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Post by MichyM on Aug 25, 2014 19:41:49 GMT
Last night a friend and I booked a visit to Santa Fe in a couple of weeks, neither of us has ever been. We'll be there for 3 nights.
Does anyone have any suggestions of places to go, things to do that you particularly enjoyed? She, like me, is a photographer so we'll of course be looking for interesting things to shoot. We're also interested in simply drinking a glass of wine and enjoying each other's company (we live far from each other). Walking around, doing a little (interesting) shopping, and of course a little (healthful) eating....we both lean towards vegetarianism but enjoy meat as well.
Oh and also, we haven't booked a hotel yet (I need to check out tripadvisor this evening) but if you have any suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks a bunch!
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Post by Sparki on Aug 25, 2014 20:06:59 GMT
I live in Santa Fe! (Plus I came here as a tourist before I moved here.) The Plaza is a great place to just walk around and look. The Palace of the Governors is there, with a nice little museum. The Loretto Chapel, with its 'miraculous staircase' is within walking distance of the plaza, and it's a very pretty chapel too. The USA's oldest house, and oldest church are next to the Loretto Chapel. What time of year will you be coming? There are some events coming up soon.
Out of town a little is the Santuario de Chimayo with its healing dirt. Taos Pueblo is gorgeous and about an hour and a half beautiful drive away.
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Post by annabella on Aug 25, 2014 20:10:48 GMT
I did a weekend there and visiting Taos Pueblo is a must! I also did a hot air balloon ride.
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Post by red88 on Aug 25, 2014 20:20:15 GMT
My SIL's brother has an art show right now at Matthew's Gallery. He does amazing work & might be of interest. Here is a link to the gallery's blog. |
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Post by Sparki on Aug 25, 2014 20:27:57 GMT
BTW, the photo in my avatar is from the Santuario de Chimayo. For a short nature hike, Tent Rocks in Cochiti is great. It's between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It has a very nice, though short, slot canyon, and the view from the top is stunning. For food, Annapurna's is a vegetarian place, the only one I know of. Vinaigrette is a salad place downtown that always gets rave reviews. Maria's on Cordova Rd has an extensive drinks menu and awesome ambiance. The food is good too, though I've found that there were sometimes too many tourists there. (They tend to get loud.) The Pantry is a very good New Mexican place on Cerrillos Rd, but I'm not sure how veggie it is. New Mexican food tends to be based around meat. I would avoid Tomasita's - it gets great reviews from tourists, but the food is only average quality, a little high priced, and there tends to be a waiting list of tourists. None of the locals will go there. For a photographer - every corner is a photo waiting to happen. EVERY corner. No kidding. If you want to go for a drive, or looking for a way to Taos - take the High Road to Taos. It will take you up through the alpine forests and through some fantastic communities. Be sure to stop in Las Trampas and photograph the church there- it's right on the road. Truchas is a very old community that has re invented itself as an artists community. There are 10-12 art galleries that are worth the stop. Check out Trish and Leonardo at Ghost Pony Gallery, eL Gallery (Eric Luplow painted artwork for the movie Spy Kids), and Hand Artes Gallery. I love living here. Any questions you have, I'll be happy to help!  |
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Post by Barbie on Aug 25, 2014 20:51:44 GMT
I'm jealous! You and L will have a wonderful time!
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Post by whipea on Aug 26, 2014 0:19:50 GMT
I want to live there, I really do. Been there a few times to attend week long Santa Fe Photo Workshops, remarkable experience. As Sparki stated, there is a photo op at every corner to say the least. The architecture alone is fantastic.
Not being very familiar, but the plaza and if you want to stay within 30-45 minutes, take a trip up to Madrid which is artsy and weird in a fun way. Kind of isolated but I think they have an art festival there, just don't know when.
There are so many cool and interesting places in and around
Santa Fe, hope you have a blast!
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Post by moosedogtoo on Aug 26, 2014 0:37:28 GMT
I lived there for a couple of years and built the new convention center. If you are looking for an awesome spa, check out 10,000 Waves. Best spa I've ever been to in my life! Have fun! |
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Post by MichyM on Aug 26, 2014 14:48:44 GMT
Thanks so much for all the advice, I'll look into it all this evening or tomorrow and probably be back with some more questions we initially were going to be there September 13-16, though it looks like we may have to change our dates to the 16-19. |
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Aug 26, 2014 15:16:43 GMT
there is a Georgia O'Keiffe gallery right off the square, and you can go to her home (can't remember the name)
But if you are a photographer, she was amazing!!
also, Native American museums abound ...there is a market just off the square. buy something directly from the Native American artist.
the history of Santa Fe is amazing.
We really didn't like Marias ..but it was the food that was ho hummmmm
Check YELP as well as Trip Advisor.
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Post by Sparki on Aug 26, 2014 15:45:37 GMT
there is a Georgia O'Keiffe gallery right off the square, and you can go to her home (can't remember the name) But if you are a photographer, she was amazing!! You're right - the museum is fantastic, and has other photographers work too, like Ansel Adams. Her home was in Abiquiu, which is nowhere near Santa Fe. Well, it's 50+ miles away, but if you decided to go there, Ghost Ranch and Plaza Blanca are very close by, and are full of great photo possibilities. For the short time you'll be here, though, you might enjoy it better staying close to town. The plaza and everything right around it will keep you busy for more than your time here. Canyon Rd is right off the plaza too, and just walking the galleries there would take all day. |
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 26, 2014 15:49:43 GMT
there is a Georgia O'Keiffe gallery right off the square, and you can go to her home (can't remember the name) But if you are a photographer, she was amazing!! also, Native American museums abound ...there is a market just off the square. buy something directly from the Native American artist. the history of Santa Fe is amazing. We really didn't like Marias ..but it was the food that was ho hummmmm Check YELP as well as Trip Advisor. Abiquiu was where Georgia O'Keeffe lived. Go to Ghost Ranch and hike up the mountain. The view is fabulous! The whole area is fabulous, actually. eta: Sparki and I were typing at the same time. |
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Post by MichyM on Aug 28, 2014 20:58:54 GMT
Ok, I'm back Our plans have changed. We're staying 4 mights in Santa Fe and 1 night in Taos. We'll be driving to/from Denver. Besides Garden of the Gods, is there anything interesting we might want to stop at on our drive down? We'll take the High Road from SF to Taos. Thanks! |
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desertgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,646 
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Post by desertgirl on Aug 28, 2014 22:56:29 GMT
Cafe Pasqual's is right downtown and not as expensive as it might seem. My bro is a vegetarian and we have eaten there often. I love Harry's Roadhouse, too. An experience, for sure. You'll wait for breakfast but it's delicious.
I love folk art and there is the Museum of International Folk Art there. From all over the world, the arts and crafts. The displays are superb.
Take a drive around the lovely desert homes, too.
Enjoy your trip and get into the Santa Fe spirit.
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Post by peanuttle on Aug 28, 2014 23:02:56 GMT
Love, love Santa Fe! I like to walk around the plaza, shop and eat great Mexican food! Not any real recommendations of specific places, I love it all.
Have a great time!
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Post by Sorrel on Aug 28, 2014 23:21:10 GMT
I second the Ten Thousand Waves spa. You can just soak in the outdoor hot tubs there too, it's beautiful! They also have a lovely Japanese restauraunt.
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Post by Sparki on Aug 29, 2014 14:44:08 GMT
If you're on the High Road and get hungry, stop in Penasco and eat at the Sugar Nymphs. Funny name, awesome food. Two top notch chefs from CA came out and started it. It should be in your guide books...I'm not sure. But good quality food cooked with fresh local ingredients, in the middle of nowhere.
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,167
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Aug 29, 2014 16:08:59 GMT
We visited Bandelier National Monument when we were there. It's an ancient Pueblo city, and you can explore the rock cave dwellings. I'm not sure why it isn't mentioned more often. We thought it was amazing!
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Post by Sparki on Aug 29, 2014 16:40:44 GMT
We visited Bandelier National Monument when we were there. It's an ancient Pueblo city, and you can explore the rock cave dwellings. I'm not sure why it isn't mentioned more often. We thought it was amazing! Bandelier is great! I think people don't mention it more because it's a little off the beaten path. But you can also go visit the Valles Caldera when visiting Bandelier. It's really very accessible...no difficult hikes. |
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