Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/2th of the time it would take to drive. Fantastic views of slot canyons and "tent rock" hoodoos. But not here in northern New Mexico where Santa Fe and Taos lie, there's diversity at every turn. The Plaza, once known as the city square, is at the heart of Santa Fe. Beautiful architecture symbolized landmark of old SantaFe downtown. The organization (transportation, pictures, safety guidelines) and the way that they give you the tour are amazing., I will go again at the end of May. Different parts of the collection are available to the public throughout the year, making every visit a unique experience. In 1997, a few years after the artists death, a museum was built to preserve her artwork and legacy. I will try to keep coming back to visit and keep my loved ones and everyone in this world in my prayers. This place is a hidden gem in the area. This is my first time visiting Santa Fe and the downtown plaza, and I had a relaxing time eating, shopping, and enjoying the sunshine. Examine exhibits to learn about native populations, how the Spanish colonized the region, and how the Santa Fe Trail molded the Wests development. A national historic landmark, Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of the city that resembles many traditional Spanish Colonial cities. They have a good selection of alpaca yarn and just aquiered a good selection of standard yarn that they sell. Be sure to visit the museum named after Santa Fes most famous resident and Mother of American modernism, the Georgia OKeeffe Museum. Theres no shortage of drop-dead gorgeous churches in northern New Mexico, but this Romanesque Revival basilica, built of yellow limestone and flanked by two immense bell towers, takes the cake. The church looks very beautiful and has a brilliant architecture that showcases wonderfully built towers that are high. It looks the same inside with tons of merchandise to buy. I learned a lot about Los Alamos. If you're going on a road trip from Albuquerque to Taos , we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Santa Fe and top places to visit like ABQ BioPark and ABQ BioPark, or the ever . American modernist painter Georgia OKeeffe is synonymous with New Mexico. It was adorably fun to see tiny lizards, the budgie in the outdoor garden, the goldfish, turtle and chickens. Food was good, ordering food online was easy and then you pick up upstairs after they text you. First of all, we loved our stay at the hotel. Stately 1800s-era cathedral featuring colorful stained-glass windows & plenty of history. Youll walk under a colorful portal and pass The Shed. If you have traveled to Antigua in Guatemala or San Cristbal De Las Casas in Mexico, as well as other destinations in Mexico and Central America, you might find an uncanny semblance in Santa Fe Plaza, with its ornate historic buildings and a large plaza in the middle where many people come to relax and enjoy the special atmosphere of this place. They require masks and have air purifiers in most of the galleries (over a dozen). The Loretto Chapel is a stunning former roman catholic church in Santa Fe. The High Road to Taos. Leafy road & Santa Fe emblem featuring 100+ art galleries, studios & restaurants in adobe houses. Colonial-style 1816 adobe church & a popular Catholic pilgrimage site known for its "healing dirt.". Very friendly. This was the best ski day I've had for years. The Puye Cliffs and tours are closed and have been closed for over a year; however, the website and voicemail message doesnt mention anything about being closed. Highly recommended and very reasonably priced. The city has the streets blocked off and a stage set up on the far corner, a woman sang the National Anthem and it was such a wonderful evening. Worth the 1 hour drive up from Santa Fe. The New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico Museum of Art are open Friday evenings 5-8pm free of charge May-October, and the first Fridays of the month November-April. Austin was pleasant and cooked a great chicken fajita lunch. Created in a French Romanesque style rather than the usual Spanish, it is easily one of the greatest landmarks in New Mexico. There are plenty! Absolutely loved it!! Expansive geological park featuring hiking trails & wildlife amid cone-shaped tent rock formations. Religious Buildings207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501MoreLess Info. Located at the center of downtown, Santa Fe Plaza is a National Historic Landmark that represents a traditional Spanish-American Style Colonial City. Canyon Road was once a trade route leading to the community of Pecos on the eastern slope of the mountains. Check out our wonderful back patio in downtown Santa Fe . Highly recommend this company. We did have a good time and good compact family place. Started by a former French "Vogue" editor, Nathalie has a carefully curated selection of Southwest-style handbags, boots, and jewelry, including belt buckle sets and vintage rodeo buckles. New Mexico History Museum 113 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 505-476-5200 or 505-476-5100. The oldest public building in the US, this low-slung adobe complex started out as home to New Mexicos first Spanish governor in 1610. The walls of the dirt room are covered with milagros, small tokens left by those who have been healed. The New Mexico History Museum was built after the states artifact collection outgrew its former home at the Palace of the Governors. Flight distance: 54 miles or 86 km. She also is an icon of the southwest. Duration: Tours are between 1.5 to 2 hours, or more, if customized to suit. We walked the main loop then headed to the Alcove. Big exhibit about Fred Harvey and the Harvey Company. Visitors are well-schooled by the available exhibitions on New Mexicos indigenes rich heritage and the evolution of the colonial settlers in that area. The Loretta Chapel, built in Gothic-Revival style, was completed in 1878. At the New Mexico History Museum, you can dive into centuries of New Mexico stories, each as thrilling as the one before it. The trail first passes Big Kiva and the Tyuonyi ruins, the original 14th-century Pueblo on the canyon floor. Impress your friends with an eye to eye alpaca photo. The locker room shower was great for our purposes that weekend! O'Keeffe fell in love with the landscape of this region and spent her later years in an old adobe house in Abiquiu. Led by a local expert in Indian art, visit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and then meet gallery owners and artists on Canyon Road or in the The Railyard district for the best of Native American art, both antique and contemporary. Showcasing the work of one of the nation's most important artists, this space just off the Plaza houses more than 1,000 of O'Keeffe's paintings, drawings, pastels, watercolours, and sculptures. Today, it is home to over 100 artists' studios, galleries, and craft workshops, with many focusing on native crafts and traditions. Directions Access to the park today is relatively easy compared to the past. The downtown New Mexico History Museum explores five centuries of Santa Fes and New Mexican history. To people who say that the entrance fee is too much, I say, you didn't slow down and truly take-in the magnificence before you. It was only five dollars, and I would say it was worth that, 1050 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA. But, the views are worth it! "It's something that's in the air it's different. These two state-run gems are part of the Museum of New Mexico along with the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art, both on Museum Hill. Not only are there over 3000 works of art in the museum collection, there is much to be learned about the artist. The New Mexico History Museum brings four centuries of history to life through a series of artifacts, documentary footage, and interactive exhibits. Food. The square is lined with markets, museums, and restaurants. Around the traditional Spanish-style plaza, youll spot Native American craft vendors. This half a mile street is home to more than 100 art galleries, museums, and shops. and leave at 1:59 pm. Make sure to call ahead first; they may not be open that day, or the animals may have just been shaved. St Francis Of Assisi Cathedral is very popular place in this area. Unfortunately, the safe family atmosphere has been disappearing. The journey time between Santa Fe Airport (SAF) and Taos County is around 4h 32m and covers a distance of around 93 miles. Add stop Route settings The parish church was originally endowed in 1610 when Santa Fe was founded. 522 north to Questa; Hwy. Very savvy to offer that & make it more affordable. Interesting tour if you're a fan. Thanks Ghost Ranch and Wranglers for offering this opportunity to enjoy the horses and explore the Ranch. The Georgia OKeeffe Museum is one of the most popular museums in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Some of the Santa Fe plaza activities include shopping, eating in restaurants, playing fantasy games, and so much more. Driving from Santa Fe to Taos should take you 1 hr 48 mins in normal traffic. You could check out Broken Saddle Riding Co and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, or the always popular Maggies Diner! You can also calculate the cost to drive from Santa Fe, NM to Taos Ski Valley, NM . St Francis Of Assisi Cathedral is located approximately 8 miles from Tesuque. # 2 BeachGirl247 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,840 Likes: 0 Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts Hi Mahobaygirl, are you overnighting in Mesa Verde and leaving earling in the morning for Santa Fe via. The Turquoise Trail, though, takes you up the long way, detouring via Tijeras and Route 14. Back in town, nibble your way through a couple small plates at Parcht while sampling the expertly curated offerings on their wine list. 6 hours 30 minutes. Lovely! Along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a half-mile stretch of road cutting through the Historic District of Santa Fe known as Canyon Road. If you need more information, call them: (505) 982-5619. I especially appreciate the glasses for color blinded people and tactile descriptions - I just wish there were more of them. Rotating displays and exhibits highlighting the culture and history of the Land of Enchantment are the main attractions here. Thank you, Tracy!! Round out the morning by immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The self-guided tour is only for the visitor center but we have a guided tour that is 1.5 hrs and gives guests access to view our educational campus facilities. The text on the walls was more interesting to me than most of the artifacts. While it is most famed for its miraculous spiral staircase, the lovely little Loretto Chapel has lots of other fine features for visitors to enjoy. At El Sanctuario de Chimay, head inside to admire the colorful retablos (devotional paintings) and bultos (religious figures carved out of wood). The fabulous museum is a not to be missed selection of attractions in Santa Fe. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Santa Fe, NM to Taos, NM. Gas. The top stops along the way from Santa Fe to Taos (with short detours) are Inn & Spa at Loretto, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Definitely one of my favorite excursions so far. Show Map & Directions. Interesting history of the life of Ms. Rogers as she was a wealthy person who treasured art of the region. The American-Indian War Memorial emerges above trees, benches, and street lamps. Canyon Road is an easy walk from the southwest corner of the Historic District, and while many of the structures share similar Pueblo architecture, the neighborhood has a distinctly more residential feel. There are also all types of street performers busking throughout the plaza each and every day. Over the last few years it seems that on weekends the slopes are overrun with unruly high school and college age groups that have little regard for the safety and enjoyment of families with young kids. Standard gas station fare, but the smiling faces make it worth returning to. Their mission is to "perpetuate the artistic legacy of Georgia O'Keeffe and to the study and interpretation of American Modernism (late nineteenth century - present)." I really enjoyed walking around and seeing how creative and intentional humans can be. As Georgia O'Keeffe said, "..take time to look.". This is a series of outdoor concerts that livens up the New Mexico community with musical bliss. Unusual jewelry, Native American pottery, furniture and other gifts as well as fashion are all encompassed in the 100 shops. Had a blast! Other ski areas would have had that person removed. View this post on Instagram. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi charms with round arches held up by Corinthian columns and its striking dual steepleless towers. Ski instructors were very nice and checked on my boys thru out the day after the lessons were over and every time the next day too when we didnt even have lessons, always willing to give pointers and answer questions. Then, further down the road, explore Ghost Ranch, the site of OKeeffes other house, with a landscape or horseback riding tour of the scenery that served as the artists inspiration. Taos Rides has a fleet of well-maintained passenger vehicles that can carry from 6 up to 12 passengers, with luggage, or 14 for private charter in addition to airport transfers from Santa Fa, Taos, or Albuquerque. We learned so much about the historical events surrounding the war and how and why the U.S. eventually utilized nuclear weapons. Today the cathedral is popular for its Romanesque Revival style of construction with beautiful arches separated by Corinthian columns. Road trip starts at Taos, US and ends at Santa Fe, US. It is a souvenir gift shop, and they have plenty of souvenirs and gifts to choose from at reasonable prices. Georgia OKeeffe Museum is a dedication to her artistic legacy and admirable life story. Very well organized, described, and displayed. Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Santa Fe, NM. I would recommend buying NRS Wet Shoes before you go (like wet suit shoes) because our feet would have been cold in the water is if we would have worn just sandals. Operated by Taos Rides and _REGIONAL_TRANSPORTATION_DISTRICT, the Santa Fe Airport (SAF) to Taos County service departs from Santa Fe, NM - Municipal Airport and arrives . Experience the spectacular images that made Georgia O'Keeffe an American icon. The museum is dedicated to her life and artistic legacy, as well as to American Modernism. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, housing a wooden Virgin that came to Santa Fe in 1625, is all that remains of La Parroquia, the earlier adobe church structure at this site. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, opened in 1997, is the only museum in the world dedicated to a single woman artist. The staff and special Diego (tour guide) were so nice. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Visiting Santa Fe without spending an hour or two honoring the woman who immortalized New Mexicos stark, arid landscapes is like vacationing in the Caribbean and avoiding the beach. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. The Georgia OKeeffe Museum pays homage to one of the most renowned residents of Northern New Mexico. The location is good. Photo courtesy: Asaavedra. Lying right in the center of the city, the scenic square is surrounded by lots of age-old adobe buildings and historic houses with magnificent monuments and museums dotted about. If you are in Santa Fe square you should at least go inside an look. Another one of the best religious institutions in Santa Fe, New Mexico is Loretto Chapel. The museum is the state's newest, opening in 2009, but it's house in the historic, 400-year-old Palace of the Governors. Then take time to meander through the historic village of Chimayo with its weaving traditions, art galleries and studios. The New Mexico History Museum calls the beautiful and iconic Palace of the Governors building home. This is only a small slice of what there is to see and do in northern New Mexico. Inside the glorious Gothic Revival church, however, is its standout sight the striking spiral staircase around which so many myths and legends swirl. 280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA. We met for a last minute girls trip from all over the country and did minimal planning. Always a beautiful experience. Dating back to the 1600s, the Santa Fe Plaza is now a National Historic Landmark. They have an excellent gift shop with reasonably priced alpaca clothing, blankets, yarn, and many more. This historic hotel and spa is built in the Adobe/Pueblo revival style and heavily inspired by the Taos Pueblo. Continue up 502 toward Los Alamos. Amazing and beautiful. Very thoughtful chronological presentation of many facets of local history. Accommodations ranging from rooms to cabins in a 1950s ski resort with summer & winter activities. This museum has the worlds most extensive collection of OKeeffes work. The Victory Ranch is a great place to take the kids; they will get hands-on and up-close interaction feeding these beautiful docile creatures. However none of the guided tour options were presented in the visitors center. Free access. Regardless the serenity, beauty, and palpable energy are well worth the short trek. 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA. What a great fun place with great shops. Elegantly arranged exhibits of in-house designed jewelry, Native American pottery, art & fashion. They way they represented , totally extraordinary. I mentioned that I was hoping to ski while we were in town. Whether youre looking for delicious food, boutique shops, local artwork, or just a lively place to hang out, the historic plaza is one of the coolest places to go in Santa Fe. Bandelier's 1.2-mile Main Loop Trail offers an excellent introduction to the main ruins and history of the park. A great way to understand the different influences of each of the Pueblos, and the Spanish influences in the Indian art. If youre a fan of American modernism, dont miss out on visiting Georgia OKeeffe Museum. The church is quite beautiful, with a keystone, great bronze doors, interior nave, sanctuary and two smaller chapels. Religious or not, youll soon see why the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is considered to be such an amazing part of Santa Fe. Everything was very clean (equipment and place). It was really interesting to learn about the history of the area, even before the lab was set up during World War II. You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. How long is the drive from Santa Fe, NM to Taos, NM? A llama is cute and an alpaca is ADORABLE!! Shes best known for her luminous New Mexican landscapes, but the changing exhibitions here range through her entire career, from her early years through to her time at Ghost Ranch. Liked being able to take pictures of certain artwork. Major museums worldwide own her most famous canvases, so you may not see familiar paintings, but youre sure to be bowled over by the thick brushwork and transcendent colors on show. The variety of masterpieces present us with an all-inclusive experience of the vast and amazing life that Georgia O'Keeffe lived and continues to share. My partner and I had the absolute pleasure of staying in the Phoenix earthship for two nights earlier this week. Georgia Totto OKeeffe, or the Mother of American Modernism, was a famous American artist. Artworks for sale are from a variety of artists, many of whom have come to call Santa Fe their home. Plaza Blanca is privately owned and behind a gate with a code. Poor/unorganized service with long lines at counter and rental services (no fitting help, had to ran around to ask where to get poles and helmet). Definitely go see it again next year once the Oppenheimer house opens up! The drive from Santa Fe to Taos is 70.2 miles (113 km). Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/3th of the time it would take to drive. It is worth seeing, and experiencing for yourself how humans can cohesively live with nature. Happy Hour 2-6 pm weekdays and the kitchen's open late. . Recommended for those interested in SW and Native American art. OKeeffe was born in Wisconsin, and spent years traveling the country as she worked on her career. Featuring more than just the O'Keeffe'siconic flower paintings, visitors are presented with cityscapes, landscapes, bleached desert skulls, nudes and such much more. Everything we have seen was very unique and impressive, thank you! Stop at the Loretto Chapel and marvel at its mysterious spiral staircase. Built in 1886 by Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the first archbishop of the Diocese of Santa Fe. Flight distance: 56 miles or 91 km. I cant recommend it enough! The rental does take a long time and rental staff could stand to be more friendly and helpful but they were trying to hurry to alleviate the wait time. The area near the creek is also an excellent place to view a plethora of fowl. But it definitely made the chillier nights more cozy and comfortable. Pretty neat little museum. Learn new Mexico history! Exquisite! Exhibiting stunning and evocative Native American arts, crafts and artifacts, its galleries are a treat to peruse with many being located in attractive buildings. Download Enchanted Circle Driving Tour Map and Directions You can't actually visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was conceived, but the Bradbury Science Museum has compelling displays on the bomb's development and the political context of the time, along with modern research in medical and computer sciences. In the center of town, it is for everyone; locals and tourists alike, to enjoy festivals, sales and food. In fact, most visitors cant leave without purchasing a bottle to take home. You can see the gate from the main road so I think its fine. Truly amazing place. Very well maintained and you can tour virtually the entire place. OKeeffes images are instantly recognizable in their large abstract forms. Summers in Santa Fe are fun for numerous reasons, but one of the greatest is the annual Santa Fe Bandstand festival. Kids as well as adults will enjoy this museum. So captivating to take a glimpse into how the Pueblo natives lived. A long leisurely drive via The Northern Route covers 610 miles over 11 and a half hours of driving, not accounting for any gas breaks and detours. You have to get a picture when you are there. This Spanish Colonial square serves as a meeting point and a place for entertainment. And I would definitely say they had the most stressful job. Its worth seeing even if you dont want to spend a lot of time on this kind of thing because you can admire the different styles of the artists who display their works! On the interstate, Albuquerque to Santa Fe is just 65 miles, or about an hour's drive. Connecting Santa Fe to Taos, the High Road reveals northern New Mexico's subcultural diversity. Legend has it that upon finalising the chapel's construction, nuns were left with no access to the choir loft as the space was too small for a conventional staircase. From here you'll climb up alongside the cliff face, where later caves were carved out of the soft volcanic rock (back-room additions to structures built outward from the cliff). Should we be concerned with chaining tires or any such precaution as this before we drive up to Taos? Prices are reasonable for the time you will spend there. It ends in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. A lovely, lively yet laidback place, the Plaza as it is simply known to locals has lots of excellent art galleries and boutiques with many vendors selling Native American art and crafts.