Small yet Sophisticated Santa Fe

A July 2002 trip to Santa Fe by Go Girl!

Guest Room Photo - La Fonda On The Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Quote: While only a small town of 75,000 people, Santa Fe has an old sophisticated soul, offereing activities and experiences usually reserved for major cities. Art, history and culture abound, as well as fine dinning, shopping and unique lodging -- not to mention one of the best spas in the nation. My husband and I went to Santa Fe to celebrate our second wedding anniversary, and it proved to be a wonderful and romantic choice.

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Small yet Sophisticated Santa Fe

Overview

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The mundane becomes spectacular in this charming town full of surprises. Watching a sunset, eating a meal or simply taking a walk can be exciting, never knowing what one may discover. On a morning walk we discovered a Santa Fe tradition, “Pancakes on the Plaza” a United Way benefit and community gathering of over 10,000. Every meal was a treat (hard to find a horrible meal in this city) while the sunsets are magical. Whether roaming the Canyon Road art galleries, or exploring the local flee market, or experiencing a native Pow-Wow, every experience in Santa Fe is unique. Quick Tips: Santa Fe is in the desert, but the high desert: translation=(7,000 feet above sea level). While July's ...Read More

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La Fonda On The Plaza

Hotel | "La Fonda Hotel"

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La Grand Dame of Santa Fe hotels, La Fonda, is back after a multi-million addition of 14 luxurious suites (La Terraza), a fabulous new spa, and rooftop terrace. Founded in 1607 as one of the first businesses in Santa Fe, La Fonda has evolved into an attraction itself – offering award winning restaurants, shops and galleries. The only hotel on the plaza, it’s no wonder locals claim, "La Fonda IS Santa Fe." The La Terraza rooms are charming luxury at it's best. Where else in Santa Fe can you sit in a rooftop jacuzzi and gawk at St. Francis Cathedral. It's so close you feel you could touch it. Check out their website: www.lafondasantafe.com ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

La Fonda On The Plaza
100 East San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
(505) 982-5511

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Inn of the Turquoise Bear

Hotel

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Inn of the Turquoise Bear owners, Ralph Bolton & Robert Frost, continue the tradition of what Ansel Adams called "Bynner bashes" (affectionately named after the former owner’s infamous parties) with a nightly cocktail hour where guests mix and mingle as Santa Fe notables once did. This rambling adobe villa, with eleven unique guest suites named after visitors such as D.H. Lawrence, Igor Stravinsky and Georgia O'Keeffe, carries on Bynner’s style, spirit and infamous hospitality.

Check out their website: www.turquoisebear.com

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Inn of the Turquoise Bear
342 E. Buena Vista Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 983-0798

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Las Palomas

Hotel

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Perfect for families, lovers and anyone wanting to live like a Santa Fean, the Las Palomas casitas offer ample elbow room to relax in Southwest style. Many casitas come with kitchenettes, living rooms that convert into bedrooms and private patios or decks, making one feel as if they’ve just moved in. The delicious complimentary breakfast of waffles & strawberries is a smash hit with kids and adults alike, while the staff bends over backward to ensure you a pleasant stay. In-room services take on a new meaning at Las Palomas. Forgot your baby stroller? Want to watch the first episodes of the original Star Trek series? Or borrow a Verdi CD (the owner is an opera singer)? Your wish is their ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Las Palomas
119 Park Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico
1(800) 955-4455

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Geronimo

Restaurant

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You're in for a treat as soon as you step foot into this historic and romantic home. Voted "most popular retaurant in New Mexico" by Zagat, try their signature dish, Elk tenderloin with applewood smoked bacon, served with sauteed leeks, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and morel mushroom sauce. Or for a real treat, order the chef's menu for the evening. We celebrated our second anniversay at this restaurant and would return every year, if it were possible.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Geronimo
724 Canyon Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 982 1500

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Coyote Cafe

Restaurant | "Coyote Cafe Rooftop Cantina"

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Adjacent to the renown, Coyote Cafe, The Cantina offers mouth watering food, great views, and stiff margaritas for the fraction of the cost of dinner at the formal restaurant. The open-air, festive atmosphere transports you to another place -- the Mexican Riviera perhaps. However, make sure to sit under the awning since it rained cats and dogs while we were at The Cantina. As everyone ran for shelter, we were safe and sound, snuggling under the canopy.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Coyote Cafe
132 W Water St.
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 983-1615

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La Plazuela at the La Fonda

Restaurant | "La Plazuela"

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We stopped in for breakfast since I had heard the Heuvos Rancheros are to-die-for. I wasn't disappointed, but I enjoyed the airy room as much as the spicy food.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

La Plazuela at the La Fonda
100 East San Francisco
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 982 5511

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Cafe Pasqual's

Restaurant | "Pasqual's"

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EXPECT A LINE. We kept on putting off this rather infamous restaurant since every time it required a 30-40 minute wait. Finally on our next to last day we gave it a shot, and the food was well worth the wait. For breakfast try the chorizo burrito.

INTERESTING TRIVA: Cafe Pasqual's occupies the oldest freestanding adobe in downtown Santa Fe.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Cafe Pasqual's
121 Don Gaspar Avenue
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 983-9340

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Tomasita's Restaurant

Restaurant | "Tomasita's"

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The local buzz on this place is deafening, but I must the food was a bit disappointing. Maybe I simply didn't get it. You be the judge -- are the locals or am I crazy?

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Tomasita's Restaurant
500 South Guadalupe
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 983-5721

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Atomic Grill

Restaurant

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Located next door to Cafe Pasqual's, this hip cafe thrives on Pasqual's run-over business, but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when we gave up on the wait at Pasqual's and tried Atomic. The fish tacos were some of the best I've had (I was weaned on fish tacos growing up in East Los Angeles). Plus this is a late night spot, so when you're dying for some food at 1:00am -- head to Atomic cafe (one of the few places serving at the hour.)

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Atomic Grill
103 E Water St
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 820-2866

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Bistro 315

Restaurant

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After days of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, we were dying for a change of pace and Bistro 315 provided just what we were looking for with Provencal French cuisine served with style, grace and friendly service. The nightly specials are carefully chalked on a blackboard menu each evening, just like you'd find in a respected Parisian neighborhood restaurant. Off the chalkboard we ordered the fresh gumbo and off the menu the rabbit (if your game.) In addition, a comprehensive wine list accompanies the traditional French menu.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Bistro 315
315 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 986 9190

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Downtown Subscription

Restaurant

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Santa Fe’s answer to Starbucks. This cozy Canyon Road retreat offers magazines from around the world and a mean cup of coffee. Within walking distance to all the Canyon Road art galleries. A great place to read the paper and met the locals. Try going early in the morning where it turns into a petting zoo since everyone in Santa Fe with a dog seems to show up.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Downtown Subscription
376 Garcia
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 983 3085

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Fuego

Restaurant

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Food & Wine Magazine claims Fuego is the best restaurant in Santa Fe, but in my humble opinion, that title still belongs to Geronimo. Fuego is a bit too polished, sterile and stuffy – which can dishearten the most terrific of meals. So if you have only the time and resources for one nice dinner while in Santa Fe -- opt for Geronimo.

But check out for yourself at their website: click here.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Fuego
at La Posada Resort
Santa Fe, New Mexico
(505) 986-0000

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Santa Fe Plaza

Attraction | "Pancakes on the Plaza"

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For the past 27 years on the 4th of July, the United Way has been transforming the plaza into the worlds largest pancake factory. More than 10,000 people show up for this annual benefit which begins at 7:00am and runs until noon. However, if you don’t like pancakes come for the non-stop free entertainment (until 3:30) which includes everything from big bands, flamenco dancers, opera singers and local bands. Where else can you get all that for only $6?

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Santa Fe Plaza
100 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 983 7317

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Bandelier National Monument

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Attraction

Bandelier National Monument Photo - Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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Beyond fantastic hiking, Bandelier National Monument is full of interesting history, folklore and myths turning this hikers paradise into a learning experience as well. Established in 1916 with 32,737 acres, Bandelier offers numerous trails for all different levels of hiker, (some trails are even wheelchair accessible). If you enjoy the educational experience, buy the guide book at the ranger station for a dollar and take the 1 ¼ trail with 21 number stops along the way that correspond to numbered paragraphs in the booklet. A pile of rocks will be explained for what they truly are (or were) such as a kivas, a Tyuonyi, or an infamous cave dwellings. This easy hour long hike on paved and sometimes cr...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Bandelier National Monument
15 Entrance Rd.
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
(505) 672-3861

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Santa Fe Flea At The Downs

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Attraction | "Santa Fe Flea Market"

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Having grown up on flea markets of California, I consider myself a flea market junkie who's matured into a full fledged flea market connoisseur. The trill of the find always lures me in, along with the social aspect of rubbing elbows with locals, while discovering and learning about interesting finds. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t enjoy my passion for markets and he reluctantly humors me when he feels generous. However, the Santa Fe market was a pleasant surprise – even for him. Like my husband, if you're not a flea market addicted, one trip to this market and you'll be forever changed. Flea markets are a great cross cultural experience, where one can meet new friends from all over the...Read More

Like my husband, if you're not a flea market addicted, one trip to this market and you'll be forever changed. Flea markets are a great cross cultural experience, where one can meet new friends from all over the world, bargain until they turn blue in the face and walk away with a sense of accomplishment. Santa Fe's flea market is in a class of it's own – a cross between a market in Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Mexico and Colorado. I wanted desperately to buy a mother-of-pearl sink for my dream house, but I couldn’t convince my husband it was worth $500 especially since we don’t really need it. He suggested I consider the hand-painted porcelain sink from Mexico in the next stall for $65 if I absolutely had to buy a sink. Logic got the better of me and I settled by buying a few goodies from Bali that I regretted not buying while there last summer. If you’re looking for a Southwestern memento try some of the local garden art, sculptures or jewelry. I bought a beautiful Turquoise ring from a Native American man who made it himself as well gave me a lesson on the different types of Turquoise. Out of all the US flea markets, if you like world goods as well as local goods, Santa Fe flea market will not disappoint.

Bring a u-haul and enjoy a true shopper’s delight.

TIME: 7:30 am to Sundown or Rain -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sorry no pictures since they're not allowed.

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Santa Fe Flea At The Downs

Santa Fe

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María Benítez Teatro Flamenco

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Attraction | "Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco"

Flamenco Photo - María Benítez Teatro Flamenco, Santa Fe, New Mexico

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A visit to Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco will infuse you with a new zest for life quicker than a blood transfusion. More than a style of music or dance; flamenco is a poetic dialect, a living art full of passion, inspiration and exhilaration. Viva Flamenco! Hours: Six performances per week 8:30 each evening except Tuesday (800) 905-3315 World renowned, internationally acclaimed dance group choreographed by Maria Benitez who DANCE MAGAZINE has called "The generation’s greatest flamenco dancer!" Performances are sponsored by the Institute for Spanish Arts: 505-983-8477 Box office: at the Radisson Hotel 982-1237 or 982-5591 Performances: F...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

María Benítez Teatro Flamenco
750 North Saint Francis Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
+1 505 982 1237; +1

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Swig

Attraction

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Martinis and Mojitos replace Margaritas at Santa Fe’s swanky new bar – SWIG. Geronimo’s executive chef, Eric DiStefano, offers up artful Asian tapas while Geronimo owners, Cliff Skoglund and Robert Hall, have created a sensual and sophisticated space where one is likely to ask, “Am I in South Beach or Santa Fe?”

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 17, 2002

Swig
135 West Palace Avenue, Level 3
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 955-0505