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Santa Fe Travel Guide
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| Santa Fe |
Much
of the arid Southwest is referred to as big-sky country, and
Santa Fe is no exception. There you will see some of the most
spectacular sunsets to be had in the country, and it seems
to have had an effect on the locals -- they're some of the
friendliest folks you could meet.
There's a definite upscale flavor to Santa Fe that appeals
to travelers who like the best of everything. But the city
offers anyone who visits a distinctive travel experience --
delicious food, one-of-a-kind museums and lots of galleries
full of fine art.
Above all, it's the look and feel of the
town that make it a desirable destination. Its rich cultural
heritage can be seen everywhere you look -- from the Native
Americans selling goods on the Plaza to the Hispanic influence
of its chili-powered delicacies. Most striking are the brown
adobe buildings that sit along the twisting streets. They're
most impressive in the late-day sun, when the entire city
becomes luminescent.
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| Santa Fe
Travels & Tours |
Santa Fe Indian Market
In 1921 the first Indian Market was held on the Plaza. It
was a small and unremarkable event, but over the years it
has grown to become the largest Indian market in the world.
With more than 1,200 artists scheduled for this year's event,
it promises to be spectacular. This happening not only features
the artwork of more than 100 Native tribes, but also will
include Native clothing contests, dancing and live musical
performances. Arrive early as parking is at a premium during
this popular event.
Canyon Road
Some of the most upscale places to shop and dine in Santa
Fe are in one of the oldest parts of town. Canyon Road was
once a residential area for early Spanish settlers. Artists
began to flock to the area from all over the world in the
1920s transforming the residences into shops and galleries.
Today this two-mile stretch of road is lined on both sides
with upscale art galleries, clothing stores and restaurants.
The narrow street does not accommodate a lot of parking
spaces so be prepared to walk.
The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
This event celebrates the flavors of the region combined
with some of the world's best wine. Drawing crowds of 3,000
and more, the Grand Food and Wine Tasting at the Opera house
is a spectacular event. You will recognize many celebrity
faces in the crowd. Enjoy an evening at a Winery Dinner.
There are more than 30 restaurants in town that participate.
To cap the celebration off, you might want to attend the
auction where wine, trips and fine art go to the highest
bidder. Admission prices vary per event.
Santa Fe Plaza
Known as the Plaza, this historic area is marked by a central
park lined with huge shade trees and benches. It is listed
on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of the
buildings surrounding the park stand just as they did during
colonial Spanish times. Aside from the numerous shops, hotels
and restaurants, you will also see a number of famous landmarks.
Be sure to visit The Palace of the Governors, St. Francis
Cathedral and Loretto Chapel. The Plaza is also where the
Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market are held.
Loretto Chapel
Bishop Jean Lamy commissioned this Gothic Revival-style
chapel. It was completed in the 1880s. The stained glass
window was made in Paris, France, and delivered to Santa
Fe in a covered wagon. The most outstanding feature of the
chapel is the famous Miraculous Staircase. The circular
staircase winds its way from the floor of the chapel to
the choir loft above. The chapel no longer belongs to the
Catholic Church. It is a private museum and there is a gift
shop on the premises.
Santa Fe Southern Railway
Since the 1880s people have been riding the railway between
Santa Fe and Lamy. At one time this was a primary means
of transportation between the two towns. Now, however, the
daily trips have become a popular tourist attraction. As
you travel the rails you will see some spectacular panoramic
views of the high desert landscape. Special trips are planned
throughout the year such as the Mardi Gras Trip, the Ghost
Story Trip and the Holiday Lights Trip. You can choose to
travel coach, silver or dome.
Santa Fe Fiesta
In 1692 Don Diego De Vargas successfully retook Santa Fe
after the Pueblo Revolt. This annual celebration has been
held for the past 289 years to commemorate the hard won
victory of the Spaniards. The event begins with the Burning
of Zozobra. This large, noisy effigy represents all the
evil that might strike during the coming year. Other activities
include music, parades, an arts and crafts fair and carnivals.
If you are planning a trip to Santa Fe during September,
then this is an event you do not want to miss.
St. Francis Cathedral
Archbishop Lamy commissioned this French Romanesque cathedral
in 1869, and it took more than 15 years to complete. It
is still maintained by the archdiocese of Santa Fe. This
long-standing landmark houses many religious relics including
the chalice used by Lamy and the oldest Madonna in the United
States. The exquisite stained glass windows were created
in France, traveling to Santa Fe via ship and then overland
on a covered wagon.
Museum of Fine Arts
This pueblo revival-style building has been serving New
Mexico as a fine art museum since 1917. Inside you will
find a number of permanent, as well as traveling exhibitions.
There are over 20,000 works of art on display, and much
of the focus is on artists from the Southwest. During the
summer, at 10am on Mondays, you can catch up with museum
docents that will lead you on a walking tour of the Plaza
and its historical sights.
María Benítez Teatro Flamenco
Flamenco dancing is dramatic and magical, and this show
is no exception. Since the 1970s the world-renowned, Mara
Bentez, has been performing every summer for Santa Fe audiences.
When not in New Mexico she and her troupe travel the world
performing in such nations as Spain and South Africa. The
colorful costumes, lively music and talented artists offer
a great glimpse at New Mexico's heritage and culture. She
also teaches dance to the local youth who then perform during
the Santa Fe Fiestas.
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| Nature
and Adventure |
| Santa
Fe sits at 7,000 ft/2,170 m above sea level, making the
air thin and very dry. This high-desert climate has four
distinct seasons: warm springs, hot summers, crisp falls
and tolerably cool winters. Summer temperatures routinely
reach the high 80s and low 90s F/low 30s C, with pleasantly
warm nights. Rains (locals call them "monsoons")
roll in most afternoons in July and August, dump a lot of
water and lightning for a few hours, and then clear off.
Temperatures slowly come down by October, but fall and winter
months are still very pleasant, with temperatures often
in the 60s F/15-20 C or even higher. Nights, though, are
considerably cooler. When winter finally hits in late November,
Santa Fe might get snow showers, but the snow rarely lasts
for more than a day. In the surrounding mountains, the snow
may remain for several months.
Generally,
getting to Santa Fe is more difficult than getting around
once you're there. Most visitors arriving by air use the
Albuquerque airport and rent a car to drive into Santa Fe.
If you're staying at a centrally located hotel in Santa
Fe, you won't need your car to explore the downtown area
and Canyon Road. You shouldn't have to get behind the wheel
in town until you venture to the museums on Camino Lejo
(though you can also get there on the museum bus), or attend
the opera (and there is a shuttle). Your vehicle will come
in handy if you plan to spend some time in the gorgeous
surrounding area, however, or at the famous opera.
If
you do drive, be aware that Santa Fe has a city ordinance
that prohibits the use of cell phones while driving unless
your cell phone is hands-free equipped.
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