NAME: Peter
CITY: Santa Fe, New Mexico
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR OF TRIP: 2017
HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE? 3 Months
BEST TIME TO GO: July and August
GREATEST CHALLENGE: Far from the nearest airport and at very high elevation. Visitors can have trouble with breathing and feeling lightheaded from physical activity.
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? The City is nestled at 7000 feet in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US founded by Spanish explorers in 1607. It is extremely unique with almost entirely pueblo style architecture dotted with Colonial Spanish-style buildings. There is a vibrant arts community and many galleries throughout the historic Plaza and surrounding neighborhood.
MUST EAT:
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Anything from Fire and Hops, the menu rotates
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Christmas Tamales, La Choza
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Green Chili Cheeseburger with Shake, Shake Foundation
MUST SEE:
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Santa Fe Historic Plaza – A historic square filled with shops, restaurants and hotels. Starting in July an Arts Market is held every weekend featuring different styles and cultures
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Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi
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Bandalier National Monument, small walk/hike through ancient Pueblan Homes in Frijoles Canyon
MUST DO:
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Meow Wolf - A 22000 sq.ft. Interactive Art Experience, funded by George R.R. Martin
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Take a Hike in either the Sangre de Cristos or the Jemez Mountains
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Walk Canyon Road – Street of Art Galleries in Downtown
Other Recommendations: Enjoy the rich Spanish culture that is so prevalent in the southwest US and especially in Santa Fe. Get green chilis with every meal; the state even has a license plate proclaiming themselves as the chili capital of the world. Visit a Native American Reservation. See Abiquiu where Georgia O’keefe made her famous paintings. Definitely rent a car to be able to drive around Northern New Mexico.