1. 13th ANNUAL SANTA FE WINE & CHILE FIESTA
Once again the Southwest's premier food and wine event, the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta will be held September 21 through 25th, 2005. Santa Fe is considered one of the world's culinary capitals and this is evident at the highlight event of the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta -- The Grand Food & Wine Tasting. Sixty great Santa Fe restaurants will feature tastes alongside wine from ninety world-class wineries.
2. New Mexico State Capitol
411 State Capitol
Santa Fe, NM
Built in 1966, this government center is shaped like the Zia symbol, and is known as the Round House. The four-story building houses government offices and the state House and Senate chambers. From the ground floor you can enter the rotunda and see the state seal and rotating art exhibits that are often on display. The visitors center is also located on this floor. On the fourth floor the Governors Gallery offers more works of art. Free tours.
3. Santa Fe Plaza
100 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM
Known as the Plaza, this historic area is marked by a central park lined with huge shade trees and benches. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of the buildings surrounding the park stand just as they did during colonial Spanish times. Aside from the numerous shops, hotels and restaurants, you will also see a number of famous landmarks. Be sure to visit The Palace of the Governors, St. Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel. The Plaza is also where the Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market are held.
4. Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM
Bishop Jean Lamy commissioned this Gothic Revival-style chapel. It was completed in the 1880s. The stained glass window was made in Paris, France, and delivered to Santa Fe in a covered wagon. The most outstanding feature of the chapel is the famous Miraculous Staircase. The circular staircase winds its way from the floor of the chapel to the choir loft above. The chapel no longer belongs to the Catholic Church. It is a private museum and there is a gift shop on the premises. Admission: USD2.
5. Traditional Spanish Market
100 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM
If you are in Santa Fe during the last week of July you will not want to miss out on this great experience. Hundreds of artists from the state of New Mexico gather in the Plaza to show and sell their wares. The central park in the Plaza takes on a carnival-like atmosphere with live music, colorful clothing and plenty of food and drinks. If you are looking to get in some shopping, this is the place to go. Items like fine art, clothing, jewelry and more are available. This is a family oriented event and no alcohol is served.
6. Santa Fe National Cemetery
501 North Guadalupe St
Santa Fe, NM
This cemetery sits on a scenic hillside overlooking much of Santa Fe. The rows of white crosses climbing the perfectly manicured lawns are truly a sight to behold. This was originally the cemetery for Fort Marcy. The oldest grave markers denote the final resting sites of those who died in the Indian Wars. Soldiers killed during the Civil War, during the battles of Valverde and Pidgeon Ranch, are also buried here. This is a fitting place to honor those who died in armed conflict for our country.
7. Cross of the Martyrs
600 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM
During the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, 21 Franciscan Friars died in the fight between the natives and the Spanish. A single white cross sits on a terraced hill overlooking Santa Fe to honor those holy men. The path that leads up to the cross is paved and has handrails. As you walk the path there are plaques that describe the sights you can see from your position on the hill. This is a great place for a quiet walk, especially during a spectacular sunset.
8. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson St
Santa Fe, NM
Contemporary art and modernism fascinated world famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe. This namesake museum spotlights not only her work, but also the work of many other established artists. The works on display change about twice a year, so no matter how many times you visit you will always see something new. In addition to the static displays, there are a number of rotating exhibits. The O'Keeffe Cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat, and the Museum Shop offers gifts. Admission: USD8 adults; USD4 New Mexico residents; free for students and youth; free on Fridays from 5pm-8pm.
9. Museum of Fine Arts
107 West Palace Ave
Santa Fe, NM
This pueblo revival-style building has been serving New Mexico as a fine art museum since 1917. Inside you will find a number of permanent, as well as traveling exhibitions. There are over 20,000 works of art on display, and much of the focus is on artists from the Southwest. During the summer, at 10am on Mondays, you can catch up with museum docents that will lead you on a walking tour of the Plaza and its historical sights. Admission: USD7 adults; free for kids 16 and under.
10. Palace of the Governors
105 West Palace Ave
Santa Fe, NM
Built by the Spanish conquerors in the 1600s, this building is now on the list of American Treasures and is a Registered National Historic Landmark. Inside is housed the most extensive museum collection spanning the history of Santa Fe and the Southwest. Native Americans ply their arts and crafts outside the building facing the central Plaza just as they have for over 400 years. Jewelry, pottery, kachinas and more are spread out on blankets for you to admire and purchase. This is wholesale shopping at its best, so be sure to check it out.
11. St Francis Cathedral
213 Cathedral Place
Santa Fe, NM
Archbishop Lamy commissioned this French Romanesque cathedral in 1869, and it took more than 15 years to complete. It is still maintained by the archdiocese of Santa Fe. This long-standing landmark houses many religious relics including the chalice used by Lamy and the oldest Madonna in the United States. The exquisite stained glass windows were created in France, traveling to Santa Fe via ship and then overland on a covered wagon. Admission is free.
12. Institute of American Indian Arts Museum
108 Cathedral Place
Santa Fe, NM
Located in downtown, across the street from the St. Francis Cathedral, this is the only museum in the world that highlights contemporary Native American arts. Carl Beam, James Lavadour, Gerald Clarke and Tom Fields are but a small sampling of artists whose works are on display. Each May, the works of students who are graduating from the institute are put on display. Other events include lectures, book signings and children's activities. Admission: USD4.
13. Santa Fe Southern Railway
410 South Guadalupe St
Santa Fe, NM
Since the 1880s people have been riding the railway between Santa Fe and Lamy. At one time this was a primary means of transportation between the two towns. Now, however, the daily trips have become a popular tourist attraction. As you travel the rails you will see some spectacular panoramic views of the high desert landscape. Special trips are planned throughout the year such as the Mardi Gras Trip, the Ghost Story Trip and the Holiday Lights Trip. You can choose to travel coach, silver or dome. Prices range from USD32-USD55 for adults, and USD18-USD42 for kids (3-13)
