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Santa Fe Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Santa Fe
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Santa Fe Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Santa Fe - New Mexico's capital city and the oldest capital
in the United States, Santa Fe, is sited just 60 miles (97km) north
of the state's largest metropolis, Albuquerque, from which it
differs quite remarkably. Where Albuquerque is high-tech, Santa Fe
is arty, having become a haven for artists of all persuasions and
today featuring more than 250 art galleries and studios. The city
is also confusing to navigate through with its narrow winding lanes
and one-way streets, making it best explored on foot from its busy
central plaza.
Tourists not only flock to this
400-year-old city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains for the
museums and galleries, but also because it is surrounded by almost
a hectare (two acres) of National Forest, offering great
opportunities for skiing, rafting, mountain climbing, hiking and a
host of other associated recreational pursuits.
The local culture is built firmly on Spanish and Native
American roots, which is reflected in the city's historic
architecture and the crafts sold on the plaza by the hawkers. The
city makes an ideal base from which to explore the many Indian
pueblos, which are within an hour's, drive throughout the valley of
the Rio Grande.
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Santa Fe
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Palace of Governors
www.palaceofthegovernors.org |
What is it? To begin sightseeing in Santa Fe, start where
it all began on the city's historic central Plaza, which is
dominated by the adobe structure known as the Palace of the
Governors, the oldest public building in the United States. The
palace was built in 1610 as Spain's seat of government for what is
today the American Southwest. It still bears the scars of having
survived Indian revolts and occupation, and Mexican Independence;
it was later occupied by Confederate forces when they attempted to
take New Mexico. Fittingly, in 1909, the building was converted
into the Museum of New Mexico and is now the principal of Santa
Fe's four museums, preserving 400 years of the state's history from
the 16th century Spanish explorations through the frontier era to
modern times. Exhibits range from a stagecoach and kitchen utensils
to paintings on bison hide and a state seal made from spoons,
quills and tacks.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Phone:(505) 476 5100 |
2. Museum of Fine Arts
107 W. Palace Avenue
www.mfasantafe.org |
What is it? Opposite the Governor's Palace on Santa Fe's
historic Plaza stands a prime example of Pueblo Revival
architecture, built in 1917, which houses the state's oldest art
museum, home to more than 20,000 works of art. The distinguished
collection spans the historic art colonies of Taos and Santa Fe of
the past 100 years, right up to contemporary art, focussing on the
southwest region. There is also a collection of photographs and two
sculpture gardens housing traditional and abstract
works.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Guided tours daily
10.30am and 2.30pm, and at 5.30pm on Fridays
Phone:(505) 476 5072 (recorded information) |
3. Museum of International Folk Art
Camino Lejo, Museum Hill
www.moifa.org |
What is it? The most important and comprehensive
collection of cross-cultural folk art in the world is housed in the
Santa Fe Museum of International Folk Art about two miles (3km)
southeast of the city's central Plaza, on the old Sante Fe Trail.
Fascinating for tourists, and a treasure trove for researchers,
scholars and contemporary artisans, the collection of the museum
runs to about 125,000 pieces, divided into different categories. Of
particular note are the Spanish Colonial collection, the
south-western Hispanic art collection of 20th century works, and
collections of international textiles and costumes. There are
examples of folk art from more than 100 different
countries.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am and 5pm; closed on major
holidays. Guided tours are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays
10.15am and 2pm, Thursday to Sunday 10.15am, 1pm and
3pm
Phone:(505) 476 1200 |
Santa Fe
holidays - Top Events
1. Santa Fe Opera season
From 2007-06-29
To 2007-08-25
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What is it? Every July and August since 1957 opera lovers
from all over the world have converged on Santa Fe to enjoy a top
class repertoire performed by outstanding talents in what is surely
the world's most stunning setting for an Opera House. The Santa Fe
Opera is sited on a magnificent mesa, seven miles (11km) north of
the city. The adobe theatre, blending with the desert, is
open-sided, affording a panoramic view of the Jemez and Sangre de
Cristo Mountains. Nature and art fuse into an awesome experience
for the appreciative audiences. Some of the opera greats who
started their careers in Santa Fe are Susan Graham, William Burden
and Charles Castronovo. The 2007 Festival includes a new production
of Puccini's La bohème, a revival of Mozart's
Così fan tutte, a new production of Strauss's
Daphne, a first performance of Rameau's
Platée by The Santa Fe Opera and the American
premiere of Dun's Tea: A Mirror of
Soul.
Where is it? Santa Fe Opera House |
2. Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
From 2007-07-01
To 2007-08-31
|
What is it? Summer in Santa Fe brings the renowned
Chamber Music Festival, a world-class musical feast that well lives
up to its goal of providing listeners with the finest music of the
ages, performed by artists in a beautiful setting. The full
programme, offered in two venues, includes classical, contemporary
world and jazz music. As well as concerts the festival includes a
youth education and outreach element, free open rehearsals, concert
previews and round table discussions with composers and
musicians.
Where is it? St Francis Auditorium, Lensic Performing Arts Center and the
Museum of Fine Arts |
3. Santa Fe Indian Market
From
To
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What is it? Known as the 'cultural gem of New Mexico' the
Santa Fe Indian Market is not only a memorable event, but also a
place where gifted Native American artists can meet and mingle with
millions of appreciative visitors and collectors from around the
world. Each August for the past 80 or so years this art show has
proved to be the state's most popular annual event. The extended
weekend involves about 1,100 artists selling their work from more
than 600 booths in downtown Santa Fe. Also on site are ethnic food
stalls and entertainment on the Plaza
stage.
Where is it? Santa Fe Plaza |
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