The Spanish settled the area and named the town in
1610. Santa Fe means “holy faith” in
Spanish. It is the oldest state capital in the US. It sits on plane at the base of Sangre de
Cristo Mountains
which now hosts several winter ski runs. The altitude of Santa Fe is 7200 feet and
you better believe you are going to know it.
I’ve been to the mountains most of my adolescent and
adult life in both winter and summer, but this trip took me the longest to
adjust to the altitude. I haven’t been
to the mountains in probably 5 years and it was extremely hot and dry.
I managed to stay for my 5
night excursion at the picturesque Casita Bonita which is on the grounds of the
home of Bruce and Heather Galpert. This
lovely rental is available on all the vacation rental sites as Santa Fe Casita
Bonita. It was equipped with everything
you could possibly need for a short or extended vacation.
Now there is plenty to see and do in Santa Fe and the
surrounding area. Before I get into the
food; and I did get into it, let talk about the activities:
Santa Fe is home the 3rd largest art market in
the country. Behind NYC and Los Angeles, there are abundant galleries along
Canyon Road which is about a mile long winding from the beginning of the Santa
Fe Trail up into the mountains. There are
about 40 galleries along this mile. Also
interspersed are two great eating establishments; Geronimo and El Farol. I walked the first night from the “Plaza”
after attending a free concert of my old New Orleans jazz queen, Marcia
Ball. At the top of Canyon Road sits El
Farol. This bar/restaurant features one
of the oldest functioning bars in North America. It also specializes in Flamingo dancers on
Saturday evening and Live Jazz on Thursday.
A good way to hear the history of Santa Fe and it surrounding
area is the daily 10 am walk that is sponsored and leaves from the New Mexico
History Museum, which is just off the Plaza. The walk is about 2 hours and
covers most of downtown Santa Fe as well as its Capital complex. It‘s led by volunteers from the History
Museum who are quite knowledgeable.
On Saturday mornings there is a farmers market at the old rail
yard which is well attended. One can
find fresh produce from the area. There
are also nice treats such as local honey and baked goods. Have you ever had a blue corn donut with
lavender frosting…You should..
IF you feel like leaving the area for a day, drive north on
the state highway and make your way to Bandelier National Monument. It’s about an hour’s drive to the visitor
center in White Rock, NM. From the
parking lot you will board a city bus which will take you into the National
Park. Once in the Park, there is a 1 ½ hour
walk along the canyon walls inspecting cavern’s where the Pueblo’s made their
home. Take you National Park Pass, or buy one there.
Once finished in Bandelier, you are very close to Los
Alamos. IF you have any interest in the Manhattan
Project and the end of WW II, you must visit the museum at the Los Alamos
National Laboratory and/or the Bradbury Science Museum. IF you are looking for a great breakfast or
lunch, along the way, pull off the main highway into Tesuque Village Market
which is combo grocery store and restaurant.
I had an order of Blue Corn Pancakes……
Also for another day, drive South and then Eastward from
town and visit Tent Rocks National Monument.
Also a good hour’s drive from town.
So food worth mentioning:
Tomasita’s traditional
NM fare known for their Red Chili.
Located near the old rail yard.
El Farol Spanish fare
with Tapas and music in the bar. Located
at the top of Canyon Rd.
El Meson similar to
El Farol but with better music.
Café Fina is an old service station on the Old Las Vegas Hwy
about 10-15 min out of town past Casita Bonita.
Specialty cooking and bake goods.
Open till 3 PM…This is where the locals meet and greet.
The Shed downtown on
Palace Street about a block from the Plaza.
Always a wait, service lacking, but food very good. Especially the Red Chili which you must try
prior to leaving Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Bite is the 50’s themed restaurant co located with
the Garrett’s Desert Inn Motel. Don’t be
waved off by the looks of the motor court.
The restaurant was very clean and great service. I had the best Green Chile cheeseburger ever.
Take a look at some photos….
Click here for some great photo's