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Oldies but Goodies, blog articles from years past

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

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.”

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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),

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

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

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

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.

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.

Santa Fe Selection Travel Guide

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