You need to see Santa Fe because the city mixes old Western stylings with contemporary luxuries, read on for details.
When the average American person thinks of Santa Fe, New Mexico, their mind’s eye is likely flooded with images of cowboy boots, dirt roads, and Christian Bale singing his epic song from The Newsies. It is hard for many to reconcile this land-locked city with international level arts and culture because frankly, what logic would lend itself to making a high altitude city in New Mexico (a state that many people don’t even know is part of the USA) the Budapest of the American Southwest? It is like the Budapest of the Southwest though in that the streets are filled with well-heeled international people on holiday, art purveyors, academics, and creators of border-crossing culture. There are high ranking resorts, boutique properties, a world-class opera, and a Native American pueblo all working together to give Northern New Mexico a distinct and unmatched flair.
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The best parts of Santa Fe aren’t necessarily the local chili-drenched cuisine (although I did enjoy that), or the friendly boutique hotels like Hotel Chimayo in the plaza area- it’s the generally centered people that call Santa Fe home. It’s these people, whether born locally or have only lived there a handful of years, that keep the general vibe of Santa Fe relaxed and happy. There is simply no love-you-so-much-OK-bye false love like in California, or you-better-eat-local-granola-or-you’re-worthless judgment like you find to the north in Colorado. There’s a simplicity of heart that seems to exist in the people, which is a rare coupling with art galleries peddling worthwhile $20,000 paintings on every wall.
Santa Fe is amongst the top domestic cities to visit if you’re looking for a taste of the unknown and unusual. You simply will not find the same cultures, liberal attitudes, old Spanish culture and art, cuisine, and arts scene in any other city within our borders. It is accessible to luxury-loving adults, wallet-conscious families, the young and old alike.
Where to stay:
On the Plaza, the main downtown historical area, check out boutique Hotel Chimayo. Ideal for young couples, friends getaways, and architecture buffs.
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For families and luxury addicts, try the Four Seasons resort just on the outskirts of town. World class dining, spa access, outdoor pool, valet parking, and modern amenities make it an easier destination for those who demand high thread counts and a place to stash the stroller. This property also boasts one of the best sunsets west of the Mississippi (no kidding).
Where to eat:
Casual comfort food is the name of the Santa Fe game, and Tia Sophia’s is home of the original breakfast burrito. It seems the inventor of this iconic food got it right and never had to tweak it- layers of green chili, red, or both (aptly called “Christmas”) adorn tortillas filled with eggs, beans, and a variety of breakfast infusions. The service is outstanding, the vibe is 1979 Mexico, and your wallet will laugh all the way to the bank as soon as you realize you spent a mere $12 on the most satisfying 1,000+ calories of your life.
The Compound Restaurant may not seem like a fancy name, but when a restaurant’s bones are based on formal wear in the middle of the most noteworthy contemporary art gallery scene, well, you know it’s going to be high end. The restaurant was recently revamped and no longer carries a jacket and tie requirement, but the food is still over-the-top in every way. The prickly pear margaritas are amongst the best I’ve ever sampled (in any nation), and the attention to detail is so great that even the salmon I was served in their land-locked state was entirely delicious. Perfect for a romantic night of art galleries, an anniversary, or even a way to meet new well-traveled friends.
What to see:
Whether you’re a Catholic or not, San Miguel Church in the old city area of Santa Fe is a must-see. As the oldest church in the United States, it boasts a deep-seeded spirituality that knows no religious bounds. The walls nearly shake with centuries of prayers and emotions, and if nothing else, you can appreciate the antique adobe style architecture.
Canyon Road galleries are the usual draw for most tourists, but that doesn’t mean they should be done in the regular way. Consider researching the type of art you like before heading to Santa Fe and then mapping out 5 to 10 galleries that potentially match your taste. Budget at least 30 minutes per gallery, and commit to spending about one full day (or until your head spins with color, emotions, and paint dust) perusing the art scene.
If you want a deeper sense of the land’s rich history, head The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. You’ll be whisked through thousands of years of lineage, happiness, suffering, and probably be brought to tears by the end of a 2 hour museum tour. I recommend starting your trip here so you can better see how the native peoples of New Mexico influenced every drop of architecture, art, food, language, and attitudes in the region.
Stroll through some of the older, lesser-known neighborhoods. You’ll find photographic gold and nostalgia along the way. Cars from the 1970s still run, women dressed in more traditional Mexican-style camisas, and ristras (the garlands of chilis) strung up in every kitchen window.
