Hits: 9
Sunny and warm daily, cold and crisp nightly, December is a special time in Santa Fe. The Christmas eve festivities walking along Canyon Rd. and Acequia Madre are unique and heart-warming. The crowds have grown, but it is still one of the top five events in Santa Fe each year… Park inside the Paseo loop somewhere or look for park and ride arrangements that will deliver you to the foot of Canyon Road to start your experience. And remember to dress appropriately.
We are thankful for new snow on our mountain peaks, although our drought is still a long-term problem. Water in the high desert was never plentiful and in a city where water conservation is a religion, we still need to further reduce our thirsty plantings and shower with a friend.
As the legislature (and the hundreds of lobbyists) take over Santa Fe beginning mid-January, plan well ahead for lodging and rooms or dining at your favorite gastropub. It is a 60 day session so it will be mid March before you can park on Don Gaspar again, I predict.
The Rail Runner is still being discovered. Many I ask say they have yet to take a ride on this high-speed commuter train. Winter can be a fine time for an outing to the South. Grab a morning southbound and jump off the train in Bernalillo, Albuquerque, Belen or Las Lunas for lunch (don’t jump until the train stops). Back on the tracks you will enjoy scenic beauty both directions and arrive back in Santa Fe before dark. Take a book, your Nook or just party with your friends or family.
I cannot steer you toward the best shopping, but I do enjoy our numerous second-hand or slightly worn stores for great deals on items not available in plastic at a big box store. Shopping local is the cool thing to do and keeps your Santa Fe healthy and its worker bees happy.
Don’t even think about eating fast food from some national chain. You can enjoy any of approximately one hundred excellent restaurants here ranging from Northern New Mexico fare (don’t forget the tequila) to at least four choices for sushi (and sake). You can and you must!
Try our ski mountain; just head up Artist Road which turns into Hyde Park Road and takes you to Ski Santa Fe, one of the highest altitude ski centers in North America. It is unmatched right after a new dump of powder. Just completed is a huge new addition to the base lodge with all kinds of space to relax plus Totemoff’s can’t be missed for that hot chocolate break or a burger on the sundeck.
With top ranked opportunities for visitors to experience our art scene, our varied cultures and our unique history, don’t miss Canyon Road during the day when the galleries are open. Catch tapas at El Farol to recharge for the afternoon. Our museums are right on the Plaza and also all over Museum Hill. A weekly pass is the best value with unlimited access to displays in at least 6 locations.
Check out the ongoing work on the exterior of the oldest church in the USA, along Old Santa Fe Trail. Visit the Plaza after dark to experience the holiday lights. There is much you can see on foot, so try to leave that car parked for at least a day or two. Santa Fe Ride can get you from the Plaza to the Railyard for free if you don’t feel like walking. Your taxpayer dollars are at work!
Thank you for visiting this website and for visiting Santa Fe (if you are not a local). We are glad you are here.
Come back soon for information about those real estate deals you should consider! I know the market!
Alan Ball
