Santa Fe
by Jennie Duttenhofer



Surrounded by tall, majestic mountains, Santa Fe is held in a magical embrace of earth and sky. Located in the North central region of New Mexico, this city is perhaps one of the most diverse -- culturally and religiously -- in the world. Welcoming people from all backgrounds and walks of life, Santa Fe has grown and thrived on unique and complimentary differences, developing a place where anyone can feel at home.

Instated as the capitol of the territory of New Mexico in 1851, Santa Fe's architecture, art and food all reflect the dominant Spanish and Native American cultures in the area. Many buildings in the downtown region display just this. If you seek a bit of gothic elegance, the St. Francis Cathedral is one place that should be high on your list. Built in 1886, this regal cathedral stands silent guard over the city. It houses the Lady's Chapel -- the oldest chapel in the U.S. With its quarry stone walls, beautiful stained glass and high spires, it's no wonder this is one of the most sought sanctuaries in the world. And in the vein of churches, the Loretto Chapel mustn't be forgotten. This small church is home to the infamous spiral staircase, constructed without nails, pegs or glue -- there are no explanations as to how this staircase has been erected. It has been said that this beautiful piece of history was built by a poor carpenter with a donkey and simple tools, leading some to speculate that it may have been Jesus himself!

The Palace of the Governors is also a must if you seek the true essence of Santa Fe. Nestled on the Northwest side of the Plaza, Native silversmiths and artisans still display and sell their work underneath the portal. Inside the museum portion, a large number of items are on display -- from documents and furniture to old weapons and articles of regional significance. The courtyard, a grassy area full of grand trees hosts many events throughout the Spring and Summer months, including the Mountain Man Rendezvous, a terrifically fun and informative event complete with real mountain men!

In September Santa Fe celebrates Fiesta de Santa Fe. The weekend-long celebration starts off with the burning of Zozobra -- also known as Old Man Gloom -- a 200 ft. tall puppet made of newspaper and paper mache. It is thought that if you attend, as Old Man Gloom burns, your worries burn with him. If nothing else, though, it's a wild evening! The rest of the Fiesta weekend is occupied by parades, food and parties in the downtown area. Spread throughout Santa Fe, you will find art galleries offering everything from traditional Native American and Spanish colonial art, to more contemporary or abstract pieces. There are also several sculpture gardens to while away the hours in. One such is the Shidoni Foundry and Art Gallery. This amazing estate, located just a few minutes north of Santa Fe, promotes many different sculptors in a wide range of mediums, genres and forms. Strolling through the acres of stoic forms, one almost loses themselves in the beauty of the art and surroundings in which it is displayed.Of course, there are many specialized galleries in Santa Fe.

If western art is what your heart desires, the Jackson Kirkland gallery is the place to find it. Representing a large number of famous western artists (including many located right in Santa Fe), Skip Kirkland will be happy to tell you all there is to know about the Western Art scene. This particular gallery offers everything from paintings and saddles to sculpture and historic Old West relics. Flanked to the North and South by pueblos, Santa Fe is a natural center for amazing Native American art. If you enjoy museums, give the Wheelwright Museum a try. Hosting a large number of different artists and often times special exhibits, the Wheelwright is considered an excellent place in which to view traditional and contemporary Native art in a relaxing setting. Should the Wheelwright spur your interest in Native art, then another must-see is the Prairie's Edge Gallery. You won't find a more comprehensive collection of truly fine antique and contemporary traditional Native items anywhere else in the city. Every wall, corner and case is filled with richly-coloured beadwork, beautiful clothing and jewelry. They also have a large array of books and other literature available.

At this point you're probably wondering about lodging. Well, you need not worry about finding a place to stay. From the mainstream motels such as Luxury Inn and the Comfort Inn, to more luxurious hotels such as the La Fonda and the Inn of the Anasazi, it is definite that you will find a good night's sleep just about anywhere you go. You won't have any problems finding a nice room AND staying within your travel budget. If you like the cozy comfort of a smaller place, look into staying at one of the over thirty Santa Fe bed and breakfasts.

Finally we get to food -- and not a moment too soon. If there's one thing you need to eat once while in Santa Fe, it's the green chile. Some of your best bets for finding truly good green chile in Santa Fe? Tomasita's is definitely at the top of the list. Their green chile enchiladas are heavenly! Another place to try is La Casa Sena. Although they sit in the higher price range, the expense is well worth it. A local's favorite is Harry's Roadhouse where Harry and Payton Shapiro whip up breakfast, lunch and dinner for a packed house every day. If New Mexican food isn't your style, don't worry -- Santa Fe is home to a myriad of Chinese, Korean, American, Italian and other cuisine nouveau restaurants. Some of them are worth visiting just for the decor!

Santa Fe is one place every person should see at least once in their life. People from all walks of life settle in this small city, welcomed by its residents and charm. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will always find a welcoming smile; a warm bed and a beautiful sunset awaiting you in Santa Fe.