February has a bad rap for being difficult. People grow weary of winter and all of its snow, ice and cold weather. Midwinter in Santa Fe, though, is a different story. It can snow one day and hit the mid-50s the next. The powder conditions are pristine, whether you're a snowboarder, downhill or cross-country skier. Off-slope, the city is abuzz with all kinds of things to do, from cool concerts and classes to an established film festival and more. This is no time to give in to the winter doldrums or cabin fever.This is the time to get out and enjoy some February fun in Santa Fe, without the crowds of summer .
Movies & More
Salute the wonderful world of movies at the Santa Fe Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary February 12-16 with workshops, juried awards, panels, parties and more than 170 films made locally and globally. This vibrant event brings film fans together with filmmakers, actors, directors and others working in the industry. This year's lifetime achievement award will go to Matthew Modine, who will be honored on Saturday, February 15 at the Scottish Rite Temple. VIP passes will get you access to all events, including the posh parties and award ceremonies.
Romantic Santa Fe
Valentine's Day is a February highlight, a chance to romance the one you love. In Santa Fe, you'll find dozens of ways to celebrate the day, from dining out in romantic restaurants to spa experiences you can enjoy together. But here a few unique suggestions for sharing the day with your valentine.
You and your sweetheart could start your Valentine's Day at the acclaimed Santa Fe School of Cooking with a Traditional New Mexico cooking class devoted to the delectable flavors of Santa Fe. During the three-hour demo class, you'll learn to make corn tortillas, cheese enchiladas with red chile sauce, chicken enchiladas with green chile sauce, posole, pinto beans, and capirotada, or bread pudding. Discover what techniques the locals use to make these traditional dishes and hear about the lore of the region. The class begins at 10 am, and once the dishes are made, you'll get to savor each and every one, then take home the recipes so you can make them for each other.
If you and your Valentine appreciate wine, stop in at Susan's Fine Wine and Spirits on Valentine's Day, 4-6:30 pm and become acquainted with the wines of Spain that are in vogue. Linda Tetrault of Floating World will introduce you to Spanish wines that highlight organic viticulture, natural yeast fermentation, minimal intervention, and other techniques of wine production. You can toast to each other as you sample these wines, and bring your favorite bottle home with you.
Nothing could be more adventurous this Valentine's Day than a Couples Splatter Painting Night at the otherworldly Meow Wolf, one of the most popular sites in Santa Fe. With this bundled deal, you and your partner will collaborate to create a splatter painting, guided by staff of the MeowWolf Learning Center. You'll also explore the world-famous Meow Wolf exhibit, “The House of Eternal Return.” As a souvenir of your evening, your painting goes home with you. The event runs from 6 to 10 pm.
On the Slopes
If you're a woman who likes to snowboard, consider signing up for Ski Santa Fe's 5th Annual Burton Women's Snowboard Camp, February 15-16. You'll excel in riding on new terrain in small groups led by female instructors. The camp is geared to riders at intermediate to advanced levels who feel comfortable on groomed, blue terrain. In addition to expanding your snowboarding prowess, you'll get to take advantage of free Burton demo boards, free boot rentals and snazzy Burton giveaways. You'll also get to enjoy the awesome slopes of Ski Santa Fe, with majestic mountain views and some of the best powder in the Southwest.
Slope-side, Ski Santa Fe is great fun, too. A regular music series features live music on the deck at Totemoff’s Bar & Grill, where you can stop for a craft beer and a bite to eat as you listen to local favorites. February 15 brings J.J. & The Hooligans to play rock, blues, Americana and more. On February 22, the Bus Tapes play their famous folked-up rock. All concerts take place from 11 am to 3 pm.
On Stage
Speaking of music, singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen is coming to town Sunday, February 23, 7:30 pm, and you might want to get your tickets now. This Houston native is a living legend with some 18 albums under his belt. “Rolling Stone” hails him as “a Country and Americana cult hero.” His passionate fan base includes Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks and The Highwaymen, who have all recorded some of Keen's songs. His classics include “The Front Porch Song, “Gringo Honeymoon” and his infamous holiday song, “Merry Christmas From the Family,” a hilarious ode to dysfunctional families drinking away the holiday. If you're lucky, he may perform that song in Santa Fe, despite his rule of playing it only after Labor Day. And if he does, you'll likely end up feeling grateful that it's February, and the holidays are far, far away.
This article was posted by Cheryl Fallstead
