Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe, NM Overview

The spirit of another age lingers over New Mexico, where the wind whispers of the ancient Anasazi Indians and plazas quietly speak of Hispanic colonials. Rugged mountains and mesas, painted deserts, and forests of juniper and piñon trees provide the backdrop for this dry, sun-kissed land that has always lured artists and adventurers. When you think of New Mexico, chances are desert vistas and adobe buildings come to mind, but this dry, sunny state, also has the perfect climate for powdery snow, and boasts some of the best skiing in the Southwest! The market in Sante Fe's town center is full of Native American Pueblo artists selling their wares and savory tribal fare. You'll also find restored missions like the Loretto Chapel and the San Miguel Mission, as well as over 100 art galleries, and a fairly new but instantly-acclaimed restaurant scene.

Even though Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and has been around longer than all but one other city in America, it is still relatively unknown to most people. Its colonial history spans almost 400 years, during which a cultural mix of Native American, Hispanic, and European traditions has evolved into a rich community known as "The Land of Enchantment." Theater, dance, music, and art play a significant role in making Santa Fe one of America's largest art centers. It is surrounded by scores of state and national forests, parks, monuments, ancient Indian ruins, living Pueblo villages, historic sites, scenic trails, old railroad routes, mining towns, geological formations, and more!.

Reasons to visit Santa Fe, NM

This 400-year-old town - generally believed to be the oldest capital in the United States - has a rich Native American culture and is renowned for its arts scene. Much of this is located within the European downtown, which is easily covered on foot. Those seeking outdoor recreation have an unbeatable playground at their disposal, as Santa Fe is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of public recreational lands. This region puts activities like fishing, hiking, camping biking, kayaking, backpacking, mountain climbing, skiing, whitewater rafting, golf, tennis, and bird-watching within easy reach, most of them year-round! For spiritual journeys, there is a broad-ranging alternative healing and thought community in Santa Fe.