Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Santa Fe has been a trading post for eons. Nearly a thousand years ago the great pueblos of the Chacoan civilizations were strategically located between the buffalo-hunting tribes of the Great Plains and the Indians of Mexico. Native Americans in New Mexico traded turquoise and other valuables with Indians from Mexico for metals, shells, parrots, and other exotic items. After the arrival of the Spanish and the West's subsequent development, Santa Fe became the place to exchange silver from Mexico and natural resources from New Mexico for manufactured goods, whiskey, and greenbacks from the United States. The construction of the railroad in 1880 brought Santa Fe access to all kinds of manufactured goods.
The trading legacy remains, but now Downtown Santa Fe caters increasingly to those looking for handmade furniture and crafts, and bespoke apparel and accessories. Sure, a few chains have moved in and a handful of fairly tatty souvenir shops still proliferate, but shopping in Santa Fe consists mostly of high-quality, one-of-a-kind independent stores. Canyon Road, packed with internationally acclaimed galleries, is the perfect place to browse for art and collectibles. The Downtown blocks around the Plaza have unusual gift and curio shops, as well as clothiers and shoe stores that range from theatrical to conventional. You’ll find quite a few art galleries here, too. The hip, revitalized Railyard District (sometimes referred to as the Guadalupe District), less touristy than the Plaza, is on Downtown's southwest perimeter and includes a wide-ranging mix of trendy boutiques, gift shops, and avant-garde contemporary art galleries—it’s arguably the most eclectic of Santa Fe’s shopping areas.
This shop features simple, yet exquisite, women's clothing designed by local artist Nancy Traugott. The natural silk and linen fabrics are colored by hand with botanical dyes, making each classic piece truly one-of-a-kind. Equally appropriate for a farmers' market stroll or a night at the opera, these breezy yet substantial mix-and-match dresses, scarves, pants, and jackets are certainly an investment but are sure to become staples in any wardrobe.
This rambling 25,000-square-foot shop ranks among the best consignment stores in the West, carrying elaborately embroidered vintage cowboy shirts, hundreds of pairs of boots, funky old prints, antique Southwestern-style furniture, and amazing vintage Indian pawn and Mexican jewelry. The store comprises several sections that also include contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women and a pottery showroom.
This small but well-stocked space is one of the best spots in town for rugged and stylish—but casual—men's wear, along with backpacks, computer bags, watches, wallets, and other accessories. Well-established brands like Filson, Pendleton, Howler Brothers, and Grayer's fill the aisles, and the staff is extremely helpful.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
