images: GET TY; ALAMY
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
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