Welcome to our “City Different.” There are numerous free publications about museums, history, dining, places of interest, maps, etc. that you can pick up upon arrival. Following, we have compiled a list of some of our favorites that are more off-the-beaten track. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Experience a walk up Canyon Road in photos
Within Walking Distance of the Plaza –
East Side
La Fonda (hotel at the “end of the Santa Fe Trail”)
Monday & Tuesday nights – check out Burt Dalton Trio, world-class jazz free in the bar
Sena Plaza (East Palace, across from the Cathedral) Amazingly lush courtyard surrounded by a 33-room adobe mansion, now stores.
Casa Sena Restaurant is a lovely place to lunch in the courtyard. At night the Cantina offers off-Broadway cabaret-type entertainment (reservations required).
Mission Cafe (239 East DeVargas, just to the west of the Chapel of San Miguel, between Old Pecos Trail and Paseo de Peralta) A charming old adobe with outside gardens in front. 983-3033
Nedra Matteuucci Gallery (1705 Paseo de Peralta at Acequia Madre) Don’t miss discovering the most incredible gardens with ponds and sculptures. Go into and through the gallery to the back door.
Downtown Subscription & Garcia Street Books (just around the corner from the Mettatucci Gallery at the intersection of Acequia Madre and Garcia Street) Local coffee and newsstand hangout. Inside seating and patio. The independent book store is a delight and often hosts author readings and signings. A must for the bibliophile or to find the right present: books and cards about the area.
The Tea House (at the east end of Canyon Rd, corner of Palace Ave) No trip to Santa Fe is complete without walking up Canyon Road and exploring as many galleries as you can. When you’re in need of a break, try this wonderful tea house in an old adobe, with outside seating. Now serving wine and beer as well as amazing teas and food.
The weirdest store: SpiritWerks (533 Old Santa Fe Trail, one block south of Paseo de Peralta on east side of street, open odd hours. Call 989-7550) features “Our Lady of Menopause” and other strange stuff.
Kaune’s Foodtown (511 Old Santa Fe Trail, corner of Paseo de Peralta) Open M-Sat 8:30-6:50, a real small-town grocery store with a deli and gourmet goodies.
Within Walking Distance of the Plaza – West Side
Guadalupe & Railyard District (walk along the river to Guadalupe St., turn south) Local shops and restaurants to explore. Sanbusco Market Center is one block to the west on Montezuma St. with Borders Books, World Market, restaurants & shops. Just south of Montezuma is the Railyard with tourist train rides to Lamy and the Rail Runner commuter train between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. A long block further south (at the corner of Guadalupe & Paseo de Peralta) is the Farmer’s Market held Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7:30 – Noon, Site Santa Fe, Warehouse 21 (for young adults), Museo Cultural and the best contemporary art galleries.
North to Tesuque (Ta-sue-key)
Shidoni Foundry & Sculpture Garden – north on Bishop’s Lodge Rd. about 4 miles toward Tesuque, on your left. A glassblowing studio and woodworker’s gallery also on site. A little further north, turn left at the stop sign and park for the Tesuque Market, good food to eat in or take out.
East toward the Ski Area & National Park
Ten Thousand Waves, Hyde Park Road, about 3 miles from the Plaza, 982-9304 for reservations. in Exquisite Japanese style architecture. Soak in private or communal hot tubs, sauna rooms and cold pools. Then relax with spa treatments or a massage.
Walking/Jogging: There are concrete trails along the Santa Fe River (it’s not really a river!) on East Alameda. The east side also has miles of dirt trails, some starting near the Audubon Center at the east end of Upper Canyon Road – ask me for directions.
Eating Downtown
There are more than 200 restaurants in Santa Fe. The more famous and pricey are well-known, like Geronimo, The Compound, Inn at the Anazasi, Fuego’s (at La Posada), The Old House (at the Eldorado Hotel), Santacafe, Pink Adobe,.
Here are more “local’s” choices:
The Plaza Restaurant, west side of the Plaza -- fun and funky, breakfast or lunch
Café Paris Bakery, west of the Plaza in Burro Alley -- big cups of coffee & great sweets
Bishop’s Lodge , 4 mi north of Plaza at Bishop’s Lodge Resort -- bar menu is good and sitting on the patio at sunset is divine
Staab House, in La Posada– drinks, munchies and a good bar menu often accompanied by live music
Il Vicino, W. San Francisco St. next to the Eldorado Hotel -- fresh salads and gourmet pizzas, wine and their own brews, indoor or outside patio; cheap and good
Guadalupe Café, 422 Old Santa Fe Trail – Reliably good Mexican in old adobe next to the Round House (State Capitol), outside patio
Dinner For Two, on Guadalupe at W. San Francisco St. -- excellent food & service in romantic ambiance; reasonable
Los Mayas, 409 W. Water St. -- good Mexican, often live music, reasonable for lunch
Pranzo’s, 504 Montezuma, Sanbusco Market Center -- Italian, local favorite
El Tesoro Café, Sanbusco Market Center -- Central American cuisine, lunch only, cheap
© Aysha Griffin 2010
