One of our favorite areas is Santa Fe – the capital of New Mexico has a sophisticated community with a vibrant lifestyle, is a major center for artists (with a focus on painting and sculpture), celebrates the native Indian culture, encompasses both a Southwestern–Mexican cuisine as well as elegant dining in nationally ranked restaurants, and is ringed by the Sangre de Cristo mountains (which contain all of New Mexico’s 13,000+ peaks).
From our home in San Diego, Santa Fe is an easy trip for a four-day weekend, and we took advantage of this over Memorial Day (plus an extra vacation day). Over four days we had a significant hike (to Nambe Lake), enjoyed several excellent meals (details below), bought (reasonably- priced) jewelry, and had a delightful afternoon in a spectacular spa. You can experience the same, and all without breaking the bank.
Here is what we did: First of all are the accommodations – there are wonderful world-class inns in Santa Fe, including the Inn at Loretto, Bishop’s Lodge Resort, the Inn on the Alameda, and the Inn of the Anasazi. All provide excellent accommodations, at excellent (to them) prices. We always drop by several of these facilities to have a glass of wine (the fireplace lounge at Bishop’s Lodge is a favorite), but we don’t stay there. Our preference is for accommodations in private casitas, which generally are an adjunct to the owner’s home. Not only are the casitas less expensive (we prefer to spend our money on elegant dinners), but they provide an element of interaction with local residents, they usually have kitchen facilities, they often reside in the countryside surrounding Santa Fe, and a typical cost would be in the $80-$150 per night range. Suggestions for in town would include B&Bs such as the Pueblo Bonito; for more general private owner’s casitas, we conduct a search on VRBO.com.
I might add here that we always rent a car when traveling to Santa Fe. Fly in to Albuquerque, rent a car, and drive about one hour or so North to Santa Fe. For the return trip, be warned – there are very few gas stations near the Albuquerque airport – be sure to fill up before you return the car.
We have done a number of hikes in the Santa Fe area, including a wonderful experience on a sunny winter day when we hiked for about five miles in the snow up Big Tesuque Trail. Solitude, icicles, delightful forest hike. We did it, and you can do it! These hikes can be done by anyone in reasonable physical shape – we are at a somewhat advanced age and are far from competitive athletes, but we do maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. You can do it, too!
Our hike up towards Nambe Lake started off uphill from the trailhead at 10,400 ft. We climbed approximately 600 ft, then began a 2-3 mile gentle downhill through an enchanting spruce forest. At the trail junction to Nambe Lake, we began a steep uphill climb along Nambe Creek, passing numerous waterfalls along the way and spending much of the time above 11,000 ft. I might mention that we basically were alone with nature on this hike – we passed only six other hikers in five hours on the trail. There was gentle rain on the return (be sure to have rain gear in your daypack), but we were prepared and got back to our car in good order.
Our standard procedure is to enjoy the hike, not to set any records for effort. We take many pictures along the trail and always have a picnic lunch -- often with a bottle of wine for enjoyment at our destination. And we do take care to be prepared, always carrying the Sierra Club’s (or Girl Scouts’) Ten Essentials. Here’s another valuable hint – always ensure that your electrolyte balance is maintained. We have had excellent results with Bill Gookin’s Vitalyte
and usually take two or three quarts for a day hike. Other suggestions would include GU
and ShotBlocks
. For a trail snack, we favor a simple mixture of cashews and dried cherries.
and usually take two or three quarts for a day hike. Other suggestions would include GU and ShotBlocks. For a trail snack, we favor a simple mixture of cashews and dried cherries. Returning to our casita, we change for our dinner at the Coyote Café, a lively, elegant, wonderfully modern restaurant. Our choice is to sit at the bar, which features both an engaging bartender and the open kitchen. Starting with an excellent Lobster Cognac Bisque, I then have my favorite Spicy Fire White Prawns, which combine the best of fresh seafood with Southwestern flavors. On previous occasions we have had the Elk Tenderloin and the Baked Salmon – perfectly done each time.
The next morning is spent in the numerous art galleries on Canyon Road, where everything from traditional Western paintings and sculptures to radical “far-out” modern exhibitions may be found. Canyon Road is a mile of small buildings and houses, each of which is an art gallery with a unique take on what constitutes art. Some of it is quite appealing, but my impression of other productions is that a third-grader with a full helping of chocolate could do a better job!
The afternoon is a special treat – a private outdoor spa at Ten Thousand Waves. This is the premier spa in Santa Fe, constructed in a Japanese style on a hillside outside of town. We reserved the Waterfall Pool, which provides a large, stone outdoor Jacuzzi on a deck surrounded by pine trees, a cold plunge fed by the waterfall, a private Sauna, and perfect solitude. It is a wonderful experience and definitely is worth a priority place on your list.
Tonight we return to Canyon Road for dinner at Geronimo’s, a nationally ranked restaurant in an old house halfway up the road. It is a truly magnificent establishment, and with limited seating (only 18 tables) reservations are a necessity. This evening we had Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with lobster, followed by Alaskan Halibut and Diver Sea Scallops. The dishes not only were delicious but also were presented in an elegant fashion with a small salad bite here and a complimenting sauce there. A truly memorable experience.
Starting the morning with Starbucks
, we proceed to the Plaza to meet the Indians seated on the sidewalk along the Palace of the Governors and to review their displays of necklaces and bracelets made of turquoise and silver. In our opinion this is the best jewelry market in Santa Fe, and we have bought a number of pieces from the Indians – several of whom have been selling jewelry there for decades! The pieces are genuine, the designs are unique, and the prices are fair – plus there is an element of history here.
, we proceed to the Plaza to meet the Indians seated on the sidewalk along the Palace of the Governors and to review their displays of necklaces and bracelets made of turquoise and silver. In our opinion this is the best jewelry market in Santa Fe, and we have bought a number of pieces from the Indians – several of whom have been selling jewelry there for decades! The pieces are genuine, the designs are unique, and the prices are fair – plus there is an element of history here.After an outside courtyard lunch at the Pink Adobe (the oldest restaurant in Santa Fe, dating from the 1840’s), we drive back to Albuquerque for our return flight to San Diego.
There is much more to Santa Fe than described above, but this may give you a flavor of a most enjoyable four day weekend.
To Additional Adventures in Healthy Living,
Jimmy Tee
your comments are always welcome.
