Do you know the days for Santa Fe?
Dec 30th, 2004, 12:48 PM
#1
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Do you know the days for Santa Fe?
I'm planning a long weekend in Santa Fe for late spring or late summer 2005. We'd like to spend at least one relaxing day shopping and sightseeing, and another day in Taos, including the Pueblo. I was initially thinking four nights (three full days), but am not sure we wouldn't run out of things to keep us occupied. Should I cut it back to three nights (or extend to five)?
Also, suggestions on places to stay would be appreciated. We're looking for something with SW character, within walking distance of the Plaza, and want to stay around $200/night or less.
Also, suggestions on places to stay would be appreciated. We're looking for something with SW character, within walking distance of the Plaza, and want to stay around $200/night or less.
Dec 30th, 2004, 02:02 PM
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You could visit the many museums in Santa Fe; the Palace of the Governors and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum are downtown and there are others a couple of miles away. A day trip to Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos would be lovely as well.
If you went in late summer, you could probably attend the Santa Fe Opera. We went for the first time this summer, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The setting is gorgeous, too.
Lee Ann
If you went in late summer, you could probably attend the Santa Fe Opera. We went for the first time this summer, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The setting is gorgeous, too.
Lee Ann
Dec 30th, 2004, 02:03 PM
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We love Santa Fe and think you could easily fill your time there - I sure wouldn't cut back. You don't state your age or interests but Bandalier National park is nearby and has some really neat Indian cliff dwellings. The great thing is that they still allow you to actually go into them. If you enjoy shopping or spas, there are a ton of choices. The Santa Fe opera is quite an experience - even if you're not an opera fan. Our favorite restaurant (which I assume is still there) is Harry's Road House, on the old Las Vegas Hwy - which runs parallel to the freeway. Our friends love the Blue Tortilla. The Georgia O'Keefe museum is great and there are several art museums and galleries, if you're into that kind of thing. Prowl around the neighborhoods and take pictures of the different doors. Tour the Cathedral and check out the old mission church. We even took in the "Miraculous Staircase" (as seen on T.V.). We may not be entirely convinced that St. Joseph came and built it but do agree that it was a miracle that a craftsman would come with the skills to build such a thing and then leave before receiving payment. We haven't been to the Governor's house museum or the one with the big long name...but as you can see, there are plenty of ways to occupy your time.
As for Taos - I suggest you walk across the bridge (I forget the name) that runs over the deep canyon and spit into the river below. It's not as high-brow as going to the opera but grandly satisfying, nonetheless.
I don't know where you are coming from but the Capallin (spelling?) National monument, 25 miles east of Raton offers a fantastic view and the walk down into the volcanic cone is quite easy.
If you're coming from Albuquerque, you can take the aerial tram.
I hope you have a wonderful adventure!
As for Taos - I suggest you walk across the bridge (I forget the name) that runs over the deep canyon and spit into the river below. It's not as high-brow as going to the opera but grandly satisfying, nonetheless.
I don't know where you are coming from but the Capallin (spelling?) National monument, 25 miles east of Raton offers a fantastic view and the walk down into the volcanic cone is quite easy.
If you're coming from Albuquerque, you can take the aerial tram.
I hope you have a wonderful adventure!
Dec 30th, 2004, 02:22 PM
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Thank you, Elen and aj for all the suggestions. I haven't been to Santa Fe in almost 20 years; it was pretty sleepy back then. Since we'd be going in early June or September, guess we'll miss the opera. Shoot! ;-) I do like the idea of spitting into the river; more my style. And I love photographing doors and windows, so, four nights it is.
Neither of you said anything about accommodations. Didn't like where you stayed?
Neither of you said anything about accommodations. Didn't like where you stayed?
Dec 30th, 2004, 03:06 PM
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Ah, beachbum... I love Santa Fe!! Here's my two cents worth, plus some:
I don't know about the $200 limit, but if I were going to stay near the plaza, it would be at LaFonda. http://www.lafondasantafe.com
It's very close and has great "vibes."
For a cheaper alternative you could try Garrett's Dessert Inn: http://www.garrettsdesertinn.com/index.htmlis This is more basic but less expensive and also very close to the plaza.
Regarding restaurants, I have two favorites: The Plaza Cafe (right on the plaza)-- here's a link to a review--
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...m?h_id=9296and and Maria's-- http://www.marias-santafe.com/
I've also heard great things about Harry's but haven't made it there yet.
There's a huge Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings that is not to be missed. I believe it's also held on Tuesday but is smaller on that day. It's really different. Ask at your hotel for more information and directions. There's also a neat flea market on the highway to Taos Friday through Sunday. Road construction hurt business last year but hopefully it will be going strong next summer. http://www.santafefleamarket.com
If you are in Santa Fe in September, you might get to experience the burning of Zozobra, i.e. Old Man Gloom:
http://www.zozobra.com
I could go on and on, but that's enough for now!
I don't know about the $200 limit, but if I were going to stay near the plaza, it would be at LaFonda. http://www.lafondasantafe.com
It's very close and has great "vibes."
For a cheaper alternative you could try Garrett's Dessert Inn: http://www.garrettsdesertinn.com/index.htmlis This is more basic but less expensive and also very close to the plaza.
Regarding restaurants, I have two favorites: The Plaza Cafe (right on the plaza)-- here's a link to a review--
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...m?h_id=9296and and Maria's-- http://www.marias-santafe.com/
I've also heard great things about Harry's but haven't made it there yet.
There's a huge Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings that is not to be missed. I believe it's also held on Tuesday but is smaller on that day. It's really different. Ask at your hotel for more information and directions. There's also a neat flea market on the highway to Taos Friday through Sunday. Road construction hurt business last year but hopefully it will be going strong next summer. http://www.santafefleamarket.com
If you are in Santa Fe in September, you might get to experience the burning of Zozobra, i.e. Old Man Gloom:
http://www.zozobra.com
I could go on and on, but that's enough for now!
Dec 30th, 2004, 04:14 PM
#7
beachbum, You can easily fill three days in Santa Fe!
Look into the Hotel St Francis on Don Gaspar about a block or so off of the plaza. Definitely a character enriched property, a mesh of SW and Europe. You can usually get a standard room there for under $200, upgraded ones closer to the $200 mark.
I've often wondered about Garrett's Desert Inn and have been tempted to book there but it gets some marginal reviews on tripadvisor. We usually spring for something known to be nicer or if it's a budget trip, stay at one of the chains on nearby Cerrillos Rd.
Look into the Hotel St Francis on Don Gaspar about a block or so off of the plaza. Definitely a character enriched property, a mesh of SW and Europe. You can usually get a standard room there for under $200, upgraded ones closer to the $200 mark.
I've often wondered about Garrett's Desert Inn and have been tempted to book there but it gets some marginal reviews on tripadvisor. We usually spring for something known to be nicer or if it's a budget trip, stay at one of the chains on nearby Cerrillos Rd.
Dec 30th, 2004, 06:14 PM
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I can tell you where NOT to stay--the Bishop's Lodge. We were treated like second class citizens last year when we went for the Christmas holiday. We had a lovely dinner however in town at the Inn at Lareto(sic). The accomodations were pretty and I thyink in your price range. We loved the city! Have fun (I'm jealous)!
Dec 30th, 2004, 06:44 PM
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Since I saw your post earlier today, I've had the tune to "Do you know the way to San Jose?" stuck in my brain - but with altered lyrics "Do you know the days for Santa Fe?" Did you do that on purpose?!?!
La la la la la la...
La la la la la la...
Dec 31st, 2004, 09:57 AM
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Thanks everyone. Looks like I've got some research to do. Jayne (or anyone else), feel free to go on and on; good stuff!! Yes, I purposely titled the thread that way, Dreamer. I think we've dated ourselves!
Dec 31st, 2004, 11:32 AM
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Well, I was rambling on so much that I am not sure I gave you the right link for the flea market that I was talking about. But here's a link to a review of it. It's located on the Tesuque pueblo land. I love the freshly made Indian tacos and a cup of iced watermelon juice.
http://www.sfol.com/best/fleamarket.html
http://www.sfol.com/best/fleamarket.html
Jan 4th, 2005, 02:34 AM
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More, more, more... I go to SF every year and always stay four nights. I guess your post has me dwelling on it, so here are the latest things coming to mind:
Back Street Bistro for a great, inexpensive lunch --specifically delicious soups (link to review below)
http://www.abqjournal.com/north/venu...th12-24-04.htm
Longevity Cafe, for an eclectic break from shopping near the plaza --serves a variety of herbal teas and other drinks as well as some great pies. They also have a small gift shop with some interesting items. They are located in a shopping center near the plaza.
http://www.longevitycafe.com/
Another lodging to consider is Inn of the Governors. It's not as close as LaFonda but still within walking distance.
http://www.innofthegovernors.com/
Back Street Bistro for a great, inexpensive lunch --specifically delicious soups (link to review below)
http://www.abqjournal.com/north/venu...th12-24-04.htm
Longevity Cafe, for an eclectic break from shopping near the plaza --serves a variety of herbal teas and other drinks as well as some great pies. They also have a small gift shop with some interesting items. They are located in a shopping center near the plaza.
http://www.longevitycafe.com/
Another lodging to consider is Inn of the Governors. It's not as close as LaFonda but still within walking distance.
http://www.innofthegovernors.com/
Jan 4th, 2005, 07:18 AM
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Thanks again Jayne, and Meesthare for affirming the St. Francis rec. I especially like the shopping break recommendations since those are the places I'll probably be spending most of my time (waiting for my wife). Feel free to continue to add.
obxgirl, maybe mikemo is just cautioning me to not expect the same Santa Fe of 20+ years ago.
obxgirl, maybe mikemo is just cautioning me to not expect the same Santa Fe of 20+ years ago.
Jan 4th, 2005, 07:28 AM
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Interesting you should say that, beachbum. We were there about 10 years ago & I loved it. But I was speaking to someone who was there more recently, who said that the Plaza is full of Starbucks, Gap & Benettons. I do recall that we had a lovely dinner at LaFonda though, and I thought that the galleries were very commercial. I prefer the galleries in Scottsdale, especially recently.
Have a wonderful time.
Have a wonderful time.
Jan 4th, 2005, 08:19 AM
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I also loved the St. Francis but it's been about 14 years since I was there.
Actually, I was in SF first when I was a little girl in the 50s. I have family in NM. I must be one of those originals that Mikemo was referring to. My friends lived there in the 70s and now live in VA. I guess we didnt' get the memo to move to MX, although I love MX.
If you go to Santa Fe or Taos for the shopping, find the local crafts. There are surely some great galleries and some awful ones.
I was in Miami's new Arts District last wk. and there is a fabulous new gallery there -- but the next day a policeman was shot there. There is give and take in finding the latest arts spots. Great art generally has humble origins.
Actually, I was in SF first when I was a little girl in the 50s. I have family in NM. I must be one of those originals that Mikemo was referring to. My friends lived there in the 70s and now live in VA. I guess we didnt' get the memo to move to MX, although I love MX.
If you go to Santa Fe or Taos for the shopping, find the local crafts. There are surely some great galleries and some awful ones.
I was in Miami's new Arts District last wk. and there is a fabulous new gallery there -- but the next day a policeman was shot there. There is give and take in finding the latest arts spots. Great art generally has humble origins.
