santafe official 2015 guide

santafe official 2015 guide

 

Fortunately our forebears shortened the name to Santa Fe, and along the way, Santa Fe also acquired an unusual nickname: the City Different. If this is your first time in Santa Fe, you’ll soon understand why.
Santa Fe was the first designated UNESCO Creative City for craft and folk arts, and with its 250 galleries boasts the third largest art market in the country. Subsequently, plentiful unique shopping opportunities abound in town and when visiting the nearby eight northern Native American pueblos.
With jaw-dropping 360-degree mountain views, more than 325 days of glorious sunshine a year, perfect sunsets and 1.5 million acres of pristine national forest, Santa Fe is a naturally inspired setting for a retreat from the ordinary.
As the country's oldest capital city at 405 years old with the highest elevation in the country at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is the perfect place to start your own adventure.
The Plaza, the epicenter of downtown Santa Fe, and the Palace of the Governors, known as the oldest continuously occupied government building in the United States, were built in 1609 and 1610, respectively.

Native American artisans from some of New Mexico's 19 pueblos still sell jewelry and other wares beneath the Palace’s long portal, as they have for hundreds of years. But while history plays a major role in Santa Fe’s current persona (our unique blend of Native American, Spanish and Anglo cultures influences everything from local architecture and art to jewelry and cuisine), there is a modern sophistication to Santa Fe that rivals any metropolitan city.

Enjoy world-class entertainment at the Santa Fe Opera or dance to live music at the Plaza Bandstand, then sample from the City's 250 restaurants.
Internationally renowned chefs delight in elevating New Mexico’s favorite ingredient, chile, to new culinary heights.

Santa Fe has been rated the number one small city to visit in the United States and one of the top U.S. destinations in the world for travel, romance, culture, art and food.

 

 

Plaza

Back in the day (that would be more than 400 years ago), the Plaza, originally a presidio, or fort, was the epicenter of Santa Fe life, government and commerce. A defensive wall surrounded houses, the governor’s residence and a garrison.
Today the Plaza, still the epicenter of the city, has a considerably more friendly vibe, with fabulous museums, restaurants, art galleries and shops lining the perimeter of the grassy park.
Some of the city’s finest hotels and oldest landmarks are within blocks, making the Plaza and downtown area the ideal place to immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s past and present.

 

 

 

Canyon Road
Stunning Canyon Road has come a long way since its dirt trail days of centuries past. Now Santa Fe’s most famous street is an art lover’s mecca, with more than 80 art galleries showcasing contemporary sculpture and paintings, works by old masters and traditional Native American weaving, ceramics and jewelry.
With its beautifully preserved and restored adobe and Territorial-style homes, Canyon Road is architecturally artful as well.
The mile-long street is eminently walkable and distinctly Santa Fe, boasting the highest concentration of art galleries in the U.S. Several restaurants and cafés help you recharge before hitting the next amazing shop or gallery.

 

 

 

Railyard/Guadalupe District

The newly revitalized Railyard/Guadalupe district is a great spot for mingling. Take a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and then head to the heart of the Railyard, where you’ll find the Rail Runner Depot, TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center, contemporary art galleries, independent bookstores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, theaters and numerous cafés.

Meander slightly west toward Montezuma Street to check out luxurious bedding, charming pet accessories, vintage fountain pens and more at the Sanbusco Market Center.
Cap off your visit with a trip to Santa Fe’s celebrated yearround Farmers Market, flanked by the Railyard Park, SITE Santa Fe and outdoor music venues.