A guide to Santa Fe
Food scene
One of the most imaginative chefs in the Southwest. Warm, inviting and inventive.
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Restaurant Martin
526 Galisteo StOne of the most imaginative chefs in the Southwest. Warm, inviting and inventive.
Excellent service in an adobe-walled restaurant. Great bar and outside seating. Some of the best food in Santa Fe!
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The Compound Restaurant
653 Canyon RdExcellent service in an adobe-walled restaurant. Great bar and outside seating. Some of the best food in Santa Fe!
You must try their Bento Box if you want a great lunch at a great price.
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Kohnami Japanese restaurant
313 S Guadalupe StYou must try their Bento Box if you want a great lunch at a great price.
Voted by Esquire as the Best Hamburger in the USA. Still true
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Santa Fe Culinary Academy
Voted by Esquire as the Best Hamburger in the USA. Still true
Along with its sister restaurant, Atrisco, the most authentic New Mexican food around.
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Tomasita's
500 South Guadalupe StreetAlong with its sister restaurant, Atrisco, the most authentic New Mexican food around.
Great beer and, believe it or not, great Cajun cuisine!
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Second Street Brewery
2920 Rufina StGreat beer and, believe it or not, great Cajun cuisine!
The place you want to go to celebrate. Great bar and high-class food worthy, in my opinion, of 2 Michelin stars (and I lived in Paris for 5 years).
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Geronimo
724 Canyon RdThe place you want to go to celebrate. Great bar and high-class food worthy, in my opinion, of 2 Michelin stars (and I lived in Paris for 5 years).
Wonderful south Indian cuisine using crepes. Very spicy, healthy and novel.
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Paper Dosa
551 W Cordova RdWonderful south Indian cuisine using crepes. Very spicy, healthy and novel.
Sazón
221 Shelby StBest chef in the Southwest.
City/town information
A smaller version of Santa Fe with great vistas. Only 70 miles from here, it's a beautiful drive!
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Taos
A smaller version of Santa Fe with great vistas. Only 70 miles from here, it's a beautiful drive!
Athens = Santa Fe. Sparta = Los Alamos. The museum is worth a visit. Also go to nearby Bandalier.
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Los Alamos
Athens = Santa Fe. Sparta = Los Alamos. The museum is worth a visit. Also go to nearby Bandalier.
Fun little former mining town. Antiques shops and little cafes. A "melodrama" playhouse. Nice drive on the Turquoise Trail.
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Madrid
Fun little former mining town. Antiques shops and little cafes. A "melodrama" playhouse. Nice drive on the Turquoise Trail.
11. For many years Santa Fe prospered as a trading center while the west was being settled. It was the meeting place of the Santa Fe Trail stretching south from Franklin, Missouri, with the Camino Real running north from Mexico City. This was not an easy trade route, most of it threading through Indian territory, including a portion of southern New Mexico and west Texas that was home to the Apaches. There was also a hot, waterless 90-mile stretch, customarily crossed by a non-stop ride of three days and three nights, called the Jornada del Muerto, the “Journey of Death.”
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Santa Fe
11. For many years Santa Fe prospered as a trading center while the west was being settled. It was the meeting place of the Santa Fe Trail stretching south from Franklin, Missouri, with the Camino Real running north from Mexico City. This was not an easy trade route, most of it threading through Indian territory, including a portion of southern New Mexico and west Texas that was home to the Apaches. There was also a hot, waterless 90-mile stretch, customarily crossed by a non-stop ride of three days and three nights, called the Jornada del Muerto, the “Journey of Death.”
12. About an hour’s drive northwest of Santa Fe, Los Alamos was the home of the Manhattan Project where the first nuclear bombs were developed. The Bradbury Science Museum there details the early history of the atomic age. There is a plaque in a little side patio on Palace Street along the Central Plaza in Santa Fe, marking the shop where scientists came to secretly receive their fake IDs. The local paper had to be forbidden from publishing a sighting of Einstein, in town to pick up his credentials. The Tularosa Basin in the Jornada del Muerto desert was the site of the Trinity nuclear test, where the first atomic bomb was detonated.
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Los Alamos
12. About an hour’s drive northwest of Santa Fe, Los Alamos was the home of the Manhattan Project where the first nuclear bombs were developed. The Bradbury Science Museum there details the early history of the atomic age. There is a plaque in a little side patio on Palace Street along the Central Plaza in Santa Fe, marking the shop where scientists came to secretly receive their fake IDs. The local paper had to be forbidden from publishing a sighting of Einstein, in town to pick up his credentials. The Tularosa Basin in the Jornada del Muerto desert was the site of the Trinity nuclear test, where the first atomic bomb was detonated.
16. Cerrillos, half an hour south of Santa Fe, was the location for John Wayne’s 1972 movie, The Cowboys, as well as The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca, Young Guns, and Young Guns II. And Vampires. Yikes.
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Los Cerrillos
16. Cerrillos, half an hour south of Santa Fe, was the location for John Wayne’s 1972 movie, The Cowboys, as well as The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca, Young Guns, and Young Guns II. And Vampires. Yikes.
Neighborhoods
The heart of the art scene in Santa Fe, which is the second-largest art market in the US.
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Canyon Road
Canyon RoadThe heart of the art scene in Santa Fe, which is the second-largest art market in the US.
Plaza Central
Plaza CentralThe focal point of fiestas in Santa Fe.
Amusement
One of the most imaginative and novel places we've ever been. It's a collaboration of many artists to create a unique space to explore. Great for kids of all ages!
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Meow Wolf
1352 Rufina CirOne of the most imaginative and novel places we've ever been. It's a collaboration of many artists to create a unique space to explore. Great for kids of all ages!
Sightseeing
Home to wide open spaces. Many famous movie stars live or lived here. Try the Tesuque Village Market for lunch or breakfast. Close to the casita (about 4 miles) along a beautiful drive.
Tesuque
Home to wide open spaces. Many famous movie stars live or lived here. Try the Tesuque Village Market for lunch or breakfast. Close to the casita (about 4 miles) along a beautiful drive.
Great to see how the Anasazi, the original inhabitants, lived. Rock faces, tufa, great vistas.
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Bandelier National Monument
15 Entrance RdGreat to see how the Anasazi, the original inhabitants, lived. Rock faces, tufa, great vistas.
9. The cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, which stands in the central plaza of Santa Fe, was built of limestone by French-born Archbishop Lamy in the Romanesque Revival style. This is in sharp contrast to almost all other churches in the region which are made of adobe and feature traditional local architecture. BTW the main character in Willa Cather’s novel, Death Comes for the Archbishop, is modeled after Archbishop Lamy.
10. The cathedral was completed (except for the steeples, which were never built) in part using money from the estate of the wealthy local gambling house and bordello owner, Dona Tules. She bought her way into paradise. Part of the deal was that she be given a high mass funeral and be buried on hallowed ground. She got the fancy funeral all right, but nobody today can find her grave.
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I-Cathedral Basilica kaSt. Francis of Assisi
131 Cathedral Pl9. The cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, which stands in the central plaza of Santa Fe, was built of limestone by French-born Archbishop Lamy in the Romanesque Revival style. This is in sharp contrast to almost all other churches in the region which are made of adobe and feature traditional local architecture. BTW the main character in Willa Cather’s novel, Death Comes for the Archbishop, is modeled after Archbishop Lamy.
10. The cathedral was completed (except for the steeples, which were never built) in part using money from the estate of the wealthy local gambling house and bordello owner, Dona Tules. She bought her way into paradise. Part of the deal was that she be given a high mass funeral and be buried on hallowed ground. She got the fancy funeral all right, but nobody today can find her grave.
14. In 1881 the notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid – known as “the fastest gun in the west” -- was brought to Santa Fe and jailed to await trial. A plaque on West San Francisco Street near the central plaza claims to mark the spot, which was more recently the location of Santa Fe’s oldest bookstore, Collected Works. Recent research indicates that the jail probably stood a block or two away near the corner of Galisteo and Water streets…where Collected Works is now located. Billy the Kid’s story has been popularized by over 60 Hollywood movies.
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Santa Fe
14. In 1881 the notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid – known as “the fastest gun in the west” -- was brought to Santa Fe and jailed to await trial. A plaque on West San Francisco Street near the central plaza claims to mark the spot, which was more recently the location of Santa Fe’s oldest bookstore, Collected Works. Recent research indicates that the jail probably stood a block or two away near the corner of Galisteo and Water streets…where Collected Works is now located. Billy the Kid’s story has been popularized by over 60 Hollywood movies.
15. Santa Fe is the on-location setting for so many Westerns that it has been nicknamed “Tamalewood.” Lots of celebrities live here at least part time too. Keep your eyes peeled for Julia Roberts, Gene Hackman, Tom Ford, Randy Travis, Kevin Costner, Jane Fonda, Ali McGraw, Shirley MacLaine, Diane Lane, Gregg Braden, Alan Arkin, Keanu Reeves and Carol Burnett, to name just a few.
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Santa Fe
15. Santa Fe is the on-location setting for so many Westerns that it has been nicknamed “Tamalewood.” Lots of celebrities live here at least part time too. Keep your eyes peeled for Julia Roberts, Gene Hackman, Tom Ford, Randy Travis, Kevin Costner, Jane Fonda, Ali McGraw, Shirley MacLaine, Diane Lane, Gregg Braden, Alan Arkin, Keanu Reeves and Carol Burnett, to name just a few.
20. Another must-see is Bandelier National Monument, set in the Jemez Mountains just past Los Alamos. Evidence of human presence in the area can be traced back at least 11,000 years, including ancient cliff dwellings over 1,000 years old once inhabited by ancestors of modern-day Pueblo Indians. Some of the caves can be entered by the public. Much of Frijoles Canyon where the cliff dwellings are located was devastated a few years ago by the Las Conchas fire, which burned nearly 250 square miles of high mountain forest. In some places the fire burned so hot that the soil turned to glass, followed by violent summer thunderstorms causing severe flash flooding. Most of the tourist areas have reopened, and trails and bridges are restored. One of the hiking trails is a beautiful five-mile round trip, meandering downstream through canyon wilderness past waterfalls to the Rio Grande River. Another going upriver takes you to a ceremonial cave high on the canyon wall that can only be reached by steep log ladders and steps worn into the soft volcanic rock.
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Bandelier National Monument
15 Entrance Rd20. Another must-see is Bandelier National Monument, set in the Jemez Mountains just past Los Alamos. Evidence of human presence in the area can be traced back at least 11,000 years, including ancient cliff dwellings over 1,000 years old once inhabited by ancestors of modern-day Pueblo Indians. Some of the caves can be entered by the public. Much of Frijoles Canyon where the cliff dwellings are located was devastated a few years ago by the Las Conchas fire, which burned nearly 250 square miles of high mountain forest. In some places the fire burned so hot that the soil turned to glass, followed by violent summer thunderstorms causing severe flash flooding. Most of the tourist areas have reopened, and trails and bridges are restored. One of the hiking trails is a beautiful five-mile round trip, meandering downstream through canyon wilderness past waterfalls to the Rio Grande River. Another going upriver takes you to a ceremonial cave high on the canyon wall that can only be reached by steep log ladders and steps worn into the soft volcanic rock.
Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino LejoYou'll never see this anywhere else.
15. About 20 minutes past Bandelier is Valles Caldera a huge meadow in the bottom of an extinct volcanic crater believed to be the largest in the world. If you want a relaxing and very scenic afternoon drive, take the loop: Out of Santa Fe on 285 to 501, 4, and 550 which returns you to interstate 25 north of Albuquerque.
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Valles Caldera
15. About 20 minutes past Bandelier is Valles Caldera a huge meadow in the bottom of an extinct volcanic crater believed to be the largest in the world. If you want a relaxing and very scenic afternoon drive, take the loop: Out of Santa Fe on 285 to 501, 4, and 550 which returns you to interstate 25 north of Albuquerque.
17. Tent Rocks National Monument, on reservation land south of Santa Fe, is a fascinating area with unusual rock formations. Formed in a deep volcanic ash layer, tall conical formations are capped with a harder rock layer. There are toilets, covered picnic shelters and a mile or two of paved path, as well as a fascinating 3 mile round trip hike up a very deep and narrow slot canyon, a rarity in New Mexico.
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Tent Rocks
0 NM-2217. Tent Rocks National Monument, on reservation land south of Santa Fe, is a fascinating area with unusual rock formations. Formed in a deep volcanic ash layer, tall conical formations are capped with a harder rock layer. There are toilets, covered picnic shelters and a mile or two of paved path, as well as a fascinating 3 mile round trip hike up a very deep and narrow slot canyon, a rarity in New Mexico.
18. Sandia Peak Tramway, located on the north side of Albuquerque, is one of the longest trams in the world, carrying you over dramatic, deeply carved mountain gorges on your way to the top of 10,000 foot tall Sandia Peak. Stop over at the top and enjoy the view, or go for a hike through Ponderosa and Pinon pine forest.
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Sandia Peak Tramway
30 Tramway Rd NE18. Sandia Peak Tramway, located on the north side of Albuquerque, is one of the longest trams in the world, carrying you over dramatic, deeply carved mountain gorges on your way to the top of 10,000 foot tall Sandia Peak. Stop over at the top and enjoy the view, or go for a hike through Ponderosa and Pinon pine forest.
Spa and massage
Unique in the US: a Japanese Onsen (spa) with massage, indoor and outdoor hot pools, a Japanese restaurant. Not far from our casita (about 3 miles) up the ski hill road.
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Ten Thousand Waves
21 Ten Thousand Waves WayUnique in the US: a Japanese Onsen (spa) with massage, indoor and outdoor hot pools, a Japanese restaurant. Not far from our casita (about 3 miles) up the ski hill road.
Grace Note Massage
201 Nambe StTranquil, expert massage in an old adobe home. Definitely recommend!
Food scene
Wonderful location with food worthy of a Michelin star. Near Ojo Caliente spa and Abiquiu (Georgia O'Keefe country).
NOSA Restaurant & Inn
Wonderful location with food worthy of a Michelin star. Near Ojo Caliente spa and Abiquiu (Georgia O'Keefe country).
A great thing to do while you are in Santa Fe. We've done it several times--sometimes participatory, sometimes having the chef go through his/her routine.
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Santa Fe School of Cooking
125 N Guadalupe StA great thing to do while you are in Santa Fe. We've done it several times--sometimes participatory, sometimes having the chef go through his/her routine.