa Fe flair
offering gift cards to toys to accessories for the home.

Just one of the "oldies but goodies" stores in Santa Fe
that keep me coming back.

Christmas is never off your mind even in July because there
is something special about the local crafts that adorn
the holiday season so well.

You can never go wrong with a stop at Todos
Santos where you find memorable gifts that
will make great souvenirs as well as satisfy
your own sweet tooth!

Along with furnishings and antiques, you will find stores like
Dressman's Gifts that sell jewelry to hats to belts to tile and all
types of folk art.

And, of course, there is the flavor and sound of Santa Fe
that permeates itself on the streets and in the music
halls of Santa Fe.!

And eating??  Have I mentioned eating??
Well, let's start off with Viniagette where they
serve organic salads...

But then when you want the spice of Santa Fe, head
straight to The Shed.

Oh yeah, I'm talking cheese, beans, pozole,
red chile sauce, pulled pork and spices
that will lure you  into an eating frenzy!

All the while there will be a heaping of "yum"
that will be overwhelming your eyes as you
check out your neighbor's plate!

And it's not just world-famous art you will find on Canyon Road,
but restaurants that serve incredible fare made with top
quality ingredients...

....where the atmosphere is only equal to the cuisine!

It's hard to know what to order, but I realize
when dining at The Compound,
I just can't go wrong!

As famous as the Santa Fe sunrises are breakfasts at Cafe Pasqual's!
Oh Lordy, I need some expand-a pants about now....

...but I'm lured back across the street in just
a few hours to Tabla de Los Santos Restaurante
at the St. Francis Hotel where they prepare food that is
 fresh and simple from the local farmer's market..

...in a stunning courtyard.

And of course, the next evening I'm back on
Canyon Road to dine at one of my very
favorite restaurants,  Geronimo...

...where their extensive wine collection matches perfectly
with their influence of classic French, pan-Asian,
American Southern and Southwestern cuisine.

 At the Inn and Spa at Loretto , the chef at Luminaria is
luring people in with rustic Southwestern cuisine with
sophisticated twists.  He's got my attention!

And no visit to Santa Fe is complete without a visit to
 long time favorites such as La Casa Sena where they pair
up over 1,000 selections of wine with American
 Southwestern cuisine.

Some of my other must eats include:

Harry's Roadhouse
Tomasita's Restaurant
Tune-Up Cafe
El Farol
315 Restaurant and Bar
SantaCafe'
Coyote Cafe'
Anasazi Restaurant
Galisteo Bistro & Wine Bar
La Boca
Andiamo!

All of this dining and shopping excess leads me straight
to 10,000 Waves where I can relax and compose my
thoughts at this tranquil mountain resort and spa.

Secreto Bar at the St. Francis Hotel is
my secret to securing a wonderful drink!

The St. Francis Cathedral Basilica construction
began in 1887.  The original structure was
build in 1610.  Only the statue of the Virgin
Mary is still in existence and it is the oldest
representation of the Virgin Mary in the U.S.

Loretto Chapel was built in 1878.

There seems to be no shortage of prayers and representations
of great faith in Santa Fe.

Loretto Chapel is home to the Miraculous Staircase
which was built at 360 degrees and has no visible
means of support.  

The acclaimed Santa Fe Opera is in it's 55th season and if just watching
these first class performances weren't enough,  wait until you see the rugged
landscape and spectacular sunsets along with nearly
 360 degree views of the Sangre de Cristo and
Jemez Mountains.  

Located less than 10 minutes north of Santa Fe is the
Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market which is an open-air
market that is home to artisans, craftspeople, jewelers.
dealers  and importers.

Whether they are showcasing or selling their wares,
it is well worth your time to visit the flea market.

And, while you are out on the road, take a quick trip over
to Chimayo...

...where you will find unique art...

...and some surprises!

You should make your way to
the famous El Sanctuario de Chimayo
which was built around 1815.

It is tucked into the foothills of the Sangre
de Cristo Mountains and yet tens thousands of
people make their way to this tiny chapel each
year because of the miraculous healings that
haven taken place there.

Just down the road is Rancho de Chimayo.  No stop in
Chimayo is complete without a meal at this restaurant
which is situated in a hundred year old adobe home.

 Southwestern cuisine which preserves the traditions
 of the culture is served in an indoor/outdoor setting.

There are a hosts of events happening in and around Santa Fe
all year long.  You can never not find something memorable,
delicious, and fun to do in Santa Fe!

DON'T LET TOO MANY MORE SUNSETS OCCUR WITHOUT
A VISIT TO THIS BEAUTIFUL LAND AND CULTURE OF
ENCHANTMENT.

TRAVEL M GIRL