There are some cities that live up to expectations. Las Vegas. You know before you go that there will be plenty of gambling and drinking, fine dining, sensational Cirque shows, tiny wedding chapels, and crowded clubs. New York. Bring on the Broadway shows, towering skyscrapers, bagels, hot dogs, cabs, and endless energy. New Orleans. This city is dominated by live jazz music, a never ending party, second lines, the French quarter architecture, above ground tombs, gumbo and beignets. And Santa Fe is no different.
I’m not saying that’s all there is to do in these cities. In fact, from downtown Las Vegas you can be in a completely different world, Valley of Fire State Park, in less than an hour’s drive. The beach and amusement park at Coney Island are a stone’s throw from New York’s Wall Street. New Orleans boasts an amazing WWII Museum that’s 1 mile from Bourbon Street! There are unexpected things to do in every major city and again, Santa Fe is no different.
You’ll get to see and do all you expect from Santa Fe – tour art gallery after art gallery, buy silver jewelry from street vendors at The Plaza downtown, walk picturesque streets and lanes lined with low adobe, Pueblo-style architecture, visit old churches and missions, enjoy Margaritas, Sangria, sopaipillas with honey, and it’s unique style of Mexican cuisine smothered in green or red chile. If you have additional time, their hiking trails and live theater get rave reviews as well.
Below are photos from:
- San Miguel Chapel, the oldest Catholic Church built in the United States built around 1610.
- Loretto Chapel with it’s mysterious staircase (read more here).
- Saint Francis Cathedral, a centerpiece of Santa Fe, commissioned in 1850 by Santa Fe’s first bishop.
- The Plaza is Santa Fe’s city square. This National Historic Landmark is a gathering place for tourists and locals. Local vendors line the street selling hand-made items.
- Our 18th anniversary dinner (complete with sparklers!) at Dinner For Two. The food and service were incredible, but I wore a pair of flats that tore up the heels of my feet while walking there. I was bleeding by the time we arrived and upon return to the RV afterwards, I immediately threw out the shoes.
- A short walk (because of the blisters on my heels) at Dog Park Ridgetop above Santa Fe
- A visit to Cross of the Martyrs erected to commemorate the deaths of 21 Catholic clergy during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt
- The New Mexico State Capitol is the only round capitol in the country. Santa Fe claims to be the oldest capitol city in the US because it was the seat of the Mexican province of Nuevo Mexico in 1846, but the “Roundhouse” capitol wasn’t dedicated until late 1966, the newest state capitol after Hawaii and Florida. It was filled with great artwork.
We really enjoyed Santa Fe. It’s a city with a unique culture, great art, wonderful cuisine, and lots to see and do. It’s high altitude makes for a more moderate climate and its mountain views provide some visual interest as well as other outdoor activities. It actually checked a lot of our retirement boxes!
