Sensory heaven in Santa Fe

[Shadow]

Interesting article in the travel section this morning about Santa Fe NM. Not sure that I agree that it is "Sensory Heaven"...but do agree it does have lots of History,Art,Shopping and good food. Just not a very pretty city and the roads and traffic are crappy. :)

Earthy, sun-dried structures and startling blue skies provide the vivid backdrop for many an exploration of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The architecture is distinctive, but the natural setting at the base of the southern Rocky Mountains, 7,000 feet above sea level, puts the city in the realm of spectacular. And aesthetics are just a fragment of what draws more than a million visitors a year.Santa Fe's creativity shines in its art and cuisine, and there's a deep spiritual pull.
"Whatever your religiosity, you are sure to find something to speak to your soul in this old, quiet town in the mountains," writes iReporter Dannie Matevia (http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-771916), 26, who visited with her family in February.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/25/travel/santa-fe-travel-tips/index.html?hpt=hp_bn10

[ringotuna]

We've been vacationing anually in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado now for years and Santa Fe is a favorite stop over point or sometimes our destination. The plaza there is one of my favorite places to just sit and 'people watch'. I saw Jimmy Stewart there in 1985. We usually stay at La Fonda on the Plaza or El Chimayo, a half block off the plaza.

I suppose we're creatures of habit because we always make a point to dine at Tomasita's and spend several hours wandering aimlessly around the galleries and always head up Cerillos Rd to the Jackalope looking for unique and over priced world imports and local crafts. I usually find a shady spot and sip cherry lemonaide while Mrs. T picks through every shelf and every bin in every corner of every building on the place. I've lost her there on more than one occasion. We bought our courtyard fountain there in 06 Many of the smaller artisan shops along Cerillos are worth a look as well.

The traffic is indeed difficult to navigate. In Santa Fe, I always seem to be in the wrong lane at the wrong time, and at times I wonder if my gps is going to just give up and tell me I'm on my own.

I like Santa Fe. :cool:

[hjmick]

Interesting article in the travel section this morning about Santa Fe NM. Not sure that I agree that it is "Sensory Heaven"...but do agree it does have lots of History,Art,Shopping and good food. Just not a very pretty city and the roads and traffic are crappy. :)


That describes most of the state...

[logroller]

at times I wonder if my gps is going to just give up and tell me I'm on my own.


....rerouting.... :laugh:

[Shadow]

We've been vacationing anually in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado now for years and Santa Fe is a favorite stop over point or sometimes our destination. The plaza there is one of my favorite places to just sit and 'people watch'. I saw Jimmy Stewart there in 1985. We usually stay at La Fonda on the Plaza or El Chimayo, a half block off the plaza.

I suppose we're creatures of habit because we always make a point to dine at Tomasita's and spend several hours wandering aimlessly around the galleries and always head up Cerillos Rd to the Jackalope looking for unique and over priced world imports and local crafts. I usually find a shady spot and sip cherry lemonaide while Mrs. T picks through every shelf and every bin in every corner of every building on the place. I've lost her there on more than one occasion. We bought our courtyard fountain there in 06 Many of the smaller artisan shops along Cerillos are worth a look as well.

The traffic is indeed difficult to navigate. In Santa Fe, I always seem to be in the wrong lane at the wrong time, and at times I wonder if my gps is going to just give up and tell me I'm on my own.

I like Santa Fe. :cool:

Last time the kids and I made a trip to Santa Fe we took the Railrunner. Kind of a long ride because it stops at every location on the way there that they can think to (about a 2 hr ride from ABQ that route)....BUT...they drop you off right on the plaza...and pick you up at same spot for the return trip. You can spend all afternoon there browzing and pigging out. :)

[ringotuna]

Last time the kids and I made a trip to Santa Fe we took the Railrunner. Kind of a long ride because it stops at every location on the way there that they can think to (about a 2 hr ride from ABQ that route)....BUT...they drop you off right on the plaza...and pick you up at same spot for the return trip. You can spend all afternoon there browzing and pigging out. :)

I wasn't even aware of the Rail Runner until earlier this month. Mrs. T and I were sitting on the patio at Tomasita's when I saw the train and asked the server about it. I was thinking we might take a little day trip down to Bernallio on our next visit. Any suggestions?

[hjmick]

I wasn't even aware of the Rail Runner until earlier this month. Mrs. T and I were sitting on the patio at Tomasita's when I saw the train and asked the server about it. I was thinking we might take a little day trip down to Bernallio on our next visit. Any suggestions?

Yeah, keep going to Albuquerque...

Not much to see in Bernalillo. Even less to do, unless you want to trek over to the casino.

[Shadow]

I wasn't even aware of the Rail Runner until earlier this month. Mrs. T and I were sitting on the patio at Tomasita's when I saw the train and asked the server about it. I was thinking we might take a little day trip down to Bernallio on our next visit. Any suggestions?

Don't have any tips for Bernalillo. Not much there. I think they may have an art gallery, but I have never been there so couldn't tell you much about it.

My biggest tip on riding the Railrunner to SF Is...plan to go as early as possible. The ride is 2 hours long...and they have limited times to catch the train back to ABQ. So... Tip 2... plan your train trip in advance. You don't want to end up on the last train out for the day because it is very crowded.

As far as maybe taking it to ABQ. You can walk around downtown...but may need to plan for other forms of transportation if wanting to see other sights. Also bring an umbrella if planning a summer trip. The wait at the station for a return train can be awhile and there is not much shade.

[ringotuna]

Thanks for the advice. For us, it would be more about the trip than the destination. Not much opportunity for rail travel around here.

Generally speaking, I love traveling New Mexico. Lot's of hidden treasures there. This year we came across from Farmington to Cuba, then took a "shortcut" over the Jimez mountains, along the Valles Caldera and dropped down into Los Alamos. It was kind of an impulsive left turn, but worth the time.

[Shadow]

Since you like scenery and visit Santa Fe...have you been here? My daughter's orthodontist told me to visit sometime...and bring my hiking shoes. :)


Kasha-Katuwe ,Tent Rocks and Slot Canyon.

http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks/

Also near Cochiti lake...so,if you like to fish...

[ringotuna]

Since you like scenery and visit Santa Fe...have you been here? My daughter's orthodontist told me to visit sometime...and bring my hiking shoes. :)


Kasha-Katuwe ,Tent Rocks and Slot Canyon.

http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks/

Also near Cochiti lake...so,if you like to fish...

Wow...No, I've never been there but it looks like an interesting place. It reminds me of a place I visited back in 98. Cappadocia, Turkey.

http://www.turkeygallipoli.com/images/cappadocia_tours_1.jpg