March 2005
Known for: Folk art, desert landscapes, and zesty Southwestern dishes
Active pursuits: Spend an early morning drifting silently over the desert and the Rio Grande on a balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders (800-725-2477, www.rainbowryders.com). Outside the city, take an archaeological tour of the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, a landscape carved into the debris of volcanoes that erupted six to seven million years ago, leaving behind a rich deposit of marine fossils and cone-shaped formations rising 90 feet. Wind down with a hot stone massage at Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Health Spa (505-982-9304, www.tenthousandwaves.com). If your creativity needs an outlet, sign up for an outdoor pastel class with local landscape artist Jane Shoenfeld (505-986-1108) at a scenic location such as the Randall Davey Audubon Center. No experience is required, and materials are supplied. Cap off your trip with a sunset horseback ride with Broken Saddle Riding Company in nearby Cerrillos (505-424-7774, www.brokensaddle.com); after the ride, the horses may steer you toward the porch for nibbles of oats in the tack room.
Must-see sights: Artistic inspiration is everywhere in Santa Fe—in the sky, the mountains, and the cliffs where layers of lava have settled into wavy ribbons. You can see the results in the crafts of the Native American artisans who
display their creations, from silver and turquoise jewelry, to pottery and leatherwork, along the sidewalks of the Plaza, in the heart of the city. Nearby, browse shops like Keshi (505-989-8728, www.keshi.com), with its collection of Zuni fetishes. Learn about the intricate animal carvings that the Zuni people have used for more than 1,000 years to remind them of their connection with these animals. Take time to visit the works of renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe at the museum that bears her name (505-995-0785, www.okeeffemuseum.org), as well as the Museum of International Folk Art (505-476-1200, www.museumofnewmexico.com), one of the country's largest collections of folk art.
Tempt your taste buds: To make your spring break a learning experience, start at Maria's (505-983-7929, www.marias-santafe.com) for a crash course in margaritas (at last count the selection surpassed 100). You may want to keep a beverage at hand: Chiles, especially green chiles, are seemingly used in everything, including sauces, stews, and salads. Many regional foods also feature corn and calabacita (squash). The cuisine at the Corn Maiden restaurant (505-771-6037) is inspired by traditional cooking methods; selections include slow-cooked skewered meats and terra cotta–baked veal. The focus at the Anasazi Restaurant (505-988-3236) is on foods of the earth from Native Americans, such as grilled corn tortilla and lime soup; foods of the soul from northern New Mexico, like chayote—sweet potato hash; and foods of substance inspired by the American cowboy, perhaps Montana buffalo osso buco with a red wine reduction and ancho-basil polenta.
Rest your head here: Inn on the Alameda (800-289-2122, www.inn-alameda.com) is within walking distance of the Plaza and features handmade furniture and kiva fireplaces that set a decidedly Southwestern mood.
For more information on Santa Fe: 800-777-2489; www.santafe.org
