Getting a taste of what’s new in Santa Fe
santa fe » Like so many Denverites, I’d made the six-hour drive to Santa Fe before. But my recent trip reminded me that this city that preserves its Spanish influences while encouraging outrageous new art (both fine and epicurean) is a worthy one to visit again and again. If nothing else, it’s worth the journey south just to check out the new spectacle that isMeowWolf, see the renaissance happening at the Santa Fe Railyard or sample some tequila along the new margarita trail. If you have a long weekend, here are some building blocks for a 72-hour itinerary in Santa Fe. (No passport needed— because, seriously, the tourism bureau does get asked that question).
Try to solveMeowWolf
It’s true— MeowWolf could be adding a Denver location. But until then, treat yourself to the multisensory affair that’s taken over an old bowling alley in Santa Fe. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a giant robot greeting you.
The space offers a little bit of everything, from a stage that hosts concerts to free arcade games. Adding to the cool factor: MeowWolf’s main benefactor is George R.R. Martin, the author of “Game of Thrones.” But the main attraction is the House of Eternal Return. Step into the exhibit and it feels like you’ve been teleported into a sci-fi film. The quick back story: The family that once lived in the home has disappeared, and you’re left to solve the mystery— and it’s A-OK to sidestep federal law in this fictional exhibit and actually dig through their mailbox in your quest for clues. And don’t feel too nosy opening up their
refrigerator, which may be a portal leading to another dimension.
You’re on your own to figure out the mind-bending mystery. But we will solve another one for you. At the collective’s first meeting, everyone present put two words in a hat, and two were selected at random. That’s how the name “MeowWolf” came about.
1352 Rufina Circle, 505-3956369, meowwolf.com
Explore Santa Fe’s art districts
Santa Fe is teeming with galleries, and you could spend your entireweekend exploring Canyon Road, downtown Santa Fe and The Railyard and still not make it to all of the 250-some galleries. So here’s a quick guide: If you’re here on a Friday, look for opening receptions in the Canyon Road arts
district, a thoroughfarewith centuries-old adobes filled with Western, American Indian and contemporary art. If you can just visit a fewalong Canyon Road, some of the noteworthy stops include Adobe Gallery, Canyon Road Contemporary Art, Gallery 901 andMeyer Gallery.
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses not just her artwork, but also personal possessions, photographs and documents from her life. Through Oct. 28, you can get a special glimpse of her time at theUniversity of Virginia, a periodwhen her artistic practice shifted.
To get a peek at what’s up-andcoming, check out the 50-acre Railyard Arts District, which finished a major renovation in 2008 and has breathed new life into a warehouse precinct. Here you’ll find big, modern galleries, as well as shops, restaurants and a farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday year-round and on Tuesdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. July through September. Tailgate at the opera
A little-known tradition in Santa Fe is tailgating before the opera at the Crosby Theater. No need to get gussied-up in gowns and tuxedos, though you can if you like. But you’ll also be among operagoers outfitted in their boots, cowboy hats and best turquoise enjoying tacos and beer. The parking lot opens three hours before curtain, so you can catch sunset while eating a picnic dinner you bring in— and bring a white tablecloth for the picnic tables if you dressed smart and want your dinner to match.
301 Opera Drive, 800-280-4654, santafeopera.org Indulge on the chocolate trail
Santa Fe has a trail to showcase its finest chocolatiers. If you can only make it to one, venture to the KakawaChocolateHouse (1050 Paseo De Peralta, 505-982-0388, kakawachocolates.com) for a chocolate elixir such as the rose almond elixir, which has a big bite of chili and is balanced out with roasted nut and floral flavors. Others on the trail includeTheChocolatesmith, which specializes in dark chocolate, andTodos Santos Chocolates andConfections, which has sweets shaped likemilagros, or small charms in silver and gold, offered up to saints.
Indulge more, on themargarita trail
We’ve covered the sweets— now moving on to the salty rims. Santa Fe claims to be the first city to import tequila fromMexico. As a nod to the past, the city in 2016 launched a margarita trail. Already, 31 restaurants have created specialty margaritas for the trail. You can get a passport for $3 and collect stamps at the participating establishments. You’ll find some “only-in-Santa Fe” type of margaritas on the trail, including one at Del Charro, which barrel-ages Double Barrel Tequila Reposado from Casa Herradura with green chiles for a spicy kick. Another one, the Smoked Sage Margarita at Secreto Bar and Lounge, sets a sage leafΣ on fire and traps the smoke in the shaker before mixing in the reposado tequila, lime and orange liqueur. Learn more, and see the map, at santafe.org. Take a cooking class
The arts come in many forms. At the Santa Fe School of Cooking you’re in the capable hands of expert chefs likeMichelle Chavez, who fires lots of brilliant and quippy one-liners such as “I like to think of food as a really tasty history lesson.” Chefs regularly lead red or green chileworkshops, and they can teach you howto master rellenos, tamales and tacos. A notable class is cooking inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe,
where you’ll learn recipes featured in the book “A Painter’s Kitchen: Recipes from the Kitchen of Georgia O’Keeffe.” 125 N. Guadalupe St., 505-9834511, santafeschoolofcooking.com Chill at the spa
Whether you’re on a solo vacation, romantic getaway or a trip with friends, Ten Thousand Waves spa is a worthy retreat. This pastoral oasis is just 10 minutes away from downtown, but you’re surrounded by piñons and junipers in outdoor hot tubs that are inspired by Japanese mountain hot spring resorts, making you feel a world away. A standout on the spa menu is the signature Japanese shiatsu massage.
21 Ten ThousandWavesWay, 505-982-9304, tenthousandwaves.com Twomust-see historical sites
“The City Different” blends American Indian, Spanish and Anglo cultures. Descendants of the Paleo-Indianswere the original settlers of the area and the architects of the adobe structures that define Santa Fe. In the 1600s, Spanish settlers searching for gold brought with them a cadre of Catholic priests, with remaining adobe mission churches hinting at Spanish influence.
Needless to say, this city is brimming with history. While in town, you can visit SanMiguel Mission (401 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-983-3974, sanmiguelchapel.org), which is known as the oldest church in the United States. It was built in 1610, and the foundation of the original church can be seen under the sanctuary. Historians believe part of the structure was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 but was rebuilt.
Nearby, the Loretto Chapel (207 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505-9820092, lorettochapel.com) is another famed Santa Fe landmark. You can learn about the famed legend of the “Miraculous Staircase” built by a mysterious carpenter with just a saw, a carpenter’s square, a hammer and tubs to soak the wood. Legend has it that after the staircase was completed, he left without payment.