Santa Fe is the capital of the state of New Mexico and can be found in the north-central part of the state. Its name means “holy faith” in Spanish, as it was founded by Spanish colonists. Santa Fe is known for all its arts, from galleries to literature, sculptures, music, opera, museums, and dance. Although it is considered a dry climate, it has beautiful landscapes and is a favorite place for tourists, and retirees. Stop by Santa Fe and explore the richness and what it has to offer.
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Canyon Road
Even if you aren’t an art collector, Canyon Road is still a must-see. Located all on one street going East from the Plaza, Canyon Road has art galleries galore. Prices range from inexpensive to expensive, so there is something for all budgets. If you don’t want to buy, just viewing the amazing pieces is worth the trip, and you will find everything from traditional to modern types of artwork. Sculptures, wood carving, and hand-made Navajo rugs are favorites of tourist and visitors. Not only is the artwork amazing, but some of the buildings that house the galleries are simply worth seeing by themselves. Some of the galleries are in historic adobe buildings. Beautiful flowers have grown around some of the adobe structures adding color and beauty to the already stunning architecture.
Santa Fe Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza has been the hub for activities and things to see for visitors and residents since its beginnings in 1610. Nearby are several points of interest and attractions like the Palace of the Governors, the St. Francis Cathedral, and the New Mexico History Museum. In September, schedule a visit to Santa Fe Plaza for the Fiesta. Every evening is full of activity from shopping, restaurants, galleries, live music, and more. Enjoy the mountain air and stroll through all the festivities at the plaza, as it is the epicenter of activity in Santa Fe.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Georgia O’Keeffe is an artist that captured the landscape of New Mexico, and her works of art have become some that many love and admired. The museum is small and quaint, proving an intimate setting of Georgia’s works, as well as thousands of her peers, works too. There is an educational video to watch, and the museum is housed in a former Baptist church that has the Adobe appearance. It is only a block away from the Plaza, so you can easily add it to your list of things to see in Santa Fe.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The cathedral is a block away from the central hub of the plaza and is an architect’s dream come true. Dating back to 1869, it was used to encourage Catholicism in the Southwest. Religious services are still carried out, and you can check the website for scheduling. Admission is free, and be sure to visit the cathedral during the June and July’s annual Feast of Corpus Christi if you’re visiting in the summer. A prayer room is located on the Southside, and the windows of the room are beautiful, as are many of the other stained glass windows of the cathedral. The main room is a large sanctuary, and there are many relics on display.
Santa Fe Opera House
The Santa Fe Opera House surprises all that see it. It is a beautiful venue, and if you miss the opera season in July and August, you are missing out. The operas and musicals are fantastic, receiving rave reviews and delighting first timers to the opera house and Santa Fe. The July and August seasons bring some thunderstorms, and they add to the dramatic venue experience, as the opera house is an open-air theater. Performances begin at sundown, adding the star-filled sky as yet another beautiful backdrop. Tailgating, preview buffets, and refreshments are available before the performance. Bring your dinner or buy one of theirs before the show starts, and enjoy your wonderful evening.
Museum of International Folk Art
Santa Fe has several museums to visit, and the Museum of International Folk Art is probably the unique. You can spend as much time as you like in here, and with over 100,000 objects to look at, the hours will fly by without you even knowing it. Displays can be found all over the museum, and the kids will be entertained by the vast collection of toys from all over the world. The museum does showcase some Southwestern art, as well as showing different societies from all over the Earth. Guided tours are available to help you navigate and learn about this unique Santa Fe museum.
Spectacular Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a surprising and delighting city. The mountains and the clean, dry air do wonder for health, and many people are retiring here. The view is lovely, but there is so much to do and see in Santa Fe. Calendars and schedules of the arts and entertainment are available, and you can certainly have fun strolling in the Plaza where much of the activity is. Many points of interest, shops, restaurants, museums, and more are not too far from each other, making it easy to walk and smell some of that mountain air. Whatever you decide to do in Santa Fe, enjoy the view, and have a great time!
