Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe (meaning the Holy Faith) is an ancient city nestled at an elevation of 7000 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. It was established in 1610 and is the oldest capital city in the United States. The culture of the Pueblo people of New Mexico predated the European settlement of Santa Fe by 12,000 years.
Today, the high desert of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico are, of course, part of the American landscape but not always strictly North American. The Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures interweave the old with the new creating a rich, often mystifying effect.
What has caused the population of Santa Fe to triple over the past 50 years? Ironically, it is primarily the desire of new residents for a small town atmosphere! However, they seek this in combination with a centrally located, sophisticated urban setting with access to a wealth of cultural opportunities. For artists, it is additionally the indescribable beauty of the physical surroundings that draws and keeps them in love with this colorful city.
Santa Fe is known for its many world class museums, shops and boutiques, art galleries, and wide range of entertainment from opera and dance to theater to music which can keep visitors busy both day and night. Much of what Santa Fe has to offer is located within the historic downtown area, which has a definite European feel, and can be covered easily on foot. Strict construction guidelines mandate the territorial and Spanish colonial architecture that characterizes the Santa Fe style. City codes allow no high rises to block the mountain views.
For those with outdoor recreation in mind, Santa Fe is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of National Forest and public land which offer fishing, camping and hunting within easy reach. Hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, mountain climbing, cross-country or downhill skiing at the Santa Fe Ski Area, white water rafting and wind surfing are all available during the year. Golf, tennis and even bird watching are other ways to enjoy the typically sunny, temperate days.
Add to this world class shopping or investigating why the city is a major center for alternative healing and it is easy to understand how visitors to Santa Fe never seem to lack for an itinerary. The city also offers meeting and conference facilities and services for those wanting to mix business with pleasure. Part of every day is enjoyably spent exploring the local cuisine in all its forms and subtleties.
For inner journeying there is a broad ranging alternative healing and thought community in Santa Fe that provides a number of bookstores, physicians, lectures and workshops.
For those who seek a vacation of tranquility and rejuvenation surrounded by the magnificence of mountains, sky, sunrises and sunsets, there is no other place on earth quite as satisfying as this city of peace and tranquility in the Land of Enchantment.