There’s something magical about Santa Fe. Founded 400 years ago as the provincial capital of New Spain, the city has 300 days of sunshine a year, a thriving creative community, vibrant Hispanic culture and longstanding Native American traditions.
Photo Credit: Tourism Santa Fe
Where to Stay
Just outside of town, the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe has a spectacular high desert setting with sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo foothills across the Rio Grande Valley. The 65 casita-style accommodations, each with a freplace and private patio or terrace, are the perfect spot for sunsets or stargazing. Explore the 57-acre property’s private hiking trails or enjoy altitude-adjusting treatments in the 10,000 square-foot spa, and at night sit down to a lively Chef’s Table dinner held in the buzzing kitchen. The resort also offers gourmet “tailgating” at the open-air Santa Fe Opera, and the on-site Adventure Partners curates tours of Pueblo cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Room rates start at $379 a night.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
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Local Favor
Santa Fe’s signature Southwestern cuisine is a source of pride and passion for locals. Take a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking and interact with local chefs, or go on one of their Culinary Tours, which stops at four eateries around the city. Depending on the schedule, you might sample the Southwestern-meets-Asian favors of James Beard-nominated chef Martin Rios at Restaurant Martin, the Old Mexico-inspired dishes at Sazón or the refined, award-winning fare at Joseph’s of Santa Fe. Make a reservation at any of them for dinner after the tour.
Photo Credit: Doug Merriam
Market Watch
The Santa Fe Farmers Market is the largest in new mexico and often named one of the top markets in the country. The year-round weekly event features stalls from over 150 vendors peddling everything from artisan cheeses and fresh bread to goat’s milk soap and lotions to native American arts and crafts made with locally sourced materials. the city also hosts a separate artisan market on sundays.
Photo Credit: Matt Sessions
Artful Moments
Check out the city’s famous art scene at the galleries and boutiques of Canyon Road in the santa Fe historic District, where myriad styles of painting, sculpture, antiques and folk art are packed into a half-mile stretch. For something totally different, explore the Meow Wolf Art Complex, funded in part by the Game of Thrones author — and local art patron — George r.r. Martin. set in a former bowling alley, the colorful complex showcases experimental multimedia experiences such as “house of eternal return,” a victorian-style home complete with secret passageways that take visitors to what they call “other dimensions.”
Photo Credit: Brandon Soder