I'll be in Santa Fe for two days next week, and was wondering if the Tesuque Flea Market was worth a visit. I'm asking because I have limited time, and Fodors says that it has gone considerably downhill.

I believe it is open only Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so that may decide for you.

We skipped it, but it is right off the highway so if it is on your way it is easy enough to stop. Tents are lined up in aisles, and it is a dirt parking lot. A real live flea market like days of yore.

There was enough else to do that we didn't make an effort. Palace of the Governors has craftspeople on their sidewalk daily.

Fodors was what we packed, and they didn't steer us wrong on any other occasion.

I was just there last weekend and it's definitely worth a visit. It's true that "the flea" was disrupted about three years ago due to some highway construction, but it's much better now. Heck, I'd go just to have a freshly made Indian taco at one of my favorite Native American concessionaries there. If you are really lucky, the same people will have their out-of-this world watermelon juice.

Also, don't miss the Russian lady who sells incredible honey and honey products of all types.

A word of caution: If you want to be sure you are buying authentic Native jewelry, pottery, etc., do buy from the vendors at the Palace of the Governors on the plaza.

Be careful no matter where you buy -- it is hard to tell real from fake. Keep in mind "if it {the price} seems to good to be true...it usually is" but then again...expensive doesn't guarantee authenticity either. Some of the vendors in the Plaza sell "turquoise" that is made of plastic... Ask them where their stones come from...the real ones are proud to tell you. Buyer beware!

If you need a place for breakfast...Tesuque Market has great food. And if you are interested...Shidoni Foundry just down the road from the market is fascinating if you are into how brass statues and artwork is made.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Another heads up from me for the flea market. I love it, and it's true that it was bad for a year or two, but it's back to being a great destination. As the previous poster says, only Fri, sat, and sunday. Also agree that Tesuque and Shidoni are worth a visit. Have fun!

BTW, depending on how slow a shopper you are, you can "do" the flea market in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Go early... it gets crowded and hot.

The market is only onpenon Fri-Sat-sun....does that mean those are the only days to get breakfast there? I do not mean to sound naive, but sometimes eating establishments in an area are open if an attractionis not.....

SIX DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!

The Tesuque Village market, noted for delicious breakfasts, is located in the village of Tesuque and separate from the Flea Market, being several miles away. It is open 7 days a week. Delicious.

The Tesuque Flea Market food consessions are only open when the Flea Market is officially open, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Foodwise, I prefer the Village Market for breakfast.
The flea market is fantastic, I like the wooden carved animals and African masks. And enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from the parking lot.

Thanks for the clarification...we will definitely try the breakfast at the Village market!

We visited the flea market only because it was on our way to a tourist attraction we were going to visit anyway.
We thought it was mostly filled with cheap factory made junk. On the other hand, my girlfriend did buy a pendant that she new was "imitation" opal but that she liked and thought was fairly priced, even for a fake. She was glad we had stopped.