Santa Fe is like any other city. It has hospitals, grocery stores, strip malls, shopping malls etc. But the downtown area is where all the history and action is. This is where you’ll find all the art galleries, museums and trendy restaurants. It’s an artist’s Mecca. Here are some of the highlights:
Loretto Ch
apel (http://www.lorettochapel.com/) – This little chapel is special because of its spiral staircase (know as the Miraculous Staircase) at the back of the chapel which leads up to the choir loft because it two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Legend has it that when the chapel was completed in 1878 there was no way to access the choir loft other than ladder because a regular staircase would interfere with the interior space. So the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers. The staircase is extremely beautiful and well worth the $3 admission charge.
Native America Art – Walking along Palace Avenue in front of the Palace of the Governors is where you’ll find the Native Americas selling their wares. Every day Native Americas arrive in the morning to draw lots as to who and where they can set up their ware which is mostly silver and turquoise jewelry. If you don’t get a spot, there is a waiting list and as soon as someone leaves you can set up your stuff. You have to prove you are a Native American to get a spot and you also have to demonstrate that you are actually making what you are selling (I learned this from one of the Native American’s who was waiting for a spot while Mom and Sister were off buying jewelry). The people governoring this are making sure it’s authentic.
The Shed (http://www.sfshed.com/Restaurant.html) – Just east on Palace Avenu
e is this popular Mexican restaurant. My guess is you’ll have to wait for a table any time you go there. Ours was about 20 minutes but it was worth it for the Cold Red Raspberry Soup. Made with fresh raspberries, Rose wine, line and a hint of sour cream, this unique soup isn’t very sweet but instead more on tart side. We almost had to restrain my Mom from licking the bowl, it was that good.Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/) – If you like art, this is
the place to stop. While Santa Fe has several art museums, its most famous artist has a museum of her own. Georgia O’Keeffe (1887 – 1986) is mostly known for panting flowers, rocks, shells, animal bones and landscapes (if you don’t know her name you probably recognize her work). She came to New Mexico in 1929 which inspire most of her work. The museum opened in July 1997 and has a collection of over 1,149 O’Keeffe paintings, drawings and sculptures in its collection (it’s the larges single repository of O’Keeffe’s work in the world). The O’Keeffe collection changes throughout the year and also shows works from other artists.Canyon R
oad (http://canyonroadarts.com/) – Just southeast of the downtown area is Canyon Road, a mile long stretch of road which is home to more than 100 art galleries and studios, many of which are in historic adobe homes (some dating back to the 1750s). Art work ranges from paintings to statues, Native American to contemporary. Many of the galleries also have beautiful sculpture gardens with old leafy trees and fountains. Even if you aren’t an art enthusiast, it’s a great place to see some old adobe houses or people watch as you sit on a bench under the shade of a tree.
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