Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [117]
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OPERA IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If you are lucky enough to be in Santa Fe in July or August, don’t miss an al fresco opera (www.santafeopera.org) performance. The site alone is an architectural marvel, with views of wind-carved sandstone wilderness. Arrive for a tail-gate two hours before the show begins. You’ll see everything from pizza on the roof of someone’s car to crystal, linen and candles in the bed of a pickup truck.
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Have a fast fuel-up lunch at Del Churro Saloon, which serves pub grub so good even Gov. Richardson eats it. Then spend the afternoon mountain biking some of the state’s best intermediate single track. You can rent a bike from Melo Velo Bicycles. Follow Upper Canyon Rd north to the well-signed parking lot at Cerro Gordo Rd and ride the South Dale Ball Trails. It’s a challenging course, starting with a superlong, hard and rocky uphill climb, followed by a series of harrowing switchbacks. But you’ll be reward with supreme isolation and outstanding views. Get back in time for sunset and a margarita at the Belltower Bar. During the summer months, this rooftop bar at the La Fonda Hotel is the premier spot to catch the setting sun. Santa Fe serves some of the best margaritas in the state, so go ahead and get a little tipsy (you don’t have to drive anywhere). This time drink your tequila at the Ore House, which has more than 40 types of margaritas. Splash out and order a sipping tequila. Made from 100% blue agave tequila, the Herradura Suprema is as smooth as this cactus liquor gets, and costs $50 per shot. For a more realistically priced beverage order our favorite margarita, the Santana Rita, made with smooth El Milagro Respado tequila and Grand Marnier; it has a delicious smoky-sweet tang. Plus the heated 2nd-story patio offers great Plaza people-watching. The family-run, James Beard Award–winning restaurant The Shed, has been serving New Mexican fare in a atmospheric 1692 adobe since 1953 and is where to head for dinner. Afterwards, cap off your 48 hours in Santa Fe with a Black Dragon margarita inside a 300-year-old adobe building at the Dragon Room Bar. It is a consistent top favorite of locals and Hollywood visitors alike.
Becca Blond
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
Santa Fe is about 60 miles north of Albuquerque on I-25. Take exit 282, St Francis Dr, and follow the signs to the downtown plaza.
Do
El Milagro Herbs
Mixed by a resident herbalist, this little shop is stocked with goodies for your skin and body. 505-820-6321; www.milagroherbs.com; 1020 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe
Loretto Chapel
The chapel is now a museum; stop in to see the Miraculous Staircase or to light a candle for a loved one by the impressive altar. 505-982-0092; www.lorettochapel.com; 207 Old Santa Fe Trail; admission $3; 9am-6pm summer, 9am-5pm winter
Melo Velo Bicycles
Has info about area trails and offers half-day to 10-day bike tours. 505-982-8986; www.sunmountainbikeco.com; 102 E Water St, El Centro gallery; rentals per hr $9, day $45; 9:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun
Museum of Fine Arts
Features works by regional artists and sponsors regular gallery talks and slide lectures. 505-476-5072; www.museumofnewmexico.org; 107 Palace Ave; admission $8, 5-8pm Fri free; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, to 8pm Fri
Museum of International Folk Art
Arguably the best museum in Santa Fe, with straightforward, fun, almost pop-like exhibits. 505-476-1200; www.moifa.org; 706 Camino Lejo; admission $8; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat
Palace of the Governors
One of the oldest public buildings in the country. Don’t miss the Native American jewelry for sale out front. 505-476-5100; www.museumofnewmexico.org; 100 Palace Ave; admission $8, 5-8pm Fri free; 8am-5pm