The Inn and Spa at Loretto

Santa Fe, as we look back and consider all of the magnificent U.S. cities we’ve visited over the years, is absolutely on our top ten list. And, if we pull out all of our favorite large U.S. cities, Santa Fe quickly becomes prominent in a very short list.

Our love affair with Santa Fe began as we were making a 10-day culinary tour from Michigan to Arizona in the fall of 2006. Even though that journey gave us only one night in Santa Fe, we knew that we would be back.  And since then, we’ve been back quite a number of times.

Not too long ago, someone asked us why we love Santa Fe, and that question has become the inspiration for this article.

Come with us to Santa Fe in October.  For details, CLICK HERE

The Top 5 Reasons we Love Santa Fe, New Mexico

1. It’s charm, history, and setting – at nearly 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is our nation’s highest state capital.  Further, Santa Fe was founded in 1607, making it our nation’s oldest state capitol.  In the early Spanish tradition, historic Santa Fe is laid out around a beautiful central plaza surrounded by the Palace of the Governors, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, and a necklace of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique hotels, all keeping the historic mystique of the town central to one’s senses.
2. 

   Georgia O’Keefe Landscape

   Arts and culture – in the early 1900s, artists, writers, and retirees flocked to Santa Fe for it’s rich culture, the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and its arid climate.  Today, Santa Fe is known world-wide as a UNESCO Creative City for these very reasons.  Perhaps beginning with Georgia O’Keefe, 21st century Santa Fe has become the nation’s third largest art market, and one of the world’s meccas for artists, art collectors, and other cultural venues.  Music, dance, and opera are also drawing cards for Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Opera has become world-renowned for its unusual summer opera season.  Even further, Santa Fe boasts over a dozen fantastic museums and was recently ranked #3 by Travel + Leisure for its museum offerings.

3. 

   Santa Fe Cuisine

   Cuisine –  Santa Fe has become a foodie’s paradise over the past decade.  With several James Beard Foundation Nominees in residence, Santa Fe is consistently atop travel culinary lists for its cuisine ranging from ethnic Native American and Mexican styles, to New World Cuisine, and the ever popular farm-to-table local offerings.  Even further, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is one of the largest and most recognized markets in the U.S.  There’s a lot to like about the culinary scene in Santa Fe!

4. Luxury hotels and resorts – with Santa Fe hosting luxury travelers from around the world, there are ample supplies of luxury accomodations; ranging from the ultra-lux Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe, to award-winning luxury boutique hotels surrounding the city’s central square, to wonderfully intimate Bed & Breakfast Inns.
5.  Its relaxed style – with a population of only 70,000 people, you won’t find yourself fighting the massive crowds found in America’s large cities.  Nearly everything is within walking distance of the town’s central plaza, and you’re certain to find yourself enjoying the moment, rather than fighting elbow-to-elbow to enjoy the sights.

Well, we hope we’ve convinced you to put Santa Fe on your bucket list.  We love this town, and highly recommend it!

The Roaming Boomers Santa Fe Culinary Tour

If you would like to explore Santa Fe with us, we’re hosting a 5-night Santa Fe Culinary Tour towards the end of October.

The weather is likely to be wonderful jacket-weather, we’re staying at the AAA Four-Diamond Inn and Spa at Loretto, and we’ve got four-full-days of culinary tastings, dining, and fun.

We’ll learn to make tamales in the culinary school, sample Native American cuisine in the home of a James Beard award-winning chef, take a historic walking tour, and we’ll still leave you plenty of time to explore on your own.

For more information, CLICK HERE