Scenic Train Rides and Travel 8 May 2012, 1:08 pm
Travel by train has been a significant part of New Mexico’s history for over 100 years. Today, some people still prefer train travel than airplanes and car trips. The railroad allowsfor travellers to relax and enjoy the diverse scenery that New Mexico has to offer. While visiting, take advantage of some of the scenic railroad trips in the area.
The SFSR is an 18-mile spur from Santa Fe to the small village of Lamy, NM. This short stretch connects to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe line that is also operated by Amtrak. For visitors arriving by train, this connects with the Chicago-to Los Angeles and San Francisco lines. In addition to bringing up travelers from Lamy, the SFSR runs several scenic rides and freight trains throughout the year. The depot is located in the Guadalupe Shopping District of downtown Santa Fe. Visitors will notice the historic California mission-style building and board the vintage railcars from there. Passengers are surrounded by high-desert beauty on their relaxed trip to Lamy. SFSR also offers several special events trains during holidays. These trips often include live music and catering.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Known as “America’s Longest and Highest Narrow Gauge Railroad”, the C&TS connects Chama, NM to Osier and Antonito, CO. The ride boasts an elevation change of over 2,000 feet, reaching its highest point of 10,015 feet in Cumbres, CO. The breathtaking trip winds through several valleys and mountains. On the trip, it is not uncommon to see antelope, eagles, bears, big horn sheep, and several other animals in their natural habitats. The train offers three classes of service allowing everyone from the budget-conscience traveller to the first class person to enjoy a day trip. The trips run from the end of May through October, seven days a week.
Opened in December 2008, the NM Rail Runner provides passenger train service to and from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Although the train does not directly connect to the Albuquerque Airport, there is a shuttle service that will deliver guests to the train depot. Travellers coming to Santa Fe will enjoy the scenery as they wind through various small villages and pueblos. The Rail Runner shares the downtown depot with the Santa Fe Southern Railway. Guests are only a few short blocks from the Plaza and several other attractions.
Visiting Chimayo, NM 27 Mar 2012, 10:47 am
Only 30 minutes north of Santa Fe, on the High Road to Taos, lies a small Spanish village called Chimayo. With a population of less than 3,000, Chimayo is well known for several reasons.
Perhaps the villages most common claim-to-fame is the Santuario de Chimayo (http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.org). The quaint adobe structure was built in the mid 1800’s on what is believed to be sacred ground. There are many miraculous stories associated with the specific location. Each year during Holy Week, thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the Santuario. Many believe the small pit of Holy Dirt holds healing and restorative powers. As a visitor, you can bring a container to take some home with you. As you walk through the church, pass the altar, you’ll notice a small room filled with devotional artwork and the walking sticks and crutches of those who claim to have been healed.
Chimayo is revered for it’s high quality weavings and traditional Hispanic and Tewa Indian artwork. Be sure to visit Ortega’s Weaving Shop (http://www.ortegasweaving.com) and Centinela Traditional Arts (http://www.chimayoweavers.com) for the finest examples of local crafts. In addition to weavings, you will find intricate tin work, retablos (paintings of saints on flat wooden slabs), bultos (large wooden sculptures), and pottery.
There are also a few small museums in Chimayo, which expound upon the history of the area. The Chimayo Museum is located in the ancestral home of the Ortega family. The collection includes furniture, clothing, and tools from the past, highlighting the area’s rich history of farming and craftwork. The newly opened Bernardo Abeyta Museum offers a thorough account of the man who founded the Santaurio de Chimayo and of the villagers in that era.
If you find yourself craving some traditional Northern New Mexican cuisine, be sure to stop into the famous Rancho de Chimayo (http://www.ranchodechimayo.com). Utilizing the spiciness of red and green chile, the restaurant offers up the best of the area’s native cooking.
While Chimayo may only be the first stop of many on your way to Taos, it is arguably one the most memorable. Be sure you make the time to take in this historic villages charm.
Wine in the Land of Enchantment 1 Mar 2012, 12:30 pm
Exploring New Mexico’s Wineries
New Mexico has a small but thriving wine producing industry. Following New Mexico’s wine trails is a good way to explore the various regional attractions of the state while also taking the opportunity to visit the area’s wineries along the way.
Interestingly enough, New Mexico is the country’s oldest wine growing region. Wine production started in 1633 in central New Mexico along the Rio Grande where a variety of grapes originally from Spain were grown to produce sacramental wine. At one point in the long history of New Mexico wines, the state was the fifth largest producer in the nation at almost a million gallons per year. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, droughts, floods and Prohibition worked to diminish the vineyard areas such that the industry almost disappeared. The industry started its rebirth in the late 1970’s with a few amateur operations. Since then, both commercial and amateur operations have grown and many producers have achieved national as well as international recognition for their quality wines. As of 2011, New Mexico has over 40 wineries and tasting rooms producing almost 700,000 gallons of wine per year.
Visitors to the Santa Fe can experience the northern wine trail that leads from Santa Fe through Espanola and Velarde north through Dixon and Taos. Some of our favorite wineries in this region are Vivac and La Chiripada in Dixon. Vivac is focused on complex reds aged in French oak and has a tasting room/gallery that is open seven days a week. La Chiripada offers wines ranging in style from dry barrel-fermented whites to fruity picnic wines and cellar-quality reds.
Black Mesa in beautiful Velarde produces a variety of selections including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Riesling and Chardonnay. Estrella Del Norte Vineyard located in the scenic Pojoaque Valley, a 25 minutes north of Santa Fe on the High Road to Taos, has a tasting room featuring their offerings as well as award winning wines from other Northern New Mexico wineries. Santa Fe also has a wine tasting room within walking distance of both of our inns, Vino del Corazon at 235 Don Gaspar. Their most popular wines are Santa Fe Siesta, a spicy sangria style red, reserve Merlot and reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Santa Fe also hosts several wine and food events of note. On the Fourth of July weekend at the 200-acre Spanish colonial living history museum, Los Golondrinas, over a dozen local New Mexico wineries are present for tastings and direct sales. Later in the year in September, the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta is held. This is the state’s largest and premier wine and food event. This weeklong event features wine maker dinners, a wine auction, seminars, and cooking demonstrations with nationally prominent chefs. The event culminates with the “big event” where over 100 wineries from around the globe and numerous local restaurants serve their signature offerings in the spectacular setting of the Santa Fe Opera.
So, on your travels to Santa Fe and through out Northern New Mexico, be sure to allow time to sample the bounty of New Mexico’s family owned wineries. Not only do they offer a great variety of local wines, many of their vineyards and tasting rooms are located in stunning scenic settings near other significant attractions of interest to visitors.
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market Offers Locally Grown & Produced Items Year-Round 28 Feb 2012, 2:04 pm
The Santa Fe Farmer’s Market in central Santa Fe, is a bustling, high-energy market. With over 150 active vendors and hundreds of different agricultural products, this farmer’s market is the largest in New Mexico. Though the market has been in operation since the late 1960′s, with only a handful of producers, in 2002, the market moved to being open year-round.
The diversity of produce is highlighted by the fact that everything that is sold is produced by the vendors and comes from Northern New Mexico.
The Santa Fe Farmer’s Market is great for a quick outing to pick up some local produce, or to spend a half-day shopping, talking to the vendors about their crafts, and having a bite at the Farmer’s Market Cafe where they feature a “bottomless” cups of certified organic Red Rock Roasters coffee!
The location is central to many of the most treasured highlight in central Santa Fe, including the Santa Fe Railyard Park.
The market is open on Saturdays year-round as well as other days of the week depending on the time of year.
Hours:
Saturdays (Year-round!)
Fall/Winter hours: 8am-1pm (Summer hours: 7am-Noon), at the Santa Fe Farmers Market’s permanent home in the Railyard, 1607 Paseo de Peralta (at S. Guadalupe St).
Tuesday Mornings May through November
8am to 1pm, at the Santa Fe Farmers Market’s permanent home in the Railyard, 1607 Paseo de Peralta (at S. Guadalupe St).
Tuesday Afternoons – June through September
3pm to 6pm
Southside Market new location: San Isidro Plaza – Zafarano Dr and Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe Restaurant Updates 1 Feb 2012, 1:28 pm
Santa Fe is not only known for art and culture, but also for fine dining and a diverse range of cuisine. Santa Fe Restaurant Week is March 4th – 11th, 2012 (santafe.restaurantweeknm.com) and will have more than 60 participants. In addition to the popular tourist spots, there will also be several new restaurants and local favorites included. Be sure to experience some of these eateries on your next Santa Fe culinary adventure!
New Restaurants
Azur : Mediterranean (azursantafe.com) Features small plates and full entrees from the regions surrounding the Mediterranee. Highlights include the Plum Lamb Tagine, Truffled Creamy Risotto, and Sardine Rilletes.
Junction : Casual American (junctionsantafe.com) Located near the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, Junction features locally grown ingredients in it’s creative American fare. Be sure to try the Ahi Tuna Tacos.
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon : New American/Italian (www.palacesantafe.com) Newly restored and reopened classic Santa Fe restaurant. Menu ranges from innovative Italian dishes to classic American comfort food. Try the Pasta Carbonara, Beet and Pumpkin Risotto, and Mustard Crusted Grouper.
Raaga : Indian (raagacuisine.com) Focusing on traditional Northern Indian cuisine with an added Southwest flavor. The extensive menu includes several vegetarian and vegan options as well. Highlights from include the Ancho Amchur Crusted Tandoori Chicken, Surmal Kofta, and Zaffrani Machi.
San Q Sushi and Tapas : Japanese (sanqrestaurant.com) Located in the historic Burro Alley, where the atomic bomb was briefly parked before being deployed to Hiroshima. Try the wide range of Japanese tapas, fire steaks and sake bombs.
Tomme : French (tommesf.com) An intimate modern bistro featuring a select French inspired menu. Don’t miss the Steak Frites or Moules Mariniere.
Local Favorites
Jambo Café : African (jambocafe.net) Winner of the Souper Bowl three years in a row, this popular spot offers homestyle African cuisine. Try the award-winning Goat Stew, Grilled Mahi Mahi, or Moroccan Chicken Kabobs.
Joe’s Diner : American (www.joessantafe.com) Joe’s mission is to support local farmers and bring the freshest ingredients to your table. Their menu features homemade smoked meats, desserts and oven-baked pizzas in addition to their salads, sandwiches and soups.
Mu Du Noodles : Asian (mudunoodles.com) A nutritious and sustainable Asian restaurant located just outside of downtown. Favorite dishes include the spicy Yaki Udon, Lemongrass Soup, and Malaysian Laksa.
Plaza Café Southside : New Mexican (www.plazacafesouth.com) While the famous downtown Plaza Café undergoes renovations, make your way to the Southside location that features New Mexican comfort food and homemade desserts at their best! Leave room for the Red Velvet Flan!
Santa Fe Capitol Grill : American (sfcapitolgrill.com) Modern décor, elegance and fresh seasonal ingredients are the Capitol Grill’s specialties. Highlights include the Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash, Sweet Chili Calamari, and Green Chile Fettuccini Alfredo.
Tune-Up Café : Central American (tuneupcafe.com) El Salvadoran influenced cuisine with festive casual outdoor dining. Try the El Salvadoran Combo with a banana leaf wrapped tamale, pupusa, rice, and curtido.
It’s Time for Skiing in Santa Fe 13 Nov 2011, 5:19 pm
After a spectacular colorful fall, the weather has turned cool in Santa Fe. It’s time to plan your ski vacation. We have already had several snows on both the Jemez and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The snow making at Ski Santa Fe is in operation.
Just to review, Ski Santa Fe (www.skisantafe.com - 505 983-9155) has five chairlifts and two conveyor lifts servicing 74 trails. Forty percent of the trails are expert, 40% intermediate and 20% beginner. There is a new black diamond run and the lodge is under expansion. Average annual snowfall is 225 inches with snowmaking on 50% of the mountain. Ski Santa Fe is a short 16 miles from Santa Fe (30 to 45 minutes drive).
Also close to Santa Fe is the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, just 45 miles away (about 1 hour driving). Here, there are 5 chairlifts and one surface lift servicing 40 trails. The trail difficulty is the same as for Ski Santa Fe (40/40/20). This ski area is also accessible to Nordic trails. Average annual snowfall is 125 inches and there is a 1,200 foot vertical drop. (www.skipajarito.com – 505 662-5725)
Of course, a little farther away are several additional ski areas including the Taos Ski Valley (two hours drive), Enchanted Forest Cross Country and Snowshoe Area (2 and 1/2 hours drive) and Sipapu Ski Resort (90 minutes drive).
Santa Fe is an excellent base for your ski adventure. After an energetic day on the slopes, you can come home to a relaxing spa, enjoy fine dining, expand your knowledge at one of the fine museums, take in a live concert or just relax in your bed and breakfast room.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 21 Jun 2011, 3:09 pm
Here’s a wonderful hiking area a short drive south from Santa Fe. Hiking to the top of a mesa on one of the trails reveals a staggering view, unlike anything else in the area. Huge teepee-shaped rocks, formed by the erosion of volcanic ash tower over the valley like skyscrapers. Over the years, hard boulders protected the soft ash and, as the wind and rain eroded the landscape, the gigantic “tents” emerged. You can hike through the narrow canyons in amongst the towers on a short trail or hike up to the top on a longer trail yielding grand vistas.
Did You Know? 20 Apr 2011, 4:52 pm
New Mexico was home to Ernest Thompson Seton, co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America and father of the modern environmental movement. Seton was also the most important and technically accomplished wildlife illustrator since Audubon. The New Mexico History Museum has an exhibit “Wild at Heart” dealing with the life and works of this important New Mexico resident, showing now through May 5, 2011.