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 | Santa Fe Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 188 |  |
My dilemma was in how to classify this historic inn/restaurant. I think everyone should stop by to see it, so I'm including it in my THINGS TO DO tips.
La Fonda Inn (established in 1607) has a genuine feel of the Southwest with its thick walls, Spanish tiled floors and dark wood interior. Would you believe, the Santa Fe Trail ends at its doors? Wonderful paintings grace the massive lobby, from which you can access the hotel restaurants or other shops (pictures #2-3). At check-in, an immense wood carved counter commands one's attention.
La Plazuela, a lovely Spanish-style restaurant in vibrant colors of torquoise and green sits off the lobby. This dining room replaced a former courtyard. Since it was not opened for lunch, we shifted into plan B.
We grabbed a table in the busy lobby and ordered something from the hotel's La Fiesta Lounge (picture #4). The chicken quesadilla was crispy; the chicken topped with just the right amount of melted cheese. Umm, it tasted all the better in the lovely surroundings. The French Pastry Shop, could be accessed from this area, as well.
UPDATE: We had the pleasure of dining at La Plazuela on our second visit to Santa Fe in October '07 and loved its cheerful ambiance! I ordered a filet mignon that was just delectable! Address: 100 E.San Francisco St.,Santa Fe, NMPhone: 505-982-5511Directions: At the corner of San Francisco St. and Old Santa Fe TrailWebsite: www.lafondasantafe.com
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Traveling over snow-covered roads, which thread through the Sangre de Cristo mountains, we reached Chimayo, a holy place of pilgrimage for thousands of religious devotees on Good Friday each year.
The tranquility of the place is overwhelming--but then we visited when there were no pilgrimages or crowds. Chimayo is nestled at the base of mountains in the quiet countryside. All that could be heard was the incessant cooing of pigeons, resting on the tip of the roof.
But, here is some of its history...the pilgrimage began in 1945 to honor those who lost their lives during the Bataan Death March and grew in size each year due to reports of miracle healings. It all started in 1814 when a local farmer purportedly dug up a glowing crucifix from the ground. After a series of interesting occurrences, construction of a church was begun on the site and completed in 1816.
The main altar (picture #2) is elaborately painted in bright colors. ressembling folk art. It was done in the mid-1800's by an artist named Moleno.
A dirt room off the main chapel is said to contain the hole where the crucifix was found. The hole holds sacred earth, which is blessed and added to when needed. It is this dirt, which is said to heal all manner of ailments. Numerous crutches, a burn mask and walker testify to the faith of those who left them behind.
A statue of the infant Jesus sits in a side room, whose walls are lined with many religious pictures rendered in paint, mosaic, wood and plaster. At the infant's barefeet were carefully placed baby shoes and booties--a folk practice related to Santo Nino de Atocha.
In pleasant weather, church services are held beneath shady trees near a trickling river at the rear of the structure (pictures #3,#4 & #5). Mass is held Mon.-Sat. 11am and Sun. 10:30am-12 Noon. Three local priests conduct the services. A gift shop and small restaurant are on the grounds.
The church was listed as a historical landmark in 1970. No photos are permitted inside the sanctuary. Directions: We traveled on Rt. 285 to Rt. 84, continued to Junction 68 then East onto Rt. 76, then S. 98 to ChimayoWebsite: www.holychimayo.us
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You absolutely cannot visit Santa Fe without a drive along Canyon Road. This is the arts district--which begins on the corner of Peralta and Canyon Roads and where about 80 art galleries are located.
This part of town became popular when a group of realist painters known as "Cinco de Pintores" (the 5 artists) built their homes along an intersection in this area in the 1920's. The major of those being Will Shuster who originated the celebration of Zozobra (which heralds the Fall social season on the Thursday after Labor Day).
As you progress along this route, you'll see exquisite bronze sculptures; gyrating kinetic wind sculptures; colorfully painted artist's studios, a flash of intimate little courtyards and usually experience the crush of tourists.
However, we visited Santa Fe in the winter time, which spared us the hoards of people, yet gave us the opportunity to see the glorious mountains topped with snow. I discovered a gallery I found very exciting--Waxlander Galleries, which is detailed in a shopping tip.
We caught a glimpse of a picturesque little restaurant or two as we traveled along Canyon Road. I imagine it would be a pleasant destination in the summer where one could come to appreciate the arts culture or to have a glass of wine in an interesting setting. Address: Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New MexicoDirections: Beginning at Peralta and Canyon Roads
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 Palace of the Governors w.
Native Am. craftspeople by VeronicaG
Outside, beneath a roofed walkway, sat several Native Americans selling silver jewelry, beaded jewelry, woven products, carved wood pieces and local crafts. (Look closely at the photo to see them). These coveted spots are determined by lottery each morning.
Since we arrived after 5pm on Friday evening, we were admitted for no charge (the museum closes at 8pm that night). A docent told us that not only did the Governor and his family live in this structure, but the troops did, too, which explained its size!
The right wing of the compound seemed the most interesting to us. Paintings of distinguished looking Spanish officials and their descendants hung from stuccoed walls, a small chapel and Prince's room (where visitor's were received) kept company with a full size mud coach, rifles, revolvers and swords. Small niches held jars and statues from ancient Indian cultures.
The left wing of the compound was set up to display the History of Printing.
Hours are Mon.-Fri. 1pm-5pm; Fri. evenings 5pm-8pm (free). Closed most holidays. $8 admission for non-residents. Address: 105 W. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, New MexicoPhone: 505-476-5090Directions: North side of the Central Plaza
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After a stroll around the plaza, we followed the Old Santa Fe Trail, which is a street now. It led us to this pretty little chapel.
Construction of Loretto Chapel (1873) was commissioned by Jean Baptiste Lamy, a French priest sent to Santa Fe to bring about a separation of the devoted Catholics of New Mexico from those of Mexico.
Lamy was overseeing work on St. Francis Cathedral, so used his laborers and craftsmen to construct the Loretto Chapel, as well. Being enamoured with European architecture, he chose details of that style for both churches.
At Lamy's urging, nuns from Missouri arrived to establish a school in Santa Fe in 1853. Several years later, when funding grew short and the chapel needed work, the nuns fervently prayed for help. One day an unknown carpenter appeared in town--was he an answer to their prayers?
One of his projects (1878) was to build a staircase which would reach from the floor of the sanctuary to the top of the choir loft. The carpenter crafted a spiraling wood staircase which made two complete turns on its journey towards the ceiling, yet seemingly having no visible support. Some said it was 'miraculous" (see picture #2).
Once his work was finished, the carpenter disappeared and never received payment for his work. He purportedly ended up in Las Cruces, where he met an untimely end.
Hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Mon.-Sat.; 10:30am-5pm on Sun. Admission is $2.50. A gift shop has been added to the church (see picture #3).The chapel has been desanctified and is privately owned; weddings are still performed here. Address: 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New MexicoPhone: 505-982-0092
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We had the pleasure of meeting chief clerk of court, Steve Arias, when we visited Santa Fe's Capitol building. Mr. Arias has the distinction of holding his position as chief clerk for many years. In fact, his is the 4th longest in service to the United States.
He informed us that New Mexico is the largest producer of chili peppers in the United States (the brilliant red color is popular in women's cosmetics); that New Mexico is third in the world for art sales and second in the United States (in regards to value) and a leader in oil and gas production.
Santa Fe is the oldest capitol city in the United States. The legislature meets for 60 days on odd years and 30 days on even years. 11,000-13,000 people come through these doors each day when the legislature is in session. The public at large can witness government in action from the balcony, where seats are taken on a first come, first serve basis.
Magnificent pieces of art are scattered throughout the building and worthy of taking a concentrated look. All of the marble within the capitol comes from New Mexico.
Please see the stained glass skylight in the rotunda (picture#2) and the New Mexico government seal (an American Bald Eagle protecting a Mexican Brown Eagle that is clasping a snake in its claw (picture #3). A playful display in bronze sits at the entrance of the Capitol (picture #4) welcoming one and all! Address: 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New MexicoPhone: 505-986-4589
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If you are interested in modern art reflecting today's Indian culture, then this museum is for you. We were a little confused about what we were looking for and walked into the IAIA thinking it was a museum on ancient culture.
Films of Inuit customs showing hunting techniques, the preparation of hides and making oil from fat was a great glimpse into a culture much different from ours. We truly enjoyed learning how the Inuits live and cope in their harsh environment.
The works in oils, bronzes, charcoal and glass illustrate what is happening in American Indian art currently and reflects their interpretation of the old traditions. A gift shop offering reasonable prices is worth a stop before leaving the museum.
Hours are 10am-5pm. Mon.-Sat.;12N to 5pm Sun. Admission is $4.00 Address: 108 Cathedral Pl., Santa Fe, New MexicoPhone: 505-988-6211Website: www.iaiacad.org
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Santa Fe is home to the arts community and the Capitol emphasizes this by its art collection. In fact, the Capitol itself is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture.
Artwork employing various mediums is on display here: sculptures, oil paintings, water colors, mosaics, weavings, quilting, wood carvings and many local crafts highlighting New Mexico's artisans. Traveling exhibitions are presented, as well. Traversing its corridors feels like touring an art museum!
I think the most unusual piece was Holly Hughes' Buffalo head sculpture, which contained scraps of newspaper, ribbons, fabric swatches, paint brushes and everyday items used in a imaginative way. I could never have dreamed up something like that!
Please see the various examples of art exhibited at the Capitol Building (pictures#3-5) Address: 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe,New MexicoPhone: 505-986-4589Directions: The Capitol Building
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 Pueblo near Santa Fe by karenincalifornia
Some of the pueblos have a few galleries and shops onsite that display and sell crafts designed and created by members of the pueblo. Several of the pueblos are known for a certain type of pottery or jewelry. Don't equate these with factory outlets! Pottery and jewelry sold directly by the pueblo are not cheap and if you are thinking that this is the place to find a bargain, think again! We saw locally produced museum quality pottery selling for thousands of dollars a piece.
The pueblos all restrict traffic to some extent and upon registration, you will be told where you can and can't go. Please respect these directions. The pueblos continue to be the home of many people. Most charge an additional fee on top of the registration fee if you intend to take photos. Nonetheless, a visit to a pueblo will give you some idea of the lifestyle of the modern indigenous people.
In my teenage children's opinions, visiting a pueblo was the least interesting part of the trip to Santa Fe, and I would have to agree with them. If you are here for a limited amount of time, you will not miss much by bypassing the pueblos. On the other hand, if you want to get a feel for the lifestyle of the pueblo people, a visit to a pueblo will give you that. Be prepared for a very pronounced "Look but don't touch" message. Leave a Comment
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 St. Francis Cathedral by VeronicaG
St. Francis Cathedral was designed by Jean Baptiste Lamy, a French Priest sent to be a good shepherd to the Catholics of New Mexico in 1851. He was determined to construct a church worthy of any found in Europe, so imported craftsmen from Italy. Special consideration was given in selecting stained glass from France.
Apparently, Lamy arranged a loan from an affluent Jewish businessman to fund the construction, which began in 1869 and took 15 years to build. When funds ran out, spires that were meant to grace each side of the church were not built. The church remains without them to this day.
Although we did not go inside, the church is said to have preserved an old adobe chapel which has been integrated into the main structure. Address: 131 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, New MexicoPhone: 505-982-5619
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