Something To Sing About In Santa Fe

Less than 15 minutes drive from Santa Fe's shops, restaurants and

 galleries the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is

 nestled on nearly 60 acres in the Sangre de Cristo foothills.  There are 65

 guest rooms and suites with an elegant yet rustic modern design that 

blend beautifully with the midcentury architectural style.  And, if you

 think you might ever want to leave this place, there are complimentary

 Mercedes that will transport you between the resort and Santa Fe.  With the 

resort's tranquil spa and plush setting, why would you want to venture out?

  Of course, there is one great reason to venture out and that would be to attend

 the Santa Fe Opera which is currently running through August.

For one of the best opera experiences you will ever have, look no

 further than the open-air Santa Fe Opera House just right across

 the highway.  It has grown to be recognized as one of the world's leading

cultural festivals.   Pre-show tailgating with elegant dinners and buffets at the 

Opera's open-air cantina is a  must.  For more information on the Santa Fe Opera, 

go to www.santafeopera.org.

The Four Seasons in-house restaurant, Terra, serves wonderful
 southwestern cuisine and I think their outdoor fire pit-side dining is
 one of the best in the region. It's a perfect way to capture one
of those beautiful Santa Fe sunsets.

My idea of a perfect day is to start with a great breakfast and I don't have to 

look any further than Tecolote Cafe located on Cerrillos Road.

 It's been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" 

but locals have known since 1980 where to come get their breakfast.

 Sundays mean cinnamon rolls along with their usual
piping hot biscuits and muffins basket.

After a spicy plate of Migas over their crispy skillet-fried potatoes, 

I'm ready to spend the rest of my morning at the Santa Fe Railyard.
It's a perfect gathering spot for relaxing, dining, entertainment, viewing art,
 and buying locally grown produce.

Spring through summer on Tuesdays and Saturdays, make

your way to the Santa Fe Farmer's Market in the Railyard where 

local farmers bring an abundance of food and merchandise.

Not even a full stomach could keep me from buying these

delicious pastries.  I would advise to go early because

items like these don't last long!

 I'm all set for tomorrow morning breakfast!

 The produce so beautiful they look like a work of art!

Every Sunday you will find the Railyard Artisan Market
where you can enjoy local art, jewelry, sculpture,
artisanal clothing and much more.  

For more information about The Railyard, go to www.railyardsantafe.com.

 I can always find something to sing about Santa Fe.
TRAVEL M GIRL

At Your Service

I noted recently on a trip to New York that by the time I had flown there and
arrived at my hotel room, I had already gone through nearly $60 in tips. I
have learned over the years to carry a hefty stack of $1 and $5 bills.
However, I always find myself questioning if I am giving the appropriate 

tips for each service so I decided to make a list that I thought
I would share with you.


Driver:  15% to 20% of fare plus $1 per bag up to 5 bags ($2 per bag or more or
if bags are very heavy and/or bulky)
Taxi Driver:  15% of fare  Add an extra $1 or $2 for
helping with bags.
Skycap:  $1 per bag if you check-in curbside, $2 per bag if skycap
takes bags to check-in counter
In-flight Personnel:  None
Wheelchair Airport Assistance:  $3 to $5
Electric Cart Transport:  $1 to $2
Rental Car Shuttle Driver:  $1 per bag
Hotel Doorman:  $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person
for hailing a cab from the street (none for calling a taxi
from the stand) Add another $1 per bag if he loads your bags
into the taxi/car
Lobby Attendant:  None for opening door
Hotel Porter:  $1 per bag ($2 per bag if they are heavy)
Hotel Housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night (depending on how messy of
a room you keep and/or for luxury hotels).  Also tip daily as housekeeper
shifts may change during your stay.  Last, it is inappropriate to leave
 the tip on the bedside table.  Best to leave it on the desk or dresser.
Room Deliveries:  $1 per item received (like a hair dryer)
Room Service:  Most are already included.  If not, it's 10% to %15
of pre-taxed bill.
Hotel Concierge:  $5 for getting you tickets or reservations.  At
least $10 if they are hard-to-get tickets or reservations
Parking Attendant:  $1 to $2 when they bring you your car
Tour Guide:  10% to 15% of the tour cost.  $1 to $2 per person
for the driver.
Spa Service:  15% to 20%

Always check to be sure if service/gratuities have already been included.

For more information on tipping on cruise lines to casinos and
more, go to www.tipping.org/tips.

TRAVEL M GIRL