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Santa Fe
Pecos National Monument
(Photo: Dave G. Houser)
Arts and Culture

In late summer, Santa Fe’s marquee events are plenty, and the city swells as visitors come for the Spanish, Indian, and folk art markets. Additionally, Santa Fe’s performing arts groups, most notably the Santa Fe Opera, are busy. Some locals may consider a Canyon Road Art Walk cliché; nevertheless, it’s a quintessential event and a fun way to spend a Friday evening. We also suggest a trip to Museum Hill—explore four world-class museums and dine at the Museum Hill Café. Beyond the many cultural pursuits, a true Santa Fe experience includes taking in the high-desert scenery. Take a drive on the High Road to Taos or hike a trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.



WHAT TO DO

Canyon Road Art Walk
More than 100 galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants line this acclaimed artery. “On Friday nights, pick up a copy of ‘Pasatiempo,’ ” says Coles-Christensen. “It gives the rundown of the art events so you can make a plan. During the summer season, there may be 15 to 20 openings.” www.canyonroadarts.com.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Maxon-Edgerton suggests exploring the region via the railroad, which originates in Chama, about two hours from Santa Fe. 888/286-2737, www.cumbrestoltec.com.

Day trip to Taos
“Go out into the countryside,” says Trowbridge. She recommends taking the High Road to Taos for a scenic route, but take the highway back. Heading to Taos, stop off in Chimayo for lunch at Rancho de Chimayó. “Go on a Sunday when everyone is coming from Mass,” she says. 575/751-8800, www.taoschamber.com. Rancho de Chimayó: Santa Fe County Rd. 98, 505/351-4444, www.ranchodechimayo.com.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
O’Keeffe first visited Santa Fe in 1929, and from then on, the city’s enchanting landscape influenced her work. 217 Johnson St., 505/946-1000, www.okeeffemuseum.org.

The Lensic
Built in 1931 as a film and vaudeville house, this renovated theater is now the city’s performing arts center. 211 West San Francisco St., 505/988-7050, www.lensic.com.

María Benitez Teatro Flamenco
“Not to be missed,” says Maxon-Edgerton of the theater company founded by performer and choreographer María Benitez. “Years ago, I saw her continue to dance after losing the heel from her shoe; the performance was electric.” The company will perform in Santa Fe through August 24. The Institute for Spanish Arts, 505/955-8562, www.mariabenitez.com.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Part of Museum Hill, it has more than a million exhibition-quality objects, including textiles, pottery, baskets, and contemporary art. 710 Camino Lejo, 505/476-1250, www.indianartsandculture.org.

Museum of International Folk Art
Home to the world’s largest collection of folk art. “They have a Folk Art Market that is becoming enormous,” says Coles-Christensen. “It brings folk artists from all over the world. You can get all of your Christmas shopping done.” July 12–13, Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, 505/476-1200, www.internationalfolkart.org.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
“I rarely have time to pamper myself, but when I do, I head here for my hot springs and outdoor experience,” says Maxon-Edgerton. “I enjoy a private arsenic spring soak and then the Milagro Relaxation Wrap.” 50 Los Baños Dr., Ojo Caliente, 800/222-9162, www.ojocalientespa.com.

Palace of the Governors
Built in 1610 as New Mexico’s second capitol, the palace is now the state’s history museum. American Indian artists and craftsmen sell their works under the portal facing the Plaza. 105 West Palace Ave., 505/476-5100, www.palaceofthegovernors.org and www.newmexicoindianart.org.

Pecos National Monument
“Drive out to Pecos National Monument, about 30 minutes outside of town,” suggests Coles-Christensen. “It’s the site of an old Indian village and Spanish settlement and is an introduction to how old Santa Fe is and why it is important.” 505/757-7200, www.nps.gov/peco.

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Enjoy distinguished and emerging musicians as they perform at more than 80 concerts, recitals, and open rehearsals at various venues. July 20–Aug. 25, 888/221-9836, www.sfcmf.org.

Santa Fe Farmers Market
“The Farmers Market on Saturday has everything,” says Coles-Christensen. “There is a lot of good produce, but the highlight for me is the musicians. My kids go for the apple slushies.” 505/983-4098, www.santafefarmersmarket.com.

Santa Fe National Forest
“You have to spend time outside here,” says Trowbridge. “Go for a hike at Big Tesuque.” Tesuque Peak Road Trail, 505/438-7840, www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe.

The Santa Fe Opera
This amazing venue allows you to watch the sun set as you take in top-notch performances from late June through August. The 2008 season includes The Marriage of Figaro, Falstaff, Radamisto, and more. 17053 U.S. Hwy. 84-285, 505/986-5900, www.santafeopera.org.

SITE Santa Fe
This contemporary arts venue is an anchor in the burgeoning Railyard District. This year it hosts its seventh annual International Biennial, featuring 22 emerging artists from around the globe. 1606 Paseo de Peralta, 505/989-1199, www.sitesantafe.org.

Spanish and Indian markets
“These are a big deal for people who collect Southwestern art,” says Trowbridge. “Famous artists attend, and people get in line at dawn to purchase the one-of-a-kind pieces.” Spanish Market: July 26–27, Downtown Plaza, www.spanishmarket.org; Indian Market: Aug. 23–24, Santa Fe Plaza, www.swaia.org.

Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market
“You’ll find vintage boots, jewelry, and clothing,” says Trowbridge. “It’s held Friday through Sunday in the summer.” Seven miles north of Santa Fe on U.S. Highway 84-285, near the Santa Fe Opera, 505/670-2599, www.tesuquepueblofleamarket.com.

Theater Grottesco
“A must for anyone interested in seeing original material,” says Maxon-Edgerton. 551 West Cordova Rd., Ste. 8400, 505/474-8400, www.theatergrottesco.org.



SOURCES: Susan Trowbridge, S. Trowbridge & Co., 505/995-8214.
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