NEW MEXICO: THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT
BY CLAY
LARROY
People
in general consider traveling
as their personal interests. Traveling
can quickly became an interests simply because it is such an enjoyable
experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of
different cultures and people. There
are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be
open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most
important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Santa Fe, “The City Different”
Colorful Santa Fe is a meeting point of ancient and modern
America, blending the earthy spirituality of native Pueblo Indians with the
picturesque landmarks of a colonial Spanish past.
Often called the ‘City
Different', Santa Fe's laid-back Southwest ambience is invigorated by the
creative vibe of the many artists and filmmakers who call it home.
The city has a huge arts
and dining scene that far surpasses its small stature. More than 250 galleries
are packed into the center, particularly along Canyon Road, where top
international artists show off their work in quaint adobe buildings. The
revamped warehouses of the Railyard district offer an edgier creative world,
while impressive contemporary works by Native American artists find their place
too.
Don't forget your camera
because fanning out from the historic central Plaza are streets filled with
striking images: sand-colored Pueblo Revival buildings that contrast sharply
with the piercing blue sky, while strings of red-chillies dangle in the breeze.
Elsewhere, charming old adobe homes sport brightly painted doors and window
frames.
Tradition is hip too -
from fashion to décor. Think handmade leather boots, and fabulous silver and
turquoise jewelry crafted by Pueblo artisans. Beautiful pottery, stonework,
weavings and carvings are found everywhere.
Even better, eating in
Santa Fe is simply awesome. Its distinct cuisine is built on generations-old
recipes that blend Native and Hispanic foods. Try local specialties such as
green and red chilli dishes, salsas and blue corn tortillas, as well as
innovative dishes from top chefs.
Explore the city's
outstanding museums, browse in its boutique shops or relax in its inviting
spas. At night, check out the live music in lively bars and restaurants.
There's also a busy schedule of festivals celebrating everything from chillies
to wine to music as well as a world-class summer opera program.
Basking in sunshine
year-round and surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape, Santa Fe is a favorite
American destination, and no wonder - it's a city of timeless beauty and
endless fun.
Things
to do in Santa Fe
Activities
Wine Tasting
Visitors are often
surprised to discover that New Mexico produces some excellent wines. A fun
place to start on the wine-tasting trail is right in Santa Fe itself, at the
Falcon Meadery and Winery (tel: +1 505 819 8323; www.falconmead.com).
It produces sweet and dry mead (wine made from honey) and offers free tours and
tastings daily. To taste popular varietals in a beautiful garden setting, visit
Estrella del Norte Vineyard (tel: +1 505 455 2826; www.estrelladelnortevineyard.com), a 15-minute drive
north of the city.
Book a Native American cookery course
Enrol in one of the
overwhelmingly popular half-day or day-long classes at the Santa Fe School of
Cooking (tel: +1 505 983 4511; www.santafeschoolofcooking.com)
to learn how to reproduce the intriguing Hispanic and Native American cuisine
particular to this region. Courses can be demonstration-style with a full and
wonderful lunch or hands on, with field trips to markets, farms and wineries.
The Santa Fe Culinary Academy (tel: +1 505 983 7445; www.santafeculinaryacademy.com),
run by two local chefs, also offers short courses on cooking and baking.
Try a Native American spa massage
With its clear light, pure
high-altitude air, laidback character and pervading sense of spirituality,
Santa Fe is the perfect city for a relaxing spa experience. Hotel, resort and
day spas around the city offer an enticing range of treatments, many inspired
by Native American massage techniques and healing rituals. The Downtown Day Spa
(tel: +1 505 986 0113;www.downtowndayspa.com) also offers massages for
couples. In the foothills, Ten Thousand Waves (tel: +1 505 982 9304;www.tenthousandwaves.com)
is modelled after the hot spring resorts of Japan.
Hot-air balloon through the Badlands
Soaring through the skies
in a hot-air balloon makes for romantic memories of Santa Fe. Float above the
Rio Grande and watch the sun rise over the valley. A half-day trip with Santa
Fe Balloons (tel: +1 505 699 7555; www.santafeballoons.com)
includes a one-hour flight through the canyons of the Badlands and a champagne
brunch. Or arrange a personalized flight for your own party or just the two of
you with Private Balloon Flights (tel: +1 505 550 2677; www.privateballoonflights.com).
Hike the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve
The best way to soak up
Santa Fe's gorgeous scenery is on foot, and it's easy to get out of the city
and into the surrounding mountains. Just a few minutes' drive from the Plaza on
Upper Canyon Road is the Nature Conservancy's Santa Fe Canyon Preserve (tel: +1
505 988 3867; www.nature.org) and
the Randall Davey Audubon Center (tel: +1 505 983 4609;
nm.audubon.org/randall-davey-audubon-center-sanctuary), with trails through varied
landscapes. Alternatively, try the walking and biking paths at La Tierra Trails
(sfct.org/la-tierra-trails), which cover 607 hectares (1,500 acres).
Ski the Santa Fe slopes
In winter, take the quick
but twisting drive uphill from the Plaza to the area's 3,710m-high (12,175ft)
ski mountain. Skiing and snowboarding keep snow bunnies happy from mid-November
through until at least early April. Ski Santa Fe (tel: +1 505 982 4429; www.skisantafe.com) offers numerous lifts to 67 trails.
There's a ski shop for equipment hire and a choice of restaurants available in
the food court.
REFERENCE SITES:
To create one's world in any
of the arts takes courage.
Georgia O'Keeffe
Travel to experience life!
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