While touring Santa Fe on our recent impromptu visit, we were again taken with all the city has to offer. The architecture is like no other. Most buildings are built in the pueblo style—not exactly like the structures in your typical state capitol. They tend to be accented with doors, window frames and railing areas of bright color, in the Spanish tradition, which is another distinctive quality and tells you you are not in Kansas (or Wisconsin—no Packer regalia) anymore! This provides a feel that supports the city’s nickname: the city different.
There is also quite a southern feel to some of the Santa Fe architecture. Surrounding the plaza there are several buildings that sport large white porches and statuesque columns reminiscent of southern mansions. These mix quite pleasingly with the pueblo-style structures and the profusion of flowering trees and shrubs that thrive in its moderate climate. You get a real feel that the entire place moves at a slower pace, there is no rush, there are no worries. A terrific place to vacation.
Many shops sell souvenirs to help you take a piece of this wonderful place home with you as well. While there are the more traditional gift items such as jewelry and mementos of the city, itself, in Santa Fe you will also find Native American drums, hand made turquoise jewelry and fine art work at a multitude of places. One could spend an entire day shopping for just the right piece in this city!
But there is also the matter of food. In addition to the vendors selling their food and wares from carts on the plaza, there are many restaurants providing unique meals, from traditional Spanish food to New Mexican cuisine to more European flavors. One example is the restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi, located just off the plaza. A welcoming outdoor dining area lures visitors with delicious smells and a warm atmosphere. An intimate world class retreat and one of the most lauded hotels in New Mexico, the Anasazi offers one of New Mexico’s most highly acclaimed culinary destinations. The Anasazi Restaurant offers a fine dining atmosphere that is welcoming, elegant and rustically southwestern.
Once your touring and shopping are done, check out the Inn of the Anasazi for either a relaxing luncheon, a delectable dinner or a night’s stay. As the accommodations are a bit pricey, I would personally opt for spending a night in our RV enjoying the beautiful climate of the Santa Fe area after enjoying a superb meal in the Anasazi Restaurant. However you do it, Santa Fe is worth the time and the trip…for a day or a weekend!
For more information about where to stay in the Santa Fe area, browse Woodall’s listings of New Mexico RV camping resorts.