DCar

My girlfriend and I will be in Santa Fe this August - she has a conference, and I'll be working from the hotel while she is attending the conference. Her conference runs Mon, Aug 27 through Wed, Aug 29. We're still trying to figure out if we want to arrive the weekend before, or arrive Sunday and stay the long weekend afterwards. Since neither of us has been to Santa Fe (or even New Mexico) before, can anyone offer up suggestions on what are must-sees and dos? We both like art (she's an artist) and also want to be active (hiking maybe?). Would like to fit in a visit to Ten Thousand Waves at least for spa treatment. Thanks!

Ike

Arrive Sunday and stay a few days after the conference. The best two hotels in SF are Inn of the Annasazi and Inn of Five Graces. If you don't stay there then visit both. You can dine at Inn of the Annasazi. 10 Thousand Waves is a must do. Walk Canyon Rd. and tour the town square for all the art you could possibly need. Also there's a flea market near town each week that's nice. Take a drive to Taos on the high road and return on the low road. Eat at Cafe Pasqual's, Geronimo and Santa Cafe. Go to Los Alamos if you have time to visit the National Atomic Center.

DebitNM

You should ABSOLUTELY come early and stay after - NM has so much to offer.

As I have company right now at home, I can't give you specifics - BUT if you click on my name you will see lots of recent suggestions I have made to others also seeking info on Santa Fe etc.

Also, email me directly if you'd like. I have lived in the Southwest for almost 7 years now [ 5 in ABQ area] and love to help visitors have a terrific time in NM and SW COlorado.

Debi

DCar

Ike & Debi - Thanks very much for your suggestions! Sounds great! Debi - Don't be surprised if you hear from me. In the meantime, I'll try to check out your earlier suggestions to others! Getting excited about this adventure.

ElendilPickle

Bandelier National Monument is a fun place to hike and see ancient cliff dwellings. It's worth a day trip.

Lee Ann

GerdaFaust

There are some great hikes just up the road from 10,000 Waves (which my partner calls "10,000 stairs!).

youngtom2910

i just spent a week in taos and enjoyed a short drive NE of taos to angel fire area.

the santa fe opera is famous--don't know if it is still going in late aug.

there are crafts people who sell their wares on the plaza--I always enjoy looking at all that and buying something from them.

melissa19

we were in santa fe in june and enjoyed whitewater rafting with the santa fe rafting co., and horseback riding with broken saddle. i'm sure 10,000 waves is great, but we like ojo caliente - probably a lot more rustic.

you will likely need a car to do much sight-seeing.

have fun!

GerdaFaust

I agree with melissa about Ojo Caliente - - - 10,000 waves, while very nice, is a little too chichi and full of itself. Ojo is more relaxed, in a beautiful setting, and more crunchy-granola in feeling. Definitely a unique spot on the planet. Love it.