Santa Fe

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Chip and I traveled to New Mexico to experience the Santa Fe area in the Fall of 2002. The following pages describe our wonderful experiences in this delightful region. These pages summarize what we learned.

Known for its golden light and indigo skies, Santa Fe is one of the most charming, beautiful, and inspiring cities in the U.S. The city was established by the Spanish explorers about 450 years ago along a native trade route to Taos. The Spanish were following routes north from Mexico with hopes of discovering the legendary "7 Cities of Gold" (with plans to carry the gold back to Spain, no doubt).

It is the state's capital and is in the northern part of New Mexico, about 60 miles from Albuquerque. It is the oldest state capital in the U.S.

Renowned for its art galleries, museums, fine restaurants, spiritual tranquillity, clear sunshine, quaint bed and breakfast establishments, luxurious resorts and spas, and diverse cultures, the city comes alive during the summer months of May through September with arts and music festivals. It is also home to an increasing number of Hollywood celebrities.

It has its own airport but we chose to go via Albuquerque where there are more flights and the air fares are cheaper.

The car rental offices were all housed in a brand new building quite close to the airport that's about 10 mins. away. It's like an airport terminal that housed the car rental companies. Extra traffic has been eliminated by providing shuttle buses run by a single company that transports travelers between the car rental pavilion and the airport.

I'm glad we went in mid September when the crowds were gone but the days still comfortably warm, the nights pleasantly envigorating, and the aspen foliage have started to display its brilliant fall colors.

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