There is much to do in Santa Fe year 'round but when it's chilly outside, you'll find some welcoming retreats from the wind and spitting snow.
Museum Hopping - Whether you are downtown, in the historic district, or headed for Museum Hill, you’ll need to schedule at least a day or two to enjoy some of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s fabulous Museums. The museums are a warm retreat from the cold winds of winter. Warm up and learn a bit about the color and culture of New Mexico and beyond.
Museum Pass will Save You Money
If you have minimal time to spend in Santa Fe, you can purchase a one day pass for two museums — a combination of either:
- Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (Museum Hill)
- Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of the Governors/New Mexico History Museum (Downtown)
The museums are paired according to location… Museum Hill or downtown. This one-day pass for two museums costs: NM residents $12, non-residents $15. You can also purchase a four-day pass to Santa Fe state museums: NM residents $18, non-residents $20. More Information on Museum Passes
Lounge Around the Fire - When you want a break from Santa Fe shopping and museums and are ready to unwind for the evening, you can find great places to have a cocktail by the fireside. Enjoy the wall-length gas fireplace at The Agave in the El Dorado Hotel or enjoy the historic Staab House Lounge.
One of my favorite fireplaces is located in the historic Staab House within La Posada de Santa Fe. This historic Victorian home once belonged to the wealthy Staab family. In fact, Julia Staab's ghost is reported to have appeared on the staircase just outside the lounge! In the evening check for entertainment and cozy up by the fire.
Another warm and welcoming lounge is The Living Room in The Inn at Loretto. In fact, it was sitting around this warm fireplace that we discovered that the chef at The Inn makes a marvelous Green Chile Cheeseburger. The Living Room is the Inn's lounge. With overstuffed leather furniture and warm textiles, it is conducive to rest and relaxation. Add in a $6 Happy Hour glass of wine, some conversation with travelers and you will make this one of your favorite spots to relax and unwind.
Shop Downtown - Surrounding The Plaza you will find arcades with small shops, shops in historic adobes with blazing kiva fireplaces and a myriad of interesting places to duck into while avoiding the cold.
If you want to go to a place that has hand-selected the best jewelry from the best Native American artisans try Ortega's on the Plaza. Located right on the corner of W. San Francisco and Lincoln, Ortega's is a good place to go if you want to ensure that your purchase is authentic and that you have the choice of the most noteworthy and creative artisans. You'll find amazing jewelry, masks, pottery and rugs. Of course you will pay dearly for all this hand-selection of pieces, but if money is not an issue, I'd recommend heading for Ortega's.
Rainbow Man, on 107 E. Palace, has a unique collection of Edward S. Curtis photography. These historic prints are worth a stop. The shop has long been a trusted source for Native American and Hispanic art and gifts. And, you'll often find their kiva fireplace burning away.
Lensic Entertainment - In the historic Lensic Theater you'll find world-class entertainment in a lovely intimate venue.
Offering more than 200 dynamic events in dance, music, film, theater, opera, lectures and spoken word each year, The Lensic, with its graceful interior and stunning exterior in Moorish and Spanish Renaissance style, was successfully transformed in 2001 from a movie palace to a state-of-the-art, nonprofit performing arts center.
From ballet and symphony to classic movies, The Lensic is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening being entertained. Lensic Schedule.
Enjoy a Long Dinner - Some people come to Santa Fe just to enjoy the variety and quality of the cuisine. Whether it is Restaurant Week or just a chilly evening, you'll find some great dining options to warm you.
You'll enjoy high end restaurants such as Geronimo's and The Compound as well as discover unique cuisine like the Caribbean and African cuisine at Jambo Cafe. Jambo Cafe is known for their soups. The variety is mind-boggling. Even the local food carts are known to produce some delicious food.
If you love New Mexico food, head for Maria's or The Shed. The chile will warm you as much as the friendly atmosphere.
Articles: Dining in Santa Fe
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