TEN GREAT ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES IN SANTA FE

Note: Please excuse the appearance of the text below. Blog-spot is being uncooperative. I wanted to get this up and not wait until the gremlins in the computer decide to behave.

Coming to Santa Fe with the kids in tow? We don’t have easy-fixes like Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens or Six Flags, but what we have is definitely better! It may take a little imagination and advanced planning, but you can design a trip that is sure to excite even the grumpiest child. My seven-year-old grandson is gifted (not just a grandmother’s bragging- it’s documented!) and needs to be challenged. In a school essay on vacations this year, he named New Mexico as his favorite place to visit- and believe me, it has nothing to do with the fact that his grandparents live here. I planned a really great trip for them last year Here are ten great places that the entire family will enjoy.

THE SANTA FE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM is a great place for families with young children to visit. (I confess, this one is more fun for the kids, parents will get their enjoyment from the smiles on the youngsters’ faces- although there are activities that parents can do and enjoy.) It is an intimate place with hands-on inter-active stations that will delight the young. The museum has enthusiastic volunteers who will engage the kids in activities. When done inside, explore the grounds, which offer more fun activities, including a green house with a menagerie of small critters and an area with giant percussion instruments. There is an admission charge. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10-5 and Sunday Noon -5.

THE INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF FOLK ART is located on Museum Hill™(Camino Lejo). The Girard Wing’s permanent exhibit features colorful folk art from more than 100 nations. Children love this wing. There are lots of dioramas loaded with small colorful people and things that kids can relate to. I have heard kids excitedly saying “Mommy, Daddy, look at this, look at this.” Best comment ever at the angels and devils showcase. “Mommy, Mommy, there’s angels and devils, where’s God?”It is a bright, happy place and I always leave with a smile on my face. Hours: 10-5, Closed Mondays (except between Memorial and Labor Days).

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT located about an hour north and west of Santa Fe, offers a view into the past of New Mexico. First settled circa 12^th century, the ancestors of the current-day Cochiti Indians lived here until the mid-fifteen hundreds. You can see pueblo ruins, explore the caves via ladders, see petroglyphs and hike the extensive trails. Kids will really enjoy climbing the ;adders into the caves. Hours will vary seasonally and the Visitor’s Center suggests calling them or checking the website, which they say, has up-to-date information. They are open daily except Christmas and New Year’s Days. There is a per car admission charge unless you have a National Parks Pass.
EL RANCHO DE LOS GOLONDRINAS a living history village offers visitors a journey into New Mexico’s past. “The Ranch of the Swallows" now a living history museum, dates from the early 1700s and was an important paraje or stopping point along the famous Camino Real, (the Royal Road) from Mexico City to Santa Fe. They are open weekdays in April and May by reservation only (and there are a lot of school groups on field trips). On weekends they have special activities and festivals. On the first weekend of the month June – October there is a themed festival (check with concierge for schedule. Visit on weekends if you can. They have docents in period costumes and live demonstrations of traditional crafts and life skills. When my grandkids were there they got to build mini-adobe blocks which were going to be dried and used at the Fiesta de los Niños (The Festival of the Children) weekend towards the end of the summer. Check the schedule on their website for the date. There is an admission charge. Open June 1- September 30 for self-guided tours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

RANDALL DAVEY AUDUBON CENTER sits at the top of Upper Canyon Road at an elevation of 7500. Families can hike and explore nature at this local outpost of the National Audubon Society. There are 135 acres of land and it is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and the protected lands of the Santa Fe River Watershed. The center offers guided bird walks on its two nature trails. There are over130 species of rare and common birds- apparently someone has counted- as well as lots of plants and wildlife. A great trick with kids is to get them to sit quietly in the wood and see what animals will com by. If one shows up, they will remember forever. Take a picnic and spend the day. There is a nominal admission charge. They are open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

SKIING: Both the SKI SANTA and TAOS SKI VALLEY offer excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter. The season starts sometime around Thanksgiving, snow permitting, and goes into early April. Call the individual area or check their website for the schedule- it changes yearly. The Santa Fe area is 45 minutes from town and the Taos ski area about 2hrs, 15 minutes. Both offer lessons, rentals and packages. Cross-country skiing is also an option in Santa Fe. There are also cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding and sleigh rides when the snow is on the ground.
FLY-FISHING is a great activity for the whole family. The kids get really excited when they catch a fish. The Pecos River is a terrific place for a day of angling. Don’t forget to buy your licenses! Need instruction or a guide, call us and we can help you arrange for this service.
RAFTING is a fun activity with kids. There are several companies that offer full and half-day trips on the Rio Grande River. Float trips are available to children about age 4 and up and the Race Course, with lots of Class Two rapids is open to children 6 and older. I would not advise taking children under the age of four. While safety equipment is provided, the child must be old enough to obey orders and to sit still for over an hour- if they don’t you could go into the river.. The rafting season is from mid-April until Labor Day.
INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s mission statement is: “To preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and to advance understanding by presenting with dignity and respect, the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico.” The museum’s permanent exhibition offers a historical overview of the Pueblo peoples. They also have a contemporary arts and crafts section that showcases the work of Pueblo artists and artisans. The Center has Pueblo dancers on weekends. Stop in at their restaurant where you can sample Pueblo foods if you are adventurous or eat the usual.
FORT UNION NATIONAL MONUMENT is about an hour and a half north of Santa Fe. The fort was established in 1851 to watch over the Santa Fe Trail an important trade route from Missouri. During its forty-year history, it functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. It was abandoned when the railroad made it obsolete. The site offers a 1.6-mile trail around the ruins. There are standing adobe walls and foundations from many of the former structures and there are explanations of the buildings, the people and the life they led. It is really fun and informative. It will give the whole family a sense of history. Visitors may opt to do a shorter .5-mile tour. The largest visible network of wheel-ruts from Santa Fe Trail is at Fort Union. They are open year-round From Memorial Day to Labor day hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The rest of the year they are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They close Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. There is a small admission charge unless you have a National Parks Pass.

And while we’re on the subject of kids in Santa Fe, here are a few really kid friendly restaurants. When my grandsons arrive at the airport in Albuquerque, their first words are “Kiddy Corral, Kiddy Corral!” This is the outside dining area at the back of COWGIRL BAR AND GRILL a landmark in Santa Fe. The KC has kid-friendly play stuff. Parents can sip Margs while the kids have a ball. Make a reservation, a lot of locals go here and at dinner the demand for its limited space can be high. If the kids like pizza, the very casual ILVICCINO WOOD-FIRED PIZZA is a casual place close to the Plaza. Order at the counter and they deliver to the table. In the summer, the enclosed patio is fun. If you want something a little more formal, two places offer entertainment during dinner that older kids (at least 5 unless your kids are very well-behaved) might enjoy. THE CANTINA AT LA CASA SENA does what they call the Best of Broadway. The servers are all entertainers and they sing for your supper. I always leave in a really up mood- it’s fun here. LOS MAYAS has entertainment nightly and the schedule varies. The menu offers what I call “main-course” Mexican cuisine and New Mexican options. Fernando Antillas, the owner is a very warm man and welcoming host. You will feel like family. There are other places that are kid-friendly, but these are places that my grandsons really enjoy, so I wanted to pass them on. The Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau offers an extensive list of dining options.

THE HIGH ROAD TO TAOS

Sancturario de Chimayó

Looking for an escape to the old-world? Take the High Road to Taos. and come back of the Low Road. Winding through the Sangre de Christo Mountains, the trip from Santa Fe to Taos is very scenic and the views are spectacular when you get up into the mountains. Be aware that the road numbers change a lot. Keep following the signs for Taos. The first stop on the High Road is the historic village of Chimayó. Stop at the Santuario de Chimayó, a historic church famous for healing miracles and at the weaving shops. Chimayó weaving is a weaving style that bears the village’s name and has been passed down through a few families for hundreds of years., most notably the Ortega's and the Trujillos. Both of these families have shops you can visit. The road winds through old mountain villages that were settled hundreds of years ago by Hispanic immigrants to the New World. Rumor has it that until the mid-1960’s, English was rarely spoken here and that the people spoke a Spanish that had close ties to 15^th Century Castilian. Truchas, a bit up the road from Chimayó was where Robert Redford filmed The Milagro Beanfield Wars in 1988. At the village of Las Trampas, take a right and view the historic church circa 1760, a great example of New Mexican rural ecclesiastical architecture. It is just steps from the High Road. Artists who cannot afford Santa Fe rents have moved up here and opened galleries. A highlight of the year is the High Road Art Tour held over two weekends in September. At Peñasco, make a left onto NM 518 (a right turn takes you towards Las Vegas NM). You will now be driving through the natural beauty of the Kit Carson National Forest with its Alpine landscape and beautiful views. When the road meets 68 at Rancho de Taos, turn right and Taos is minutes up the road. I recommend taking a jog to the left and at the blinking light turn left for the historic Church of San Francisco de Assisi dating to the late 18^th Century. This adobe structure was painted by Georgia O'Keeffe and photographed by Ansel Adams and many other artists have been inspired by it. Stop at the Taos Visitor’s Center on the right as you come into town. They have lots of helpful information to offer travelers. Taos is a charming town, home to artists and other creative types (hello Julia Roberts) and home to the historically significant Taos Pueblo, a must visit on any trip to here. This the perfect summer for a visit to Taos. They are celebrating the Taos Summer of Love, a commemoration of the 40^th anniversary of the 1969 movie, Easy Rider, which was partially filmed here. Taos is also home to actor/artist Dennis Hopper, co-writer of the film with Peter Fonda (they both starred in it). The cinematographer was the late, great Lazlo Kovacs (an honoree at the Santa Fe Film Festival several years ago). For this celebration, Hopper has curated two exhibits at the Harwood Museum on LeDoux Street. One is an exhibit of his own work, "Selected Photographs and Paintings" and the other, "Forty Years of Friendship: LA to Taos," featuring five Taos artists (transplants via LA). There are also other planned events and a schedule on The Summer of Love website. To get a feel for the town, stroll the streets around the small, inviting Plaza. Check out the historic La Fonda Hotel. In particular, Bent Street is very charming. Shop, dine, people watch. One of my favorite places in Taos is the Millicent Rodgers Museum, northwest of town. Millicent Rodgers was an heiress (Standard Oil), a jewelry designer and a collector of Native American and Spanish Colonial art. If you like these genres, the museum is a MUST. The collection is superb! Other historic attractions include the Kit Carson House and the Martinez Hacienda. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, fifth highest bridge in the US, is short distance northwest of Taos on Rte 64. You can park and walk on the bridge, the views of the Gorge from here are spectacular, but the bridge vibrates and not for those sho are faint of heart or have height issues. When you are done exploring Taos, return to Santa Fe on the Low Road, which wends through the Rio Grande Valley. If you prefer, you can go up the Low Road and back down the High Road- personal preference. They both get you there and the old song is true. The trip takes about 1-½ hours (less if traffic is light) on the Low Road, about two hours on the High Road.

THE ACCIDENTAL LOGO

You know the old joke about God and plans. Here is another punch line. I think every business needs a logo. I still have one great business idea that is on hold due to lack of a symbol. I am too passionate about The Santa Fe Traveler to let it suffer that fate. However, there were logo issues. I thought what I wanted was simple, but the reality was that no artist I spoke with got the vision. Here is the vision. I wanted a wheelie suitcase; handle up, perched on its wheels. On the body of the suitcase, there was the same style geometric of design found on Pueblo pottery. Artist one gave me a 50s style suitcase in green. Next. The second one was not much better. To fire the second designer with no hard feelings, I told her a friend was designing the logo. Light-bulb moment- I did have a friend who was a talented graphic designer. I called her, explained what I wanted. We had a brainstorming meeting and I waited. What showed up was a wheelie with a Pueblo style pot in the center. I explained that this was not what I was wanting and was told that I had one more chance and if it was not right… I said that I really needed someone who could work with me until I had the logo of my dreams. We agreed to disagree. She still isn’t speaking to me.

Enter Margot, a very talented artist. Margo was with me for the duration. The first design was again a pot in the middle of a wheelie- but the wheelie had exquisite detail. I was afraid to tell her it was not what I wanted. When I finally got up the courage and told her it was not what I had envisioned, she said not to worry- it was a process. Wow! Someone who got it. The thing is, Margot is a free spirit and disappeared in the middle of our project and I still have not heard from her. I needed a logo for my business cards. Finally let go and decided that I could have a business card without a logo.

Meanwhile, I signed up for Twitter. I needed something to replace to dreaded brown box. I don’t have a flattering photo. I have only once met a camera that loved me and that was wielded by a boyfriend who presumably loved me, too. So, my photo was not going to be my Twitter Avatar.

One day in late spring, my husband and I took his camera around Santa Fe and took photos. We got one of a weathered blue gate. We put it up on Twitter. We needed a photo for my blog site, up went the gate. I wanted a photo on my web site; the gate again came to my rescue. It was time to create a business card and lo and behold, the old gate yet again. What I wanted was something that was unique to the Santa Fe area, accidentally, I got it.

TEN FESTIVE REASONS TO VISIT SANTA FE

There are a lot of annual events in Santa Fe. Ten is ten and I had to choose. I missed the excellent Thirsty Ear Festival which took place last weekend. This event brings a diverse range of music to town for two days. During the summer, El Rancho de Golondrinas has festivals and special weekends; there are art events such as ArtFeast and many other offerings. To see the whole schedule for annual events go to the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau.

1. International Folk Art Market The 6th annual market is July 11-12 (it is traditionally held the 2nd weekend in July) Artisans from around the world bring their wares to juried event and standards are high. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, this is a great event; colorful, lively and fun. I enjoy viewing the beautiful items and chatting with the artists and there is world music and international food available. It’s held on Museum Hill, home of two State museums, the International Folk Art and Indian Arts and Culture and the admission price gets you into the event. You can’t park on the Hill that weekend, but they run shuttle buses all day long. There is an admission charge.
2. Indian Market is always the third weekend in August (this year August 22 and 23) and the population of Santa Fe swells exponentially during this event. Rooms book as early as a year in advance and don’t come without a restaurant reservation unless you don’t mind waiting a long time. Streets around the Plaza are closed off and brimming with people. Serious collectors of Indian art come from all over for the chance to buy the best. I go for the show. Besides being able to view some of the best Native American art in the country, you can also be part of the festivities. If you are a fan of silver and turquoise jewelry (and I am) watching vendors and attendees alike sport their incredible pieces is worth the trip. You can fuel up on Pueblo and Navajo fare in the food area behind the First National Bank.
3. Spanish Market This year, the fourth weekend in July (the 25th and 26th) brings the 58th Traditional Spanish Market. This event held in the Plaza showcases the traditional folk art of the Spanish settlers (and their descendants) who arrived in Santa Fe in the 1500s. (There is also Contemporary Spanish Market, which is set up in the adjacent streets and is a venue for descendants of Spanish settlers who work in non-traditional mediums to exhibit and sell their art.) There is lots of religious art- my favorite are boltos (round carvings of saints). Other traditional crafts include weaving, tinwork, ironwork, furniture-makers, straw-appliqué, potters, colcha embroiders and more. As with Indian Market, collectors come from all over.
4. Wine and Chile Fiesta This is a five-day event culminating in a food and wine extravaganza, The Grand Food and Wine Tasting, up at the Santa Fe Opera- a spectacular venue. I love this one in principal as I love food. However, working for hotels since I have been in Santa Fe, I am never off when the big Saturday event takes place. Maybe this year. Tickets go on sale July 6th (and pretty much off-sale). Last year demand was so great the web site crashed. So, if my fingers are quick, maybe I can go this year. Chefs from 60 Santa Fe restaurants serve tastings of signature dishes and 90 wineries are there to pour. And don’t worry about drinking and driving, there is shuttle service to and from the Opera. Earlier in the week, restaurants host wine dinners, there are “Guest Chef Luncheons, cooking demos, wine seminars and even a field trip/luncheon and an auction of rare wines.
5. The Santa Fe Opera’s 2009 season opens in early July and runs to the end of August. This is world-class opera and aficionados come from afar. The good seats sell out early. I love the whole experience, the opera itself, the venue, which is an architectural gem set to take in the incredible views and sunsets and the attendant pageantry. In a town where people rarely dress up, black-tie is not unusual here and neither are jeans. People wear everything and anything. For on-site dining options there is an Opera buffet, which has limited seating and sells out early, but I love tailgating. Dinners go from simple picnics to elegant candlelight affairs and if you don’t want to hassle, there is a catering company that sells box dinners (you order in advance).
6. The Chamber Music Festival takes part during the Opera season. Smart scheduling as they attract many of the same people to town. I love to go to concerts at the Saint Francis Auditorium (part of the New Mexico Museum of Art). It’s a great place to hear a concert. The choice of music is eclectic, from Baroque to 21st century and the performers are top-notch.
7. Santa Fe Film Festival held in early December (2009 Dec 2-6) showcases a broad selection of films from full-length Hollywood entrees to shorts to documentaries. There are entrees from all over the world. In 2008 I was able to see “Sunshine Cleaning Company,” before it hit the theaters. They also had “Doubt” and I’m sure a few others that I don’t remember plus a lot of films that are interesting and will almost never be seen in theaters. In 2007, I saw a few great films including “The Walker,” which I loved. I am a Woody Harrelson fan- what can I say. While not Cannes or Sundance, there are a smattering of well-known names and faces and the whole thing is fun. If you get the All Festival Pass you can attend all the parties, concerts etc.
8. Christmas Eve in Santa Fe and indeed the entire holiday season is wonderful. Downtown, buildings are decorated with greenery and the electrified, plastic farolitos that have replaced the traditional sand-filled bags with candles. They look beautiful, and if it happens to snow- fairyland. On Christmas Eve from about 6:00 PM until 10:00 Canyon Road is closed to auto traffic and becomes a sea of people. Here you will see the traditional sand-filled farolitos and piñon bonfires light up the road. People spontaneously burst into Carols and some stores stay open and even offer hot cider or hot chocolate. It is kind of like NYC’s Easter Parade, but colder and funkier. Christmas Eve also traditionally brings a few concerts and mid-night Mass at Saint Francis Cathedral is jammed to the rafters.
9. Indian Dances The Pueblo Indians have Feast Days with religious dances throughout the year. These often coincide with Catholic holidays. Many of these are open to the public and if you are here when there are dances, go. They are religious ceremonies and there is an etiquette that visitor’s are expected to adhere to. One New Year’s Day we went to the dances at Ohkay Owingeh and I was drawn into the dance by the clowns. I didn’t dare say “no,” from fear of offending and it was an amazing experience. For a schedule contact the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
10. Desfile de los Niños is the children’s and pets’ parade held the Saturday of Fiesta week. Everyone dresses up and it is a hoot. Arrive early to get a good curbside vantage point. The parade departs from and returns to the Cathedral.

MY TEN FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN SANTA FE

I want to share My Ten Favorite Places to visit in the Santa Fe area (and it was hard to get the list down to ten). I had to leave out some great ones. Another time.

1. Puye Cliffs because there is a great sense of history there. I love climbing the cliff and going into the caves and for me sitting on the mesa is transformational.

2. Bandelier National Monument Because the ride up there is really scenic- don’t miss the view at White Rock. Bandelier itself has a Visitor’s Center staffed by knowledgeable Rangers and lots of hiking trails. The loop trail goes past two cliff dwelling sites- the second features some petroglyphs. Then back to the Visitor’s Center. The adventurous can hike up the trail to The Alcove House, a ceremonial chamber accessible up 4 vertical ladders and some stone stairs. I have not been up there- I don’t do heights well. But I have it first-hand that it is worth the effort. You can spend an hour at Bandelier, the whole day or even camp out.

3. Tsankawi (actually part of Bandelier, but at a different location east of Bandelier on Rte 4). What I find really neat about Tsankawi is that it is not the least bit commercial and does not get crowded. When we went we saw a Ranger and one other hiker. There is a circular trail that takes you to the top of the mesa, past the ruins of an old Pueblo, down a ladder to the cliff dwellings and back to the starting point via a fairly narrow ledge.

4. Tent Rocks (Kasha Katuwe) is a great place for a hike for anyone- our grandson made it triumphantly to the top when he was aged six. These are geological formations caused by volcanic activity millions of years ago. They get their name from the conically shaped rocks. The walk through the slit canyon is magical. It is called a “slit canyon” because it is very narrow. So narrow in places that you can reach out and touch the both sides simultaneously and the 360° views at the top are not to be missed.

5. Taos Pueblo for the history. The Pueblo elders will not divulge their history due to religious constraints, but say the current-day buildings may date back a thousand years. Taos is considered by some to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. The residents of the historic buildings live without modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. I was privileged to be invited to a meal in one of the historic Pueblo in 1973 when I spent two-weeks camped out there. I was virtually adopted by one of the families. I later discovered that this was a great honor. I had no idea at the time. I am humbled in retrospect.

6. Acoma Sky City is the other currently occupied, historically significant pueblo. Occupation here dates to circa 1150 AD and their web site states that they are the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. Whether the honor goes to Taos or Acoma, they are both worth a visit. At Acoma, you must go with a tour-guide. You are taken in a van from the Visitor’s Center to the pueblo on top of the mesa. The tour lasts about 1¼. The Acoma people are world-renown for their wonderful painted pottery and visitors have an opportunity to purchase pots directly from the Pueblo artisans atop the mesa. For lunch, visit the Yaak’ Café (Yaak’ means "corn" in Keres, the traditional language of the Acoma). Here you can experience traditional Acoma dishes or for those with an unadventurous palate or for kids, there is American fare.

7. Fort Union was established in 1851 to watch over the Santa Fe Trail an important trade route from Missouri. During its forty-year history, it functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. It was abandoned when the railroad made it obsolete. The site offers a 1.6-mile loop-trail around the ruins. There are standing adobe walls and foundations from many of the former structures and there are explanations and photos at each of the ghostly building remains. You get a feeling the people and the life they led. I loved it here. You develop sympathy for the military wives who were brought to this remote, dusty outpost and brought their possessions including hard-to-transport pianos. Fort Union also has the largest accessible network of wheel-ruts from the Santa Fe Trail.

8. Pecos National Historic Park contains the ruins of the Pecos Pueblo, inhabited into the 19th Century. Habitation in the area dates back thousands of years. The site has a circular trail that goes past kivas from the Pueblo and the ruins of a Spanish Colonial church. The Visitor’s Center offers interpretative walks spring through fall. While in Pecos, check out the Pecos Wilderness .
9. El Rancho de los Golondrinas a living history village close to Santa Fe offers visitors a journey into New Mexico’s past. “The Ranch of the Swallows" now a living history museum, dates from the early 1700s and was an important paraje or stopping point along the famous Camino Real, (the Royal Road) from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Open from June to October (from April by appointment) the best time to go is weekends when there are docents demonstrating the life-skill of the times and when there is apt to be a festival

10. Ghost Ranch and Echo Amphitheater are located just north of Abiquiu. Made famous by artist Georgia O’Keeffe, it is also known by geologists and paleontologists as a place of rich fossil and dinosaur bone finds and rocks here date from about 228 million years. According to the University of New Mexico web site rocks have been found in New Mexico that date back 1.5 billion years. While up in that area, check out Echo Amphitheater a bit farther up the road. This National Forest Service facility includes a short hiking trail, a picnic area and a campsite. The sandstone walls, hollowed out by ages of erosion resonate. You call out “Hello,” and you hear “Hello, hello, hello, hello” echoed back to you. What can I say; I am a kid at heart. I love it here.

I hope that this list will inspire you to visit Santa Fe. Besides the treasures mentioned above, we have great hotels, restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping, outdoor activities and more. To figure out the places that work for you, contact me at concierge@thesanatfetraveler.com or visit our web site at www.thesantafetraveler.com .

Welcome to my new blog. I will mostly be blogging about my adopted hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, but you never know what side-trips I might take. Stay tuned.
I am a concierge with my own newly launched personal concierge and trip management service called The Santa Fe Traveler. After a life of many careers, with an emphasis on sales and marketing, I have finally found my passion. I love helping people, I love research and I love Santa Fe. Being a concierge may seem repetitive to some, but everyone is different and the challenge for me is to match travelers up with the places and activities that work for them, not boiler-plate it and send all to the same places. That would make my life boring- and that is the last thing I want to be.
Anyway, when I was a hotel concierge, the three most common personal questions guests asked were:
Where are you from? (I have a decided east coast accent.)
Do you like it here? (I love it.)
What made you come here?
The last is the question I will answer here. On a visit to Santa Fe in 1985, I was sitting atop the Puye Cliffs and I felt as if I had come home. When we returned to New York, my husband, Steve, and both agreed in a spontaneous conversation, that we would like to live in the southwest- no discussion needed. Our son was twelve at the time and we felt that it would be hard for him to adjust to a new situation on the cusp of adolescence, so we decided to wait until he was out of high school to move. When that day came, I owned a boutique in Rhinebeck, NY and loved what I was doing- it wasn’t the time to move. On a trip to Colorado in 1994, we almost bought a house. I had been in real estate and decided that it was insane to buy a house before selling ours. Turned out to be a good decision for a number of reasons. There was a housing down-turn in the Hudson Valley and it took us 18 months to sell the house, it turns out in retrospect that I would have hated living in that small, charming town, and there were no employment opportunities in the area. We put out house on the market, I arranged to close my store (it was my baby and I could not bear to sell it) and we waited and waited and waited until the house sold. Our first destination was Fort Collins, CO- my husband’s sister lived in the area. We really wanted to come to Santa Fe, but could not figure out how to make money there. Fort Collins was the three-year plan- eight years later we were still there. We decided it was time to get to Santa Fe and started making exploratory trips to the area. One dream we had was to manage a bed & breakfast. We had no experience, just a love of small inns and an inner knowing that the hospitality business was a good fit for both of us. We connected with the owners of the Hacienda Doña Andrea, in the former mining town of Cerrillos, south of Santa Fe. At first they were reluctant to hire us as we had no experience, but we are pretty convincing and they gave us a chance. Steve was the chef and I was the hospitality manager. We loved it! Nine months later, Steve had a chance to partner in a small café so we left the inn. I got a job as a concierge at a Santa Fe hotel, the Inn and Spa at Loretto and the rest in history.

Top ten reasons I live in and love Santa Fe
1. Everything but the ocean (One of the few things I really miss here- the
other is greenery- there is none)
2. The mountain views
3. The sunsets
4. An amazing amount of culture: music (opera, chamber music etc), art,
museums, galleries etc.
5. Food- Lots of great restaurants, Farmer’s Market, accesses to organics
6. The architecture- love those pueblo and Territorial houses.
7. The natural color palette- those sands and pinks, reds and purples
8. The clean air- see #9
9. The quiet- not having a major airport in town helps- ABQ is only manageable
hour away
10. The history

WELCOME

Welcome to my new blog. After a life of many careers, with an emphasis on sales and marketing, I have finally found my passion. I love helping people, I love research and I love Santa Fe. Being a concierge may seem repetitive to some, but everyone is different and the challenge for me is to match travelers up with the places and activities that work for them, not boiler-plate it and send all to the same places. That would make my life boring- and that is the last thing I want to be. I will mostly be blogging about my adopted hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, but you never know what side-trips I might take. Stay tuned.