Santa Fe Trip Report

Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in North America and one of the finest to visit for history, culture, and the arts. Several national publications selected it as a Best Destination. In fact, Conde Nast Traveller named Santa Fe as #6 on its list of Best Cities in the World. I was excited to spend five days there this fall, soaking in the best of the best.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. This beautiful luxury resort was once a dude ranch to the stars. Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it has a restorative vibe.

The property has several common spaces, including an interior courtyard and a panoramic patio, which served as great informal meeting spaces for our group. The Rancho's Adventure Center onsite guides lead hikes on the property every morning. They also organize excursions to area attractions. The hotel shuttle met our transportation needs, as parking in the downtown area can be tricky.

The Inn and Spa at Loretto and the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi are good options for folks who prefer to stay in the city center.

What to Do:

There were so many highlights! The area is a sportsman's paradise. Members of our group enjoyed fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and golf. The nearby mountains receive an annual average of 225 inches of snow, making it a popular ski destination in the winter. My personal highlights included:

Downtown Santa Fe

We explored the city with two knowledgeable guides. They described the long history of Santa Fe, the Native, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, the architecture and monuments, and lots of local lore.

Don't miss the Loretto Chapel, the Oldest House Museum, and the Native American market at the Palace of Governors. Fakes and dupes abound in the area, so this market is the place to go for genuine pieces.

Our first full day fell on the Fiesta de Santa Fe, a celebration of the city's history and culture. Festivities included parades, music, dance, and the burning of Zozobra, also known as Old Man Gloom.

Bandelier National Monument

This monument in the Jemez Mountains preserves the ruins of an ancient Native American settlement. During our hour-long drive to the site, our guide described the unique geology and history of the area. The Pueblo people settled there in the twelfth century and stayed for four hundred years until severe droughts drove them from the region.

After we arrived at Bandelier, we hiked along the peaceful Main Loop Trail with our guide. Along the trail, we saw remnants of surface dwellings, ceremonial structures called kivas, rock paintings, and petroglyphs.

Optional wood ladders allowed us to climb into some cave dwellings carved into the soft rock centuries ago. Overall, it was a fascinating glimpse into Native American life in that era, well worth the time.

The Art

Santa Fe's legendary art scene is a great way to experience the city's traditional and contemporary culture. Santa Fe is the nation's third-largest art market. It has 250+ galleries, several museums, festivals, and loads of public art. A stroll along Canyon Road, a picturesque half-mile stretch of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques is a must.

I also visited the Tesuque Glassworks to learn the art of glass blowing. Our instructor George guided through the process, and each student made their very own paperweight (beginners!). George also gave a demonstration of how he creates his unique and colorful goblets.

Afterward, we explored the Shidoni Gallery's five-acre outdoor sculpture garden, which is next to the Glassworks. All in all, it was a fun and memorable experience.

The Santa Fe Opera

We spent an enchanting evening at the Santa Fe Opera. Our visit occurred after the close of the summer season, but we nonetheless experienced some of the magic of this extraordinary venue.

We arrived for a cocktail hour version of the Santa Fe Opera Tailgate. This sophisticated experience included beautiful floral arrangements, elegant finger foods, and a bar tucked into an old-school camper. Docents led a behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent open-air theater, including visits to the costume, wig, and prop shops. We then enjoyed a gourmet meal in the Opera's outdoor cantina. Two spectacular vocalists gave a brief performance in this remarkable venue.

I loved exploring this intriguing city. If this type of trip looks like something that you would enjoy, please let me know. I would be honored to help you plan your next trip. I believe that every vacation you take should be crafted around your personal preferences and interests.