Santa Fe Lifestyle

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment

Santa Fe, New Mexico Welcome to the Land of Enchantment! Santa Fe is a charming town embraced by three mountain ranges, offering a temperate climate, historic interest and outdoor enjoyment. The city is a top tourist destination, a spiritual center, an art and culture mecca, a hub for fine dining and entertainment, and so much more! Santa Fe offers a truly authentic quality of life. The city spirals out from the center like a wagon wheel. Here are key aspects to the neighbor-hoods that make up this enchanting, world-class destination.

• Area with some of the most photographed adobe homes and gardens

• A mix of multi-generational families and newcomers

• The watershed area, the Randall Davey Audubon Center and the Dale Ball Hiking Trails

• Part of the old Sebastian De Vargas

  Distinction: Flowing out from Acequia Madre are historic homes of all sizes that are nestled behind adobe walls and accessed by intimate lanes

• Tree-lined streets climbing up the mountain to big views with Ponderosa pines and aspens

• Smaller casitas within walking distance to the Plaza or larger homes with views

• Near the beloved Santa Fe Plaza, and home of the Sotheby’s offices

• Many gated communities in the foothills rising up from the plaza

  Distinction: Location of charming pieds-à-terre to architectural masterpieces

• A haven of higher-end homes with million dollar views

• Only minutes to town or mountain trails for skiing, hiking and biking

• Condominiums and casitas at the base of the mountain

  Distinction: Home of the Santa Fe Ski Basin, the Santa Fe Institute, Ten Thousand Waves Japanese-style spa, and Bishops Lodge Resort

• West Alameda Corridor with both planned subdivisions and rural countryside

• Casa Solana: homes built by Stamm with wood floors, kiva fireplaces, vigas and yards

• Monte Sereno: Luxury homes with magnificent views and large lots, just 5 minutes to town

  Distinction: Below are homes along the Santa Fe River and above are homes in the hills with views of the city. Some of the larger, more rural lots are zoned horse properties

• A new, hip business district, alternative to the Historic Plaza

• Art Studios, the Farmers Market, shops, galleries and restaurants

• A neighborhood of smaller renovated adobes and contemporary lofts

  Distinction: The sacred Santuario de Guadalupe, parks and the Rail Runner train

• From high-end homes to the hospital, this vibrant area is prime real estate

• Canyon Road: Famous for its galleries, restaurants, shops and private homes

• Old Santa Fe Trail: Adobe homes and newer architectural structures

• South Capitol: A tapestry of styles from bungalows to brick, with old trees and sidewalks

  Distinction: Home of The Randall Davey Audubon Center, The Dale Ball Hiking Trails, The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, The Museum of International Folk Art, and The Wheelwright Museum

• The largest and fastest growing area of Santa Fe

• On the south-end of the city with lots of shopping and access to Hwy I-25

• Affordable and mid-priced homes, manufactured homes and apartments

  Distinction: Home of the Genoveva Chavez Community Center, a public multiplex sports center

• Spacious neighborhoods, some gated with bike/hike trails

• Newer homes with high-end finishes on larger tracts of land with big mountain views

• Aldea: Elegant patio homes on smaller lots built around a central plaza for residents

  Distinction: Home of the Marty Sanchez City Golf Course, Las Campanas the Santa Fe Airport and the world-famous Santa Fe Opera

• A 5,000-acre development with two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses

• Equestrian center, spa, clubhouse and much more

• A favorite destination for second-home owners, retirees and locals

  Distinction: Luxury living at its best; a resort community with world-class facilities

• Homes with views of the Rio Grande Valley

• Small villages and newer subdivisions, from fixer-uppers to grand haciendas

• Areas include Los Caminitos, Chupadero, Vista Redonda and Pueblo Encantado

  Distinction: Rancho Encantado is a destination resort located in this peaceful valley

• Picturesque village located along the Tesuque River

• Up in the hills are views of the Rio Grande Valley

• Small villages are interspersed with newer subdivisions on the hills

  Distinction: Famous for the Tesuque Market, Shidoni Foundry; and celebrity homes

• Some of the area is lower elevations and in the great plains

• Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains

• Many lots range from 2.5 acres to over 10 acres

  Distinction: A historic part of the Old Santa Fe Trail, many homes offer rustic character

• A rural corridor with over 2,500 acres

• Horse properties, wells and septic systems

• Lots are generally an acre to twenty acres

  Distinction: Historically was part of the old Sebastian De Vargas Grant

• Established bedroom community of about 6,000 residents

• One acre minimum lots with views, open plains and a quiet lifestyle

• Native piñon and juniper trees, grasses and open land

  Distinction: Commercial center, shopping, stables, elementary school and recreational center

• Quickly-expanding area with new construction

• Thoughtfully planned communities; Rancho Viejo, Nave Ade and others

• Recreation centers, schools and department store shopping

  Distinction: Includes the historic villages of La Cienega, La Cieneguilla, Pena Blanca and Cochiti

• Uniquely designed as a collection of villages, each with its own plaza

• Large open space with walking paths bordering the villages

• A sense of living amid nature with community amenities

• South of Santa Fe with family homes and close to shopping

  Distinction: Enjoy the Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts

• Designed for low and moderate priced family housing

• Santa Fe style and charm is found in these lovely, affordable properties

  Distinction: Quality, smaller homes close to shopping, schools and I-25

• An historic trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque

• Properties are 2.5 acres or more, known for wide open spaces

• Fewer building restrictions than in the city of Santa Fe

  Distinction: Located here is the famous Eaves Movie Ranch and old turquoise mining ruins

• Larger lots in the country

• Lower elevations with open views

• Mature cottonwoods in a rural setting

  Distinction: A destination stop on the famous Camino Real

• Northeast of Albuquerque along Highway 14–The Turquoise Trail

• Madrid is an artist and residential community with a boardwalk of charming shops

• North of Madrid is the older and more intimate community of Cerrillos

  Distinction: Historically both towns were mining communities and ghost towns

• Northern New Mexico

• Green, pastoral valley with small farms, adobe homes and charm

• Centrally located to Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico and Los Alamos

• Big views of the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

  Distinction: The beloved miracle church in Chimayo and the historic Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant

• Northern New Mexico

• Georgia O’Keeffe country with dirt roads, small rural communities and large ranches

• Big, open vistas, rock outcroppings and desert topography with views

• Located midway between Santa Fe and Taos, NM, and a gateway to Colorado

  Distinction: Hope of Ojo Caliente Hot Springs, Abiquiú and Vado Lakes, and historic homes

Best Things To Do In Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers so much—a diversity of outdoor activities, culture, museums, fine dining, and shopping. You can spend a lifetime exploring new adventures. Here a few of my favorites. Santafe.com is also a great source of information about all things Santa Fe.

Hiking and Biking

www.alltrails.com/us/new-mexico/santa-fe

Santa Fe is surrounded by majestic open space and miles of trails. Hiking soothes my soul. My favorites are Dale Ball Trails, Atalya Mountain Trail, Sun Mountain Trail, Piccacho Peak, and the Rail Trail for biking.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

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santafebotanicalgarden.org

Wander through the gardens celebrating our rich biodiversity, with changing exhibits of sculpture from artists across the nation. They host classes so you can learn to create your own Southwestern garden.

Ski Santa Fe

facebook.com/SkiSantaFe

skisantafe.com

Skiing is one of my passions. Located just 16 miles from downtown, Ski Santa Fe offers 83 trails with 1,725 vertical feet of skiing, a base elevation of 10,350 feet and an annual average of 225 inches of snowfall. I’d love to show you this great, friendly mountain

Bandelier National Monument

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nps.gov/band/index.htm

Explore a 1.4 mile loop trail through excavated Ancestral Pueblo dwellings among sheer-walled canyons. Kids love scrambling up ladders into the caves, searching for petroglyphs. The Tsankawi section, a smaller but no less fascinating site, is 12 miles from the main section of the park. with a 1.5 mile mesa trail. The monument also includes 23,000 acres of designated Wilderness.

Canyon Road

santafe.com/galleries/

In just a half-mile walk along Canyon Road, the heart of the city’s famed art scene, you’ll find more than a hundred galleries, artist studios, shops and restaurants. Lively art openings are a Friday night tradition. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

Loretto Chapel

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www.lorettochapel.com

This spiritual, architectural, and historical wonder is steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza. Learn about the mysterious legend of the Miraculous Spiral Staircase while you marvel at this charming chapel.

Meow Wolf

facebook.com/MeowWolfSantaFe
meowwolf.com/visit/santa-fe

The permanent exhibit created by a collaborative group of young artists is a treat for all ages! The mysterious multiverse of Meow Wolf  blends interactive art installations with a fantastical fun house in “House of Eternal Return.”

Santa Fe Farmers Market

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santafefarmersmarket.com

At this year-round market, you’ll find produce at the peak of freshness, meet local growers, discover local crafts, and enjoy live music and kid’s events. It’s truly a gathering place for the community. Tuesday and Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Santuario de Chimayo

www.holychimayo.us
www.chimayoarts.com
www.ranchodechimayo.com

It’s my tradition to walk to The Santuario de Chimayo on Good Friday. The National Historic Landmark and shrine is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the country. Also visit the Chimayo Trading and Mercantile for traditional arts and crafts, and Rancho de Chimayo, an old-world restaurant serving traditional New Mexican cuisine. It’s a wonderful day trip any time of year.

NEW MEXICAN

La Choza

905 Alarid St, 505-982-0909

One of the most popular and authentic eatery with colorful décor,Southwestern dishes, and a separate vegetarian menu. You might have to park on the street.

The Shed

113½ East Palace Ave, 505-982-9030

Local go-to for classic Southwestern fare housed in a circa-1692 hacienda with a cantina-style bar.

Atrisco Cafe and Bar

DeVargas Center, 505-983-7401

Colorful family-run cafe and bar serving seasonal New Mexican specialties, plus burgers and breakfast. Great margaritas frozen and on the rocks.

El Parisol

1833 Cerrillos Rd, 505-995-8015

Family-owned counter-service chain doing Mexican standards and homemade tortilla chips. Fresh, fast, and delicious!

Tomasita’s

500 S Guadalupe St, 505-983-5721

Popular with tourists, famed for its spicy chile, frozen margaritas, and outdoor patio.

Gabriel’s

4 Banana Lane, 505-455-7000

Just north of town, regional Southwestern cuisine in a warm space featuring guacamole made tableside and a garden patio with sunset views over Santa Fe.

HIGH END

The Bull Ring Steakhouse

150 Washington Ave, 505-983-3328

Comfortable, old-time steakhouse featuring chops and seafood along with great cocktails and weekday happy hour at the bar. Best escargot and wedge salad in town.

Radish & Rye

505 Cerrillos Rd, 505-930-5325

Intimate, refined locale with a warm farm-to-table feeling, featuring locally sourced New American plates, and a wide bourbon selection.

315 Restaurant and Wine Bar

315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-490-2898

Downtown intimate and romantic French eatery featuring seasonal fare, vast wine list, and twinkling white lights

Market Steer Steakhouse

210 Don Gaspar Ave, 505-992-6354

Award-winning chefs offer gourmet steaks, toppings, sauces and more in the grand dining room of the historic St. Francis Hotel.

Geronimo

724 Canyon Rd, 505-982-1500

Eclectic New American seasonal fine dining and wild game served amid elegant, minimalist decor in a circa-1756 adobe home.

Dinner for Two

106 N Guadalupe St, 505-820-2075

Elegant bistro known for table-side preparations, plus a menu of locally sourced fare and global wines. Spacious outdoor patio, and fun bar.

INTERNATIONAL

Jambo

2010 Cerrillos Rd, 505-473-1269

Chef Ahmed Obo’s African home-style fare includes jerk chicken, goat stew, plus wraps and pies in casual, cheerful space. Local favorite and affordable.

Cafecito

922 Shoofly St, 505-310-0089

Family-owned business blending the cultures of Argentina, Armenia, and Italy. Serving empanadas, pasta and great coffee!

Horno

95 W Marcy St, 505-303-3469

Italian-leaning gastropub where street food meets indoor dining. A new Santa Fe favorite, walking distance to the Plaza.

Paper Dosa

551 W Cordova Rd, 505-930-5521

Stylish, casual place with an artful vibe offering South Indian meals, wine and beer. Many vegetarian options and rich flavors.

Chow’s Asian Bistro

720 St Michaels Dr, 505-471-7120

Innovative takes on Chinese menu classics served in a refined but easygoing earth-toned setting. Elevated Asian cuisine!

FAMILY STYLE

Cowgirl BBQ

319 S Guadalupe St, 505 982-2565

New Mexican favorites and great monthly specials. Hidden: ask for the “ice cream baked potato.” Live music draws crowds at this popular cowgirl-themed spot.

Piccolino

2890 Agua Fria St, 505-471-1480

Family-owned delicious casual Italian fare with a full-on drive-through. Very popular and down home.

Boxcar

530 S Guadalupe St, 505-988-7222

Made-from-scratch bar food with live music, sports on big screens, many beers on tap, great nachos.and a popular brunch in the Railyard.

Dion’s

2014 Cerrillos Rd, 505-424-7333

Pizza, salads, and subs in a family atmosphere of ease and simplicity.

Clafouti

333 W Cordova Rd, 505-988-1809

Local favorite French country-style spot for exceptional house-made baked goods for light breakfast, brunch and lunch.

BARS

Inn of the Anasazi Bar and Lounge

113 Washington Ave, 505-988-3030

Elegant ambiance, Silver Coin margaritas, classic cocktails and locally brewed beers. Try the tequila table, where you can taste premium tequilas with unique food pairings.

Dragon Room

406 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-983-7712

Internationally known hot spot adjacent to the historic Pink Adobe, eclectic charm with trees growing through the floor and out the roof.

Coyote Rooftop Cantina

132 W Water St, 505-983-1615

Upstairs outdoor cafe for bird’s eye people watching, light fare from the famed Coyote cafe, and inventive cocktails. Excellent starters.

Tonic

103 E Water St, 505-982-1189

Cozy Art Deco downtown bar with craft cocktails and late-night live jazz Thursday-Saturday.

Rio Chama

414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-955-0765

Choose a cozy high-backed booth or the sociable wraparound bar for satisfying American cuisine, craft cocktails and a huge selection of whiskeys. Weekday fun happy hour.

Bell Tower Bar

La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St, 505-982-5511

Favorite rooftop bar for stunning sunsets and a view of the Plaza, with light snacks and tasty margaritas (open May-October).

Draft Station

60 E San Francisco St, 505-983-6443

Another bar overlooking the Plaza, serving regional craft beers, pizza and other Italian dishes in a hip setting.

COFFEE SHOPS

Iconik Lupe

314 S Guadalupe St, 505-428-0996

Hand-roasted specialty coffee and tea for tasty breakfast and lunch, inside or outside the gorgeous “ruinesque” patio.

Ohori’s

505 Cerrillos Rd, Suite B103, 505-982-9692

Locally owned micro-roasting coffee operation for over 25 years. Signature roasted Arabica coffee beans and teas, pastries and burritos, and merchandise.

Ecco Espresso & Gelato

128 E Marcy St, 505-986-9778

Finest quality Italian gelato, espresso, coffee, and lattes in pleasant downtown cafe. Homemade light take-out foods available.

Tea House

821 Canyon Rd, 505-992-0972

A variety of steeped teas from China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Santa Fe served with delicious main dishes and desserts with a lovely outdoor patio.

Kakawa Chocolate House

1050 E Paseo de Peralta, 505-982-0388

Exquisite drinking chocolate elixirs and unique truffles, caramels, solid dark chocolates and delicious homemade ice cream, served on Talavera crockery in a charming adobe cafe.

BAKERIES

Whole Foods

753 Cerrillos Rd, 505-992-1700

Coffee bar with tasty and wholesome baked goods, breakfast and brunch fare, seating inside or on the porch.

Sage Bakery

535 Cerrillos Rd, 505-820-7243

European-inspired cafe with an inviting terrace preparing artisan bread, pastries, and sandwiches on house-baked bread.

Chocolate Maven

821 W San Mateo Rd, 505-984-1980

Relaxed eatery featuring specialty coffee drinks, hot chocolates, high tea, hearty entrees and to-die-for desserts. Gluten-free friendly.

French Pastry Shop

La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St, 505-983-6697

Pastries, sweet and savory crepes in a quaint setting at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza.

Revolution Bakery

Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 505-346-2669

Best gluten-free deserts and bread in Santa Fe.

Museum Hill

www.museumhill.net/

This group of four museums celebrate art from our region and from around the world, including the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and (my favorite) the Museum of International Folk Art. There is a wonderful café on premise for an easy lunch and each museum houses its own gift shop.

New Mexico History Museum

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www.nmhistorymuseum.org/

The New Mexico History Museum, opened in May 2009, shows the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico for the last 400 years, with permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum complex includes Palace of the Governors. Dating back to 1610, it’s the oldest public building in continuous use constructed by European settlers. Under its portal on the Plaza, Native American artisans sell handmade jewelry and other crafts. Behind the adobe walls, visitors can find interpretive galleries and the Palace Press.

SITE Santa Fe

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sitesantafe.org

SITE Santa Fe brings a modern, innovative experience to the art scene. Since 1995, SITE Santa Fe has presented more than 90 contemporary art exhibitions, and works by hundreds of emerging and established artists from around the world. It’s located in the Railyard, walking distance to shops and restaurants.

Georgia O’Keeffe

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www.okeeffemuseum.org

Georgia O’Keeffe iconic images of the New Mexico landscape have inextricably linked her to the state. The small museum holds the world's largest collection of O'Keeffe's work with more than 3,000 of her paintings, drawings, and assorted works. Continually changing parts of the collection are on view throughout the year. This beautiful site is located right downtown.

Bradbury Science Museum

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www.lanl.gov/museum

The Bradbury Science Museum in downtown Los Alamos focuses on the history of the Los Alamos Laboratory, and exciting science and technology. More than 40 interactive exhibits include information on the Laboratory’s national security mission and research on life sciences, achievements in space, supercomputing, energy and the environment.