Blog Articles

Dive deeper into Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico with articles, videos, and more.

2025 Events at Las Golondrinas - Where History Is Alive in Santa Fe

Every year, there are a variety of fun family events at El Rancho de las Golondrinas . Visiting Las Golondrinas is one of the top things to do in Santa Fe for the June to October season. This wonderful living history museum serves as a valuable reminder of the area’s Native American and Spanish cultures, the settlers' traditions, and their staunch perseverance in the face of tumultuous times. Join Las Golondrinas Living History Museum as it comes to life this summer.

Top Santa Fe Events & The Best Time to Visit

UPDATED MAY 2025

First things first. If you’d like to receive our free Mini Guide Maps piece in advance of your arrival, and you’re located within the U.S., send your full mailing address to [email protected] and I will send you the best three maps to acquaint yourself with points of interest, top restaurants, shops, galleries, and activities in and around Santa Fe.

I'm often asked, when is the best time to visit Santa Fe? But there is always a good reason to come here!

Three Days In Santa Fe - Explore History, Food Culture, Art, and the Great Outdoors

UPDATED MAY 2025

With so many options of things to do, places to eat, stay and play in Santa Fe, travelers often ask me for some itinerary ideas to help them make the most of their often limited time here. Three days is a very popular vacation duration for many travelers. I've put together a sample itinerary for three days in Santa Fe to help you get an idea of the broad scope of things to do here. This particular itinerary offers a variety of interests from history, food culture, and art to outdoor adventures. If your tastes vary, you can also reference

Ten Fun Things To Do in Santa Fe This Summer

UPDATED APRIL 2025

FREE MAPS: To get acquainted with our area, email me at [email protected] with your full name and mailing address in the U.S and I will mail you the best FREE Mini Guide Map. Maps include the downtown area, City Major Streets and northern New Mexico day trip points of interest, and my top curated recommendations on where to eat, and play and shop etc.

We are so lucky to have such a wide array of uni

Five Days in Santa Fe for Art & Food Lovers!

UPDATED MAY 2025

First things first, you’ll want a map to orient you to the area. Send me an email with your name and U.S mailing address to [email protected] and I will send you the best one for free. The Santa Fe Selection Mini Guide Maps piece offers three easy reference maps with ideas on where to eat, shop, play and more in Santa Fe & surrounding areas.

Santa Fe is one of the to

Fun Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids

UPDATED MAY 2025

If you're coming to Santa Fe - bring the kids, there are many unique adventures to keep the whole family entertained year-round. With Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Break coming up, here are some suggestions for fun things to do with kids and families.

First, contact me for your free Mini Guide Map, if you're within the U.S. Email [email protected], include your full mailing address and I will send you the best, easy-reference Mini Guide. It offers three maps showing all you need to acquaint yourself with the area: Native pueblos, points of interest, historic downtown, Northern New Mexico and the major streets through Santa Fe, and my curated recommendations on unique shops, top restaurants, galleries, museums, and more. Remember to check my online travel guide for even more of my curated suggestions on where to stay, eat, things to do, shop, galleries, museums etc., at

San Miguel Chapel - History & Community

San Miguel Chapel is known as the oldest sanctified church in the United States. It is a much-loved, iconic landmark dating back to 1610. The chapel sits on the site of an ancient kiva that was sacred to the original Native American inhabitants, and which dates back to the 1300s.

Franciscan priests directed the construction of the chapel, which was built by indigenous Mexican Tlaxcalans, who arrived with the Spanish settlers led by Don Juan Oñate around 1598. It was then known as La Hermita de San Miguel (Shrine of Saint Michael).

San Miguel Chapel view from Old Santa Fe Trail. Photo 2019 courte

Rafting New Mexico

UPDATED MAY 2025 River rafting and water activities in New Mexico are some of the best in the Southwest. A short drive north of Santa Fe and you've got world-class whitewater and gorgeous canyons without the crowds.
Matthew Gontram, owner of New Mexico River Adventures, offers his professional insight into the river conditions this year: "Even during drought years in the west, you can always get your whitewater fix here in Northern New Mexico. Many people expect the water levels to be less favorable if we've had low snowpack in winter, but, unlike our neighbors to the north, the water levels on the Rio Grande are never too low to enjoy a fun-filled day of rafting, kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding."
NMRA is our favorite outfitter in Northern New Mexico. Their professionalism and s

Winter Markets in Santa Fe

UPDATED MARCH 2025 If you missed the big summer markets it's good to know you can plan your visit for the holiday season and still catch a few big winter markets in Santa Fe. There are plenty of opportunities to buy wonderful, unique gifts of Native art, folk art and local artisanal works in November and December.

The Santa Fe Artists Market is the longest running, highly popular arts market. It happens every Saturday morning from March through December, so if you're here for the holidays, you can always find unique gifts for friends and family. It is located at The Railyard alongside the railroad tracks, just past the water tower. You can easily spot their white tents offering beautiful works of all varieties from local juried artists and artisans. Visitors and locals enjoy Santa Fe's best in pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, furniture, textiles and more.

Montecristi Custom Hatworks - Timeless

Since1978, Montecristi Custom Hatworks has been established as the world's finest custom hatter. Visiting Milton Johnson's workshop is a must for anyone looking for a beautiful and functional hat! Montecristi Custom Hatworks is situated on McKenzie Street, in Santa Fe's downtown residential district, just a few blocks from the historic Plaza. What once was an adobe home is now a quietly bustling hive of the international hat-making industry.

Santa Fe: Holiday Season Things To Do in November & December

UPDATED MAY 2025

Santa Fe is an ideal place to enjoy the holidays with plenty of fun things to do in November and December - from Thanksgiving to Christmas and through New Year's. From mid-November it's easy to get in the festive mood as Santa Fe dresses the part; adobe parapets lined with farolitos, cedar and piñon burning in fireplaces, and the abundance of sweet-smelling spruce trees create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Cowgirl BBQ Celebrating 25 Years in Santa Fe!!!

For twenty-five years, this bustling hub known as The Cowgirl BBQ has served up dependably delicious food, drink and live entertainment and established itself as one of Santa Fe's fun and much-loved characters. On June 2nd, 2018, from noon till close, The Cowgirl will be serving up food, fun, music, and more for their "25th Anniversary Block Party Celebration!"

The restaurant first started out as The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Santa Fe. Back in the late 1980s, two ladies, Texan Sherry Delamarter and C

Ancient Wisdom Retreats in Santa Fe

The ancient wisdom of horses, yoga, and meditation come together at the beautiful Thunderbird Ridge to offer a unique variety of transformational sessions and retreats. The only equipment you'll need is an ounce of curiosity and a willingness to explore an immersive, life-changing experience.

The beautiful herd at Thunderbird Ridge captured in action by Photographer Tony Stromberg.

The wellness retreat is more important than ever as life’s challenges intensify in the digital age. The relentless daily stress of being so “plugged in” makes it hard to feel truly connected with yourself or others on any meaningful level.

The equine experience does not involve rid

The Fresh Face of El Farol

At more than 180 years old, El Farol is without doubt the oldest, most iconic restaurant and bar in Santa Fe. Thanks to her new owners, Rich Freedman and Freda Scott, this world-renowned, much-loved landmark just underwent a major face-lift. The fresh faces of the new ownership, new decor, and new Head Chef, bring this Grande Dame of Canyon Road into the 21st century, while maintaining her integral connection to her well-seasoned, brilliant history, since 1835.

Owners Rich Freedman, & Freda Scott with Head Chef Shane Alexander

When David Salazar, the previous owner for over 35 years, announced the sale o

Native Peoples' Traditional Dress at Indian Market

One of my favorite highlights of the SWAIA Annual Indian Market is the Native Peoples' Traditional Clothing Competition. The intricate work involved in these pieces represents the history, traditions and cultures of a variety of Native tribes. SWAIA's Indian Market brings Native Peoples together from around the United States and Canada. As so many tribes converge, it's a wonderful opportunity to see the styles, and traditional, ceremonial regalia as they compete for the best in their category.

It is not always easy to get up close to photograph, and ceremonial events at the individual pueblos don't usually permit photography, so I'm glad I was able to capture a few images of the beautiful clothing that is an integral part of the time-honored traditions of the Native Peoples.

I've compiled some images and labeled them where I cou

Santa Fe Art Classes- Immersive Experiences

If you really want to get away from it all, unplug, relax and immerse yourself in something beautiful, I highly recommend ...

Paseo Pottery - Ceramics Classes

Playing in mud and clay is just pure fun for kids of all ages. You don’t need any previous experience or developed skills to produce work that is unique and satisfying. Even those who suffer from 'art anxiety' enjoy connecting with their inner artist with pottery.

For 30 years, Paseo Pottery has been a favorite experience for anyone wishing to explore their creativity. Try a pottery wheel as well as many other methods for clay creations. Check their website for the latest offerings in classes. And their studio gallery is an ideal place to find unique ceramic gifts, if you choose not to make your own.

Santa Fe Happy Holiday Wishes

It's that time again. Another year has passed and I want to say a great big "Thank You!" to you, our readers. I've put together a photo gallery of Santa Fe winter wonderland pics I hope you'll enjoy...

Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

& A Healthy, Prosperous New Year!!

From Maria & Santa Fe Selection Travel Guide...

After a snow storm - overlooking Santa Fe's downtown toward

100 Years of Zozobra - The First Burning Man

Zozobra turns 100 in 2024, and the older he gets, the more he gains widespread fame and popularity. He’s the “nasty ol’ guy” you can’t help but love, and love to watch burn. He has gone from being a mostly local affair to being a spectacle that attracts tens of thousands of spectators from all over the U.S and from around the globe each year.

Zozobra, or “Old Man Grouch” as he was initially named, first burned in 1924, long before the first Burning Man Festival in 1986. He actually served as inspiration for the Burning Man creators, after they experienced a Zozobra Festival in the early 1980s. Old Man Grouch was later named Zozobra, which means “the gloomy one” in Spanish, and now also goes by the name, “Old Man Gloom.”

Fun for Kids at Harrell House Bug Museum

Kids will tell you that it's tons of fun and worth a trip to the Harrell House Bug Museum & Science Shop in Santa Fe. Granted, bugs aren't something many of us want to get cozy with, but owners Wade Harrell and Oliver Greer have created a unique opportunity for us to visit one of the largest and most diverse collections of insects in the United States. These experts have been "buggin' out" since they were eight years old, and now they enjoy teaching us about a world of wonder and weirdness in the seemingly alien existence of bugs, amphibians, aquatics, reptiles, arachnids and more.

Native American Pottery in the Making with Chris Youngblood

Chris Youngblood is an amazing, Native American potter from Santa Clara pueblo. At 27 years of age, his talent and exquisite creations are well on the road to establishing him among the top Native potters of his generation.

Chris specializes in carved black, or red pottery with alternating surface elements that are either stone polished or matte, or finished with micaceous slip.

Please enjoy this photo essay on the production of one of Chris' uniquely beautiful pots - a lidded, carved, black jar with koi.

Chris Youngblood Pottery Creation -

Chris is from a family of famous potters whose names are c

Santa Fe Weather & What To Pack!

If you're planning a trip to Santa Fe and would like our free Mini Guide Map piece mailed to you (within the U.S.) in advance of your arrival, please send your request to me at [email protected] and include your name and complete U.S mailing address. You can also check our lodging category for the best lodging options plus direct booking discounts through SantaFeSelection.com. For ideas on where to eat, fun things to do, museums, shops, tours and more go to my complete travel guide at SantaFeSelection.com.

Whatever the time of year, one thing is for sure, pack layers, layers, layers!

The locals say, "If you don't like the weather in Santa Fe, wait a minute."

When I first arrived in Santa Fe b

Santa Fe Selection Made News in Germany

Earlier this year, I hosted a freelance journalist, Bernadette Conrad, visiting from Germany. She stayed for a few short days, and I showed her around. She was interested in the people who have come to Santa Fe from elsewhere and created lives that are intertwined with the land, history, culture and people of this special place. Thanks to the Guadalupe Inn, The Cowgirl, Santa Fe Spirits, C.G.Higgins Confections, and Keshi-The Zuni Connection, she had a wonde

From The Heart - Native American Pueblo Pottery

From earth to art, a world of tradition, culture and reverence lies at the heart of Native American pueblo pottery. Its history dates back 7500 years.

Circa 1300s -Native American cooking jar from the Santa Fe area, possibly Arroyo Hondo Pueblo.

Today, a number of Native potters are known around the world for their exquisite forms and unsurpassed craftsmanship. Some of the better known names include Maria Martinez, Margaret Tafoya, Popovi Da and Tony Da, to mention a few.

The Faces of Folk Art - Santa Fe Folk Art Market

Each year, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market brings to town an amazing display of folk art from around the world. As many as 143 display booths cover Milner Plaza at Museum Hill. Thousands of visitors flock to explore the wonderful art from continents near and far.

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Entrance, 2015.

Allan Houser: Farewell to Footprints Ceremony

Footprints: The Inspiration and Influence of Allan Houser. For almost a year, seven Allan Houser bronze sculptures have graced Milner Plaza at Museum Hill in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture's Footprints exhibit. The outdoor sculpture installation was in honor of the 100th year of Allan Houser's birth, and the remarkable influence he had on Native American art, artists, and the art world at large.

Santa Fe School of Cooking-The Making of a Foodie

Santa Fe is world-renowned for its culinary arts, and Santa Fe School of Cooking is a one-stop destination where you can experience and learn about unique Northern New Mexican and Southwestern cuisine with myriad cooking classes, restaurant tours, and culinary demonstrations.

I love food, but I can’t say I’m a true foodie, and I’m not a culinary talent by any stretch, so I was more than a little curious to see the effect a few different activities at the top cooking school in New Mexico would have on me. I decided to dedicate enough time on three different days to take a restaurant tour, a demo class, and a hands-on experience. I expected to be the only local among many out-of-towners, but I was surprised to find I wasn’t, and glad I wasn’t the only glutton among them with a multi-day plan.

Allan Houser-The Making of a Legend

Allan Houser is known world-wide as one of the most important American artists of the 20th Century, but he experienced a winding road to the status of legendary art icon. Given the dramatic impact of his art and its continued status even 30 years after his death, you might rightly expect that his art was his only means of support for the better part of his life. But he had to take various jobs to pay the way, including construction, handyman work and his favorite, teaching. In truth, it wasn't until much later in his life that he felt ready to "retire" and concentrate solely on his art.

Allan Houser workin

The Famous Plaza Café - From Greece to Santa Fe

Anyone who has ever been to Santa Fe in the past 110 years knows that a must-visit spot is The Plaza Café. Before then, it was the Star Restaurant.

The Star Restaurant, on Lincoln Ave west side of the plaza, where The Plaza Cafe now stands. circa 1800s.

The Ipiotis brothers, originally from Greece, first opened the Plaza Café in 1905.

A Colorful Passion - Barbara Meikle Fine Art

Some of us spend our entire lives in search of our passion, that thing we can enjoy obsessing over that sustains us with its rewards and a unique sense of gratification. Since the age of three, when she drew her first horse image, native New Mexican Barbara Meikle has known what fuels her fire, and her works of art demonstrate it beautifully. She never lost sight of her goal to be an artist. Since her first display of work in a gallery a little over thirteen years ago, she has gathered a worldwide following of clients and collectors of her unique works. Now she has her own gallery on Delgado Street, just off historic Canyon Road.

A Salute to El Día de Los Muertos and Halloween

According to the calendar, October 31st through November 2nd sees a convergence of cultures in the Halloween and Día de Los Muertos celebrations. Over time, as more and more cultures have adopted variants of these two festivals, a few distinctions about their origins and meanings have become a little blurred.

Truchas Peaks and Cemetery by Maria Johnson

The Mexican El Día de los Muertos celebrations are said to trace back to the Aztecs as many as 3,000 years ago. From October 31st through November 2nd, the dearly departed are welcomed back for a visit to the hearts, minds and homes of the livi

Artists of The High Road Arts Tour

Every year since 1997, during the last two weekends of September, local folks know it's time to head along the High Road for the annual High Road Arts Tour.

The High Road Art Tour follows the Scenic High Road to Taos.

Northern New Mexico's historic, tiny land grant villages along the Scenic High Road to Taos are vibrant with the colors of fall, and beautiful art from over 50 artists and artisans. Studios and galleries open their doors to greet visitors from near and far. Some of the galleries are o

"At The Edge of Town" : A Timeless Classic

The Shed and La Choza are two beloved restaurants in the heart of Santa Fe. They have become as much a part of authentic Santa Fe history as the buildings they occupy. It's hard to believe that each was once considered to be "at the edge of town." From burro shelter, to a governor’s home, to a ranch house, the path of the Carswell family legacy has certainly been unique.

Thornton and Polly Carswell were originally from Springfield, Illinois. They were part of the migration west after the Great Depression, and first settled in Carmel, on the California coast. Polly was a weaver and artist and Thornton was a professional printer with a local newspaper press. Always in search of unique cultural experiences, the

Indian Detours Then and Now

Indian Detours were the idea of the legendary Fred Harvey Company, renowned in part for their chain of ‘eating houses’ hosted by Harvey Girls along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad between 1876 and 1968. In response to economic hardships of the early 1900s, the Harvey Company developed a unique collaboration with the Native American pueblos throughout the Southwest that permanently changed the traveler's experience.

Indian Detour Brochure cover of Taos Pueblo

Initially, Harvey’s famous eating houses helped boost rail travel in the late 1800s. His inspiration came from working as a mobile mail clerk on the

El Farol - The Welcome Light in the Canyon

Since the mid-1800s there's been a welcoming light along Santa Fe’s Canyon Road. It was known then as La Cantina del Cañon, a popular saloon owned and operated by the Vigil family. It was a time when Canyon Road was a raw dirt trail that ran through the Santa Fe River Valley, and the low-slung adobe homes served as rough and ready shelter, not as the world-class art galleries they've been transformed into today.

Adobe buildings on Canyon Rd by Jesse Nusbaum-1912- Palace of the Governors P

A Visit Through Santa Fe History

With a fossil record that dates back to the Triassic period, and a human record predating 900 A.D, there's nothing bite-sized about Santa Fe history. Though it's tough to abbreviate such a rich and complex past, I have rummaged through time to post a brief-ish trek, beginning just prior to the arrival of the Spanish and leading up to the birth of the state.

1050-1607: Native Americans occupied the region. A small group of village dwellings were located around what is now known as the Historic Plaza area. The village was then known as 'Ogap'oge, said to mean Olivella Water Place. Olivella is a shell originating in Mexico and the Gulf of California. It was traded among the ancient Native tribes and eventually found its way to New Mexico. It was used primarily for ornamentation in jewelry and crafts.

Santa Fe's Own Distillery Row: Santa Fe Spirits

Colin Keegan, owner of Santa Fe Spirits, wended his way to Santa Fe from Newcastle in northeast England. I think he'd get a kick out of the idea that as I listened to him tell his story, I was reminded of a familiar beer commercial, “He has climbed Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, and Denali. He was an architect. He left England to become a beach-bum in the Virgin Islands. He made apple brandy from his back yard orchard in Santa Fe...”

Colin earned his degree in Design Technology in England and worked in London. Riding the economic ups and downs has certainly been a challenge for architects and designers since the eighties, but Colin adapted his skills to the projects that came along to enjoy many years of success. One of the projects was in the British Virgin Islands. “I always dreamed of becoming a beach bum. This seemed like an opportunity to do that,” says Colin

Fly Fishing Year-Round in Northern New Mexico

People are often amazed to hear that the fly fishing in Northern New Mexico is excellent throughout the year, or, for that matter, that there is fishing of any sort in the high desert.

Jarrett Sasser, owner of High Desert Angler, is the go-to guide and resource for all things fly-fishing in and around Northern New Mexico. “I get a lot of people asking me, ‘Where do you fish here?’,” says Jarrett, “because they can’t believe there’s enough water in the high desert. I pull out the map and show them at least 14 or 15 different places, all within a two-hour drive of Sant

Tour the World at The International Folk Art Market – Santa Fe

Intended as a one-time event in 2004, the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe is now the largest of its kind in the world. Now, this highly anticipated extravaganza is held every year, usually the second weekend in July, in Santa Fe. Since it began, as many as 650 master folk artists from as many as 80 countries across six continents have participated. I hope you enjoy the following visual record I took at the 2013 market. I tried to make note of everyone's name and country, but I admit I couldn't keep track of them all.

It is a global event in many ways. Where else can you find so

Loretto Chapel – Many Miracles on the Old Santa Fe Trail

The Loretto Chapel, also known as Our Lady of Light, is well known for its “miraculous staircase,” but as I looked into its history in more detail, I noticed quite a few miracles that we can thank for its existence.

The Loretto Chapel ranks on a par with the St. Francis Cathedral as one of the City Different’s most beautiful structures steeped in Santa Fe history. French Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy was appointed the Santa Fe territory in 1850. He made the arduous journey from Paris to Santa Fe and was confronted by considerable resistance from the incumbent clergy in the area.

Christmas - Santa Fe Style

Santa Fe wears Christmas so well. From Thanksgiving through New Year's, its adobe parapets lined with farolitos, cedar and piñon burning in fireplaces, and the abundance of sweet-smelling spruce trees create an air of warmth and comfort against the backdrop of snow-capped Santa Fe Baldy. The Holiday nostalgia is easily rendered along Canyon Road as it offers up its historic sidewalks and alleyways to the paper and candle farolitos, which guide the way for hundreds of people as they walk and sing Carols on Christmas Eve.

Canyon Road Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of Katharine Egli.

The air may be cold, but the small bonfires,

Feed Your Fetish at KESHI-The Zuni Connection

The origins of the noun fetish stem from the17th-century Portuguese word feitiço meaning "charm or sorcery," and the Latin word facticius meaning "made by art." In Native American culture, it represents a found rock or pebble that resembles an animal, which may be carved to enhance the image, and imbued with a spiritual power or "medicine." Native Americans have carried these talismans for more than a thousand years. Fetishes have served as empowering reminders of the human connection to nature and to those qualities the animal reflects, such as agility, perseverance, independence, and survival.

Buffalo

Southwest Buckles, Bolos and Beyond

The Chinese have record of belt buckles beyond utilitarian value from as far back as 2 B.C. Elsewhere, tombs of kings and pharaohs have been unearthed to reveal a cherished buckle or two. It isn't new that decorative statements of status, prowess and fashion via the buckle have continued to develop style and collectibility through the centuries.

Here, in the relatively young American Southwest, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s, when the Spanish and Mexicans brought their silver folk art in the form of ornamental horse bridles and various other adornments to the Four Corners region, that Native American silverwork began to evolve from its simpler origins.

The skilled, industrious Navajo, Zuni and Hopi artisans soon developed their own distinctive designs and techniques for the beautiful style of the concha or concho (meaning “shell” in Spanish) belts. Decorated with silver shells from tip to tail, and the addition of turquoise and other ethnic accents, these belts heralded a distinguishe

A Glimpse into Santa Fe's Annual Spanish Market

The Annual Traditional Spanish Market is the oldest juried Spanish Market in the United States. The celebration includes festivals, music and cultural events centered around Santa Fe's historic Plaza. Festivities culminate with the largest display of art from Hispanic artisans of New Mexico and Southern Colorado.

The Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding streets are lined with the white tent stalls and filled with excellent works of traditional art including retablos, jewelry, furniture, carvings, weavings and pottery, to mention a few. Regional foods, live music, dancing, and art demonstrations are all part of the celebration of thi

The Deep Roots of New Mexico Wine Country

New Mexico was the first wine country in the United States, dating back to the early 1600s. The first vines were planted in Senecu, a Piro Indian Pueblo in the southern part of the state, by Fray García de Zúñiga, a Franciscan, and a Capuchín monk named Antonio de Arteaga. Sacramental wines were vital to the missionaries, and the vines they brought from Europe, known as "mission grape" or Vitis Vinifera, are still grown here today. By the mid-1800s, the fertile Rio Grande Valley, from Bernalillo to Socorro and Las Cruces to El Paso, had over 3100 acres of vineyards and had become the nation's largest wine producer, to the tune of almost a million gallons annually.

Pueblo revolts, harsh winters and frequent Rio Grande floods of

The Cutting Edge in Santa Fe

For more than thirty-six years, Alan Van Pelt's specialty cutlery shop has literally been the source for the best cutting edge in Santa Fe. Tucked alongside the famous La Fonda Hotel, at the southeast corner of the historic Plaza, Cutlery of Santa Fe, with its creaking wooden floor and large glass displays, houses some of the rarest, extraordinary custom-crafted knives and utensils from around the world - most not easily found in bigger cities. Implements of myriad sizes, uses, and styles for every need, at prices for every budget, line this tiny store. But more than just a cutting edge, these tools offer insight into a wealth of history and artistry that I never expected to discover.

Some of the most elegant works include woolly mammoth tooth, obsidian, sapphires, rubies, and turquoise - just a few of the unique elements that adorn the steel that has its own beautiful design and interesting history. Damascus steel originated with sword-makers in Southern Asia and the Middle

It's Time To Hit The High Road To Taos Again

It's late May and the weather is getting steadily warmer, trees are leafing their spring green, and it's time to hit the High Road to Taos, stay overnight, take the Low road (Route 68) on the way back to Santa Fe, and discover a few great historical and cultural treasures along the way. Many areas of New Mexico offer authentic experiences for us avid time travelers who wish to drop the shackles of high-speed everything and remember a simpler time and lifestyle. The Scenic High Road is one of the best!

Only a thirty minute easy drive from Santa Fe (along the 285, to the scenic 503, and left on route 98),

Cowgirl BBQ: Celebrating Twenty Years!

On June 1, 1993, The Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Santa Fe opened its doors to a town hungry for barbecue. And for twenty years, the bustling restaurant has served up dependably delicious food, drink and live entertainment and established itself as one of Santa Fe's most fun and colorful characters.

In the late 1980s, two ladies, Texan Sherry Delamarter and Colorado native Pam McCleary, with the help of a few important investors, opened a restaurant called The Cowgirl Hall of Fame, in the West Village of New York City. The name paid homage to the original

Custom Cowboy Boots: There's A Trend On The Rise

There's a trend on the rise, and it started right here in Santa Fe! Everyone knows that since the mid-1800s cowboy boots have been a favorite of presidents and kings, and of course, cowboys, riders, wranglers, farmers and fashionistas all over the world. The myriad designs of hand-tooled, multi-colored leathers from cowhide to snakeskin, with the sloping stacked leather heel and pointed toe, never go out of style. But thanks to Roy Flynn, owner of our favorite custom cowboy boot store, Boots and Boogie, the custom-designed, hand-crafted, monogrammed boot is fast becoming a must-have amongst young women, particularly brides-to-be, all over the country. This pair is made from alligator belly on the foot and side stripe with cognac-colored, "mad dog" goat on the shaft, with a beautiful script monogram.

Taos Pueblo: A Place to Remember

A visit to Taos Pueblo is one of those quintessential New Mexico experiences that every traveler and local must have.

Constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D., it is one of the most significant cultural and historical landmarks in the world. Taos Pueblo is a veritable 1000-year-old history book that remains almost as untouched by modernization today as it was in 1540, when the Spanish came upon the village and believed it to be one of the "Seven Cities of Gold." Still without electricity or plumbing within its walls, the ancient village rises out of the earth and sits proudly afoot the sentry of Taos Mountain.

The Maria Martinez Living Heritage at San Ildefonso Pueblo

San Ildefonso Pueblo is a short and easy 25-30 minute drive north of Santa Fe. The Native Tewa name of Po Woh Geh Oweenge means "Where the Water Cuts Through." It is home to many Native American artists but the names of Maria and Julian Martinez are two of the most famous.

San Ildefonso Historic Marker and Black Mesa

Maria Montoya Martinez and Julian Martinez were two of the most highly acclaimed potters in the Southwest. They became known throughout the world for their highly polished, black on black and polychrome ceramics.

Ghost Ranch Revisited

Although Ghost Ranch has been open to the public as a source of recreation for local communities and travelers since the early1900s, there are still many people, both locals and visitors, who don't know about all it has to offer. It has been known as Georgia O'Keeffe Country for decades, but the beloved artist owned only a tiny portion of the vast 21,000 acres of varied and beautiful terrain. Its colorful Chinle rock formations and mesas are rich in history, dating back to the Triassic period (210 million years ago) when dinosaurs roamed the earth and New Mexico, along with the rest of the U.S., was located near the equator. The sweltering, humid, swampy landscape was home to the Coelophysis (Seel-oh-FY-sis) and other species of small carnivorous dinosaur.

The Legacy of Norah Pierson: The Golden Eye

She was a woman of talent, taste, and humor; an original character who added new color and beauty to Santa Fe's unique retail jewelery landscape. Norah Pierson was one of the first female jewelers in Santa Fe to work in high carat gold and rare exotic gemstones. And yet there remains an air of mystery around this creative figure whose legacy lives on in The Golden Eye at 115 Don Gaspar Street, just steps from the historic plaza. I wanted to know more about this Santa Fean who named her store after the symbol of the ancient Egyptian sky god Horus, which represents protection, royal power and good health.

In 1984, Norah opened her "dream store" in Sant

Leibovitz: Sharp Shootin' Annie - Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

On February 15, 2013, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum launched the Annie Leibovitz exhibit, Pilgrimage (organized by the Smithsonian Art Museum). I was lucky enough to be able to attend a preview of the exhibit the day before it opened. We were led through the rooms of beautiful images and given some insights into the ideas and personal commentary behind the artist's choices that comprise the collection. Jerry, the docent who led us, did a great job of conveying the information that he had been given only hours previously by the artist herself.

About her inspiration and motivation for the project, Leibovitz says, “From the beginning, when I was watching my children stand mesmerized over Niagara Falls, this project was an exercise in renewal. It taught me to see again.”

Where's Your Inner Cowgirl?

I wasn't aware I had an inner cowgirl until I had the opportunity to meet Joy Silha and her delightfully smart, sensitive horses ( and one adorable mule named Jimmy). Joy offers fun equine experience workshops that are as refreshing as they are original, and set at her beautiful ranch in the gently rolling hills of Arroyo Hondo, just five miles from downtown Santa Fe. Joy introduced me to her unique classes that are designed to awaken and strengthen the independent, fun-loving, free-spirited aspects of ourselves that may have slipped into the back seat of our busy, distracted lifestyles.

Joy and Poncho

The nature of these experiences is quite

By Book or By Crook

Independent, locally-owned bookstores are fast becoming a rarity in the U.S. So much so that there are tour operators organizing trips to some of the nation's favorites. And Santa Fe boasts one of the best in Collected Works Bookstore and Coffeehouse.

Since 1986, Collected Works has been Santa Fe's community hub for the written and spoken word. Owners Dorothy Massey and her daughter Mary Wolf have poured their hearts into making Collected Works a local favorite. With an events calendar that a performing arts space would be proud of, Collected Works hosts poetry readings, music and meet-the-author events and book signi

Against The Odds: The Birth of A National Treasure

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with the knowledgeable staff at The Case Trading Post Museum Store, located within the oldest independent, non-profit museum in New Mexico, The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.There is an interesting history behind the creation of the museum, and its collection.

In 1921, Mary Cabot Wheelwright, a Boston native, met Hastiin Klah, a well respected Navajo religious leader, "singer," "medicine man." They were introduced by Arthur and Frances Newcomb who operated a Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation near Klah's home.

High Road to Taos Part 2: Truchas

Daylight is fading fast and you want to make it to Truchas along the High Road to Taos before sunset so you set off from Chimayó, along Route 76 toward Taos. En route is Centinela Traditional Arts Weaving Gallery, El Meson de la Centinela Inn, Oviedo Carvings & Bronze Foundry & Ranch.

As the road rises out of the valley, you're greeted by the snow-covered peaks of Truchas; tinted pink in the setting sun. And spread across the ridge before you, along the Quemado Valley is the tiny, historic village of Cordova.

The village was originally named Pueblo Quemado, after an ancient Indian pueblo, which had been destroyed by fire. After being the target of multiple Indian attacks, the Spanish set

The High Road to Taos Part 1: Chimayó

Taking the High Road to Taos is a beautiful journey that can spin by in just under two hours. Or you can give yourself the luxury of taking 4-5 hours, all day, or even multiple days and really gain insight into northern New Mexico, its unique history, culture and people. I've decided to make this a 3 maybe 4 part journey and try to show you just a few of the beautiful sights that await you. If you like driving the open road and being surrounded by mountain ranges, fascinating light changes, tiny historic Spanish land grant villages, and art communities, then this trip is for you. Even in the winter the scenery is enchanting.

Only twenty minutes north of Santa Fe's downtown along Hwy

Taos Pueblo Ceremony Dates

For a comprehensive calendar of all 19 Northern New Mexico Pueblo Feast Days and Ceremony dates go to: http://santafeselection.com/visitor-info/pueblo-feast-days-calendar

TAOS PUEBLO

For centuries Native American pueblo ceremonies and feast days have been taking place all over Northern New Mexico. The pueblo councils generously allow outsiders to visit these spectacular events.

If you're visiting anywher

4 New Reasons to Visit O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch

If you've visited Northern New Mexico, you're likely well aware of Georgia O'Keeffe's favorite spot on the planet, Ghost Ranch. Whether you've already been, or have never had the pleasure, put it on your list of places to visit...Ghost Ranch is a place like no other. Guests can stay at the ranch and experience myriad activities and events year-round. Below is their first quarter calendar of seminars and events with lodging rates. From February to April, four great reasons to visit. Experience starlit night skies, yoga, refresh your Spanish language, and celebrate Earth Day...

Expansive Skies, An Astronomy Weekend

2018 Events at Las Golondrinas, A Living History Experience

El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a fun, family destination offering unique events each year. Visiting Las Golondrinas is one of the top things to do in Santa Fe for the June to October season. This wonderful living history museum serves as a valuable reminder of the area’s Native American and Spanish cultures, the settlers' traditions, and their staunch perseverance in the face of tumultuous times. Each year, we look forward to the many events that start in June and bring this historic landmark to life, much as it once was in the 1500s.

Mark your calendars and plan to be here for the following fun, family-friendly events.

2018 Schedule of Events

June 2nd & 3rd - Spring & Fiber Festival.

David Richard Gallery - Immersive Art in Santa Fe

David Richard Gallery has been a must-see art experience since it began in 2010. David Eichholtz and Richard Barger have created extraordinary, immersive exhibits at their expansive 4500 square foot space in the innovative Midtown area of Santa Fe, at 1570 Pacheco St, suite A1.

David Richard Gallery is known internationally for its museum-quality exhibits. It has been ranked as one of the top galleries in the U.S, and in the top two in Santa Fe by the international art news source Blouinartinfo.com.

Historical and contemporary works are featured by many renowned artists, with a focus on post World War II art movements from the 1950s to the present, including Minimalism, Abstract Expressionism, Conceptualism, Pop Art and Op Art. They have shown works by such greats as D

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