Santa Fe airfares, New Mexico (SAF)
Santa Fe airfares, New Mexico (SAF)
Santa Fe is frequently called The City Different. This guarantees that visiting the city you will experience something one of a kind. The city is different because of many aspects. Some find different because of its history. Being the capital of New Mexico, the state that became part of the US in 1912, many of the buildings you find in the city are from its Mexican era. As well, nearly the half of the residents is Hispanic or Latino.
Santa Fe is also the highest state capital in the US, because it’s located 2134 meters above sea level. This makes the city among the skiers during winter and the surrounding mountains are popular hiking locations. The temperatures vary largely during a year: winters are cold having temperatures as low as -10 °C, while during summer it can reach even 40 °C. This way the city manages to take advantage all year long of seasonal tourism.
Many ski resorts are situated a short distance from the city giving the opportunity for one day-trips around the city itself. While the ski resorts are at approximately at half an hour drive from Santa Fe, the Bandelier National Monument is 48 kilometers north-west from the city. Having an area of over 130 square kilometers, this is a must for nature lovers. Its numerous restored rock paintings as well as petroglyphs give the visitors a real prehistoric feeling. A guided tour is also operating showing the attractions in the Frijoles Canyon. If you visit this beautiful location in winter and you are lucky enough you may also have the opportunity to try the Nordic skiing. Sadly, not every winter produces sufficient snowfall.
Autumn is also a perfect time of the year to visit the city because this is the festival season. In the second week of September is held the Fiestas de Santa Fe, which has its roots from 1712. The main event and the start of this three-day fiesta is the burning of Zozobra. Also known as the Old Man Gloom this 15 meters tall marionette symbolizes gloom; by burning it, the troubles and worries are destroyed. During the half-week celebration you can listen to mariachis, playing all over the city filled with food booths. A large number of local and regional performing artists are also regular guests of this festival.
Missing the fest is not a reason to worry: Santa Fe is famous for its multi-cultural character. You can visit many galleries and sculptures. Maybe the most visited location is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, which is the home to more then a thousand of well-known Georgia O'Keeffe’s works.
The area of Canyon Road is a major tourist destination because of its high concentration of art galleries. You can find here contemporary Southwestern and Native American pieces, but even older Russians. The large variety ensures that Santa Fe is in the top of art market in the US, being ranked as the third behind New York and Los Angeles. Because of its relation to Spanish culture in the city, you can find many outdoor sculptures of holy figures such as Saint Francis or Kateri Tekakwitha.
Musically the most active period is summer. This time you can listen to different production is the Santa Fe Opera. Also held in this time is the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. This is a six-week long music festival, which is held every year since 1972.
Santa Fe is the home of five world-class museums. The city also has its own district for museums, known as the Museum Hill. The exhibitions of these are of folk, Spanish colonial and American Indian themed.
If you want to relax after a day of walking and sightseeing, Santa Fe won’t disappoint you. International Newsweek rated the Dragon Room as one of the world’s best bars. But if you want to feel like you’re in Ireland you may visit the Green Onion Sports Pub, where St. Patrick’s day is a major event. For fans of gambling and live entertainment, the San Felipes Casino Hollywood is the right place to be. You can also enjoy the comedy and stage shows visiting this popular casino.
If you decide to visit Santa Fe you will enjoy every moment of your trip in this city which has a unique style.
