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WEEKENDER
SANTA FE
Fine dining , a thriving art scene and a long and fascinating history make Santa Fe an excellent choice for a weekend getaway , says Megan Eaves
DAY 1
Situated at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains , Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the U . S ., founded by Spanish colonists in 1607 . The city is renowned for its fine dining and thriving art scene , with some 250 galleries and a selection of Native American cultural institutions .
Start by exploring the city ’ s historic plaza , which marked the end of the Santa Fe Trail transport route . The plaza ’ s north side is flanked by the Palace of the Governors , built in 1610 . It ’ s now the oldest continuously used public building in the U . S . Spend some time shopping for jewelry and art from the Native American artists who sell their work in the front portal , then head inside to the Museum of New Mexico , which offers a thorough and well-curated starting point for understanding the state ’ s long history .
There ’ s plenty more history to discover around the plaza and downtown , including the iconic Cathedral Basilica of St . Francis of Assisi and Loretto Chapel , with its mysterious spiral staircase .
For lunch , try out New Mexico ’ s unique cuisine — a combination of Mexican , Spanish , and Native American cooking with signature red and green chile sauces — at The Shed . It has served up red chile enchiladas , blue corn burritos and tamales since 1953 .
In the afternoon , visit the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts , the only museum in the country dedicated to progressive , contemporary art by Native American artists . Afterward , stroll over to the Georgia O ’ Keeffe Museum to admire the flowers and New Mexico landscapes of the state ’ s most celebrated female painter .
In the evening , pop into the Bell Tower Rooftop Bar to see the colorful New Mexico sunset over the plaza with a strong margarita , then head to Coyote Cantina ’ s roof terrace for turkey jalapeno enchiladas or carne asada surrounded by colorful street-art murals . Finish the night dancing to live country and western music alongside cowboy-booted locals at La Fiesta Lounge .
DAY 2
Spend a rejuvenating morning soaking in the spring-fed tubs and saltwater pool at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort , 15 miles south of town . Afterward , enjoy a lunch of soup , quiche or sandwiches at Dolina Bakery .
In the afternoon , visit the galleries on Museum Hill . Try the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian for a deep dive into local Native American art history , or the Museum of International Folk Art for a wider look at arts from around the world .
Later , head back down to Canyon Road ; stop off first at Kakawa Chocolate House for a Mesoamerican-inspired chocolate elixir , then explore the variety of art galleries , where you can pick up a piece of local pottery or sculpture to take home .
For its size , Santa Fe ’ s food scene packs a punch . For dinner , try The Compound for contemporary American cuisine created by award-winning chef Mark Kiffin , or go to equally celebrated Geronimo for elk tenderloin or chile-grilled prawns by chef Sllin Cruz in a 250-year-old adobe house .
Clockwise from top left : Hiking Galisteo Basin Preserve ; downtown cityscape at twilight ; chili peppers hanging on an adobe building ; cactus in a pot ; earth tone pottery in Santa Fe Market ; Loretto Chapel ; roasting chili peppers , Santa Fe Farmers ’ Market ; Museum of Contemporary Native Arts ; display of local jewelry
SUMMER 2022 • 15