Santa Fe, cont.

Yesterday was my second (and last) full day in Santa Fe, and before I forget all the little details, I wanted to get something up here.

Conquering Canyon Road was my goal for the day – it’s sort of a hike from the main Plaza, but about a mile in length, it hosts about 120 galleries/stores.  Santa Fe is the third largest city in the country for art (Los Angeles, and recently San Francisco top it), so I definitely wanted to check it out.  What I learned:  just because there is a lot of art, does not mean that it is good art.  Maybe it is just because I have such sophisticated taste (haha), but I found a lot of it really ugly.  Highlights of the ugly, include stuff like these two trapeze guys:

After walking up and down Canyon Road for about four hours, I decided my favorite art was actually from a group of older women who were out water coloring a cute Adobe house. If they were willing to sell their paintings, I probably would have walked away with a few.  

But instead, I found a ring by a local artist:

AND… my very own pair of cowboy boots!  Who knows when I’m going to wear these things (I take that back, I am in Texas now…), but I picked up a pair of used ones at Cowboyz for less than a tenth of the price of new ones I had seen the day before, and they sure are cute!  Now I just need a cowboy to go with them. ;)

Lastly, I have to mention dinner last night.  AMAZING!  Definitely one of the best meals I’ve had in as long as I can remember.  The concierge at The Inn at Anasazi (where I stayed) recommended heading over to the O’Keefe Café (next to the Georgia O’Keefe museum, which I actually went to on my first day and greatly enjoyed).  Dinner started with a complimentary glass of champagne and plate of brie, pancetta, and cornichon with pesto (sweet!).  I ordered the crispy shrimp and jicama salad to start, which came with mandarin oranges and a citrus vinaigrette that was delicious.  For my entrée, I had diver scallops over wild mushroom and truffle risotto – BEST THING EVER.  The waiter actually told me I ordered the best thing on the menu, and it definitely did not disappoint.  Neither did the chef coming out at the end of the meal to check in and see how it was – such a nice gesture.  I would be a regular for sure if I lived in Santa Fe (well, and if I were rich, let’s be honest…).  It was the perfect ending to a great stay in Santa Fe.  

I heart Santa Fe

I've been dreaming of going to Santa Fe for a while now, and I can honestly say it is living up to my expectations.  This town is so cute!  I arrived last night, and early on stumbled upon a town festival that included live music, local food, jewelry vendors and tarot readings.  After that, margaritas at La Fonda, which is the oldest hotel in the United States.  The margarita legacy draws a crowd, and last night was no exception as a band trio played music for a local group of dancers (okay, it was country music which I hate, and I was by far the youngest person there by about 3 decades, but it was nice to see the old folk having such a good time...).

Speaking of old, I did feel like I got a (probably much-needed) history lesson today.  Who knew Santa Fe was the second oldest city in the U.S?  They not only have the oldest hotel in the country, but also the oldest church (San Miguel), the oldest public building (Palace of the Governors) and the oldest house.  Spain conquered New Mexico and set Santa Fe as the capital in 1609, and a lot of the buildings date back to that time.  

In addition to the buildings/art I have enjoyed some delicious food.  This morning I had breakfast at Tia Sophia's, which is a local hangout (and of course I felt so cool having read about it beforehand).  My breakfast burrito was about the size of my head (and Santa Fe claims to have invented this amazing concoction as well).  And tonight, I ate at The Shed, having really great, although excruciatingly spicy, fish tacos and tasted their local brew - Santa Fe Pale Ale (Karen, aren't you proud!?).  

Tomorrow's plan is to head to Canyon Road, which boasts 120 galleries - should be fun.  And, I was thinking about buying a pair of cowboy boots, you know, to wear ironically, but when I went to Back at the Ranch this afternoon (which advertises as having the largest selection of custom boots), I discovered the pair I liked cost $1600 - what?!  So yeah, maybe I'll be buying a cowboy boot keychain instead.

Statue of St. Francis with the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum in the background (which is unfortunately closed until the end of the month).

San Miguel Chapel - oldest church in the country.

La Fonda

A glimpse of the local art - more to come tomorrow.