Santa Fe was the first designated UNESCO Creative City for craft and folk arts and design, and with its 250 galleries boasts the third largest art market in the country.
With jaw-dropping 360-degree mountain views, more than 325 days of glorious sunshine a year, perfect sunsets and 1.5million acres of pristine national forest, Santa Fe is a naturally inspired setting for a retreat from the ordinary.
As the country's oldest capital city at 406 years old, and with the highest elevation in the country at 7000 feet, Santa Fe is the perfect place to start your own adventure.
The Plaza, the epicentre of downtown Santa Fe and the Palace of the Governors, known as the oldest continuously occupied government building in the United States - were built in 1609 and 1610 respectively. Native American artisans from some of New Mexico's 22 pueblos and tribes still sell jewelery beneath the Palace's long portal as they have done for hundreds of years.
The unique blend of Native American, Spanish and Anglo cultures influences everything from local architecture to art to jewellery and cuisine.
Santa Fe has been rated the number two small city to visit in the US!
Museum
View of the main street
Arriving at the market
Late morning, we were getting a little hungry so we lined up at the Plaza Cafe for brunch. It was an extremely busy cafe with hispanic staff. We shared a brekky plate and then David had eyed-off the dessert cabinet and asked if we could have a piece of Key Lime Pie...... Delicioso!!! It was massive -we asked for 2 spoons.....
It would appear that this cafe has a long history of serving excellent food! Certainly since the 1905!
The Plaza Cafe, Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, has been serving highly acclaimed, authentic traditional dishes since 1905. In 1947, Dan Razatos, a Greek immigrant with an American dream, took over the Plaza Cafe and his family has been feeding Santa Fe ever since. Dan married a local girl named Beneranda and together they ran the Plaza and raised six children. As their children grew they all worked at the Plaza and helped to create what the restaurant is today.
The Razatos family kept the traditional cooking methods and flavor combinations of New Mexico and added some recipes from Greece, all the while keeping with the classic American diner experience. This is why you’ll find everything from blue corn green chile carne asada enchiladas with a warm pillowy sopaipilla to chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gyro with a Greek salad on the side.
Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza you won’t find a better view or atmosphere while you enjoy an authentic New Mexican experience. A favorite among locals and movie stars alike, everyone finds what they are looking for at the Plaza.
Toured around for a while longer after lunch. Met some lovely stall holders who were friendly, especially when we said we were from Australia.
David was a little thirsty so we found an establishment called the 'Draft Station' and we went in so David could try some New Mexico draft beers. He had a 'La Cumbre' elevated IPA - he was impressed.
We left at about 3pm. Had to find our hotel and check in. Needed a couple of things so walked across the road to find 'The Home Depot' and then to the neighbouring 'Walmart'. In the car park we saw a man roasting green chillies so we took some photos. They smelled really good!
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