Santa Fe, NM -- less-ordinary tourism
 

I'm a journalist who will be visiting Santa Fe on assignment for 1.5 days (two nights) during the first week of October. I grew up in New Mexico, so I've been to Santa Fe dozens of times, but now I'm seeking other interesting things to do/write about for this story. Gallery/museum hopping doesn't really interest me anymore, and shopping around the square has lost its charm. Which is not to say that I am against a shopping story.

My question is: What are some other fun/interesting/cultural things to do in Santa Fe that would make for an interesting story/day? I had an idea of doing a vintage/pawn shop round-up. It's still an option. I'd love to hear your thoughts on shops to visit if I do go that route. I'd also love to hear your other ideas.

I've got the food options all worked out, so no worries about that.

Thanks!

How about the nature aspect? You will be in Santa Fe at the BEST time of year to enjoy the glorious days and cool crisp nights? Hikes, natural hot springs, Tent Rocks, are just a few ideas.

That's already been taken care of, too. Looking for things to do in the city proper.

Spas? Trains? Casinos?

historic hotels and architecture?

What kind of publication? That might help with suggestions.

[side note - ncounty, would like to friend you on FB]

Thanks, DebitNM. It's a lifestyle magazine--think New York Magazine (but not in New York). Stylish, intelligent, modern.

I appreciate your help.

[side note: If I've offended you, as I appear to have unintentionally offended your guardian, EMD3, I apologize.]

NCounty--I love your idea.

No apology needed - I clearly read that this was for an assignment. And I neither have nor need a guardian.

Duly noted. And your recommendations for this story--vintage/consignment shopping, or, as ncounty suggests, historical architecture--would be greatly appreciated. My audience thanks you!

On my recent trip there last weekend, a girlfriend and I decided to do an impromptu tour of interesting notable hotels in Santa fe. We ended up at La Fonda and the Hotel St. Francis which were both beautiful and interesting but with such different styles. We were on the second floor of the St. Francis looking at some of the old photos when a young man who worked there walked by. He said hello and my friend asked him a question about which building was depicted in one of the photos. He gave us lots of information and had such pride in the hotel and its history. He ended up giving us a tour of the hotel. If you need a contact, heavenly flwr, his name is Carlos and I think he is a /the manager.

Deb- I sent you a FB contact. :)

La Fonda Hotel is an important part of Santa Fe history. This is an excerpt from their web page:

<i>FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF HOSPITALITY

Historical records suggest that La Fonda on the Plaza sits on the oldest hotel corner in America. When Santa Fe was founded by the Spaniards in 1607, records show an inn – or fonda – was among the first businesses established at this location. By the time Captain William Becknell’s party forged their maiden commercial route across the plains from Missouri to Santa Fe in 1821, they happily found a comfortable inn on the Plaza awaiting them. Thus, the Santa Fe Trail was born, as well as La Fonda’s reputation for hospitality. </i>

www.lafondasantafe.com/about/history.html

Also, Loretto Chapel is home to the Miracle Staircase. Some stories say it was built by St. Joseph himself. It's a beautiful spiral staircase built using no nails and no visible means of support. It's a interesting story and a beautiful chapel:

www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html

On the subject of architecture and hotels, you might be able to work in something about this very unique guest house that some friends recommended. I have kept it bookmarked because it looks so perfect for Santa Fe:
http://www.santafehobbithouse.com/index.htm

Or vintage shops could be a subject, too.

PS Maybe your audience has also 'been there/done that' re: Santa Fe, so you could title your article "Re-Discovering Santa Fe" and include off-the-beaten track ideas. Maybe cover some of the surrounding area, for hiking, desert flower viewing, etc.?

Check www.santafereporter.com if you want to do vintage/pawn/etc. shops. I'm pretty sure they have a list on their site, maybe in their "best of Santa Fe" issue.

Lee Ann