12. Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
At the vibrant Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, scores of farmers, ranchers, artisan cheese makers, pastry chefs, and more offer their exquisite products to both the community and international guests. This all-season market, frequently cited among the premier farmers’ markets nationwide, showcases fresh vegetables and fruits, locally sourced beef and chicken, handcrafted cheeses, fiery salsas, charred chili peppers, and a plethora of other items.
While browsing, energize yourself with locally brewed coffee and handcrafted breakfast wraps, explosive-flavored donuts, and sumptuous baked goods. Explore the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Shops on the premises for a selection of local and global finds.
13. The Santa Fe Railyard
If you think of Canyon Road as the center of Santa Fe’s art scene, then the Santa Fe Railyard serves as the city’s vibrant core. This freshly reimagined neighborhood, crafted from the remnants of a past railway era, thrives with boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, and is the starting point for adventures on the Sky Railway.
Both visitors and residents flock here to enjoy a film, dine together, experience live music, and browse the weekend markets featuring artists and craftsmen. The 13-acre Railyard Park presents an ideal setting for picnics and leisurely walks through its 28 gardens, while taking in the ever-changing public art displays and participating in the array of complementary events available throughout the year.
14. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum serves as an ideal venue to familiarize yourself with one of the world’s most celebrated artists. This museum boasts the largest permanent collection of O’Keeffe’s creations, featuring around 3,000 pieces such as oil paintings, sketches, and sculptures, some of which were seldom exhibited during her lifetime.
With nine galleries, the exhibits rotate throughout the year, showcasing not only O’Keeffe’s solo works but also exhibitions that place her art alongside that of other American Modernists. Additionally, the museum offers tours of the artist’s residence and studio in Abiquiú, providing deeper insight into her life and creative process.
15. Casinos near Santa Fe
You don’t need to visit Vegas to experience high-stakes excitement. A short drive from Santa Fe opens up a plethora of options.
- Santa Claran: Situated in Española, the Santa Claran Hotel & Casino provides a diverse selection of gaming activities, dining options, a comprehensive service hotel, an excellent bowling alley, and even a golf course.
- Ohkay Casino: Located just north of Española, Ohkay Casino boasts numerous slot machines and digital table games. This pueblo casino also has a hotel.
- Buffalo Thunder: Located 15 miles north of Santa Fe Plaza, the Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino is a top-tier resort sprawling across 587 breathtaking acres. Its striking Pueblo-inspired architecture encompasses a 61,000-square-foot casino equipped with 1,200 slot machines, 18 gaming tables, and a poker room. Looking for relaxation? The Wo P’in Spa provides massages and skin and body treatments to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Alternatively, you can play a round at the acclaimed Towa Golf Club. The resort’s dining options celebrate Southwest flavors, while the luxurious hotel rooms and suites are adorned with Native American decor.
- Tesuque Casino: The nearest casino to Santa Fe, Tesuque Casino offers stunning mountain views, a high-end restaurant, and live entertainment. With 10 table games, slots, Bingo, and more, it’s a must-visit for those looking to try their luck.
- Black Mesa Casino: Positioned about halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Black Mesa Casino features an extensive array of slots and electronic games. In addition to its gaming offerings, the casino includes an RV park, a gift shop, and other amenities.
16. Cross of the Martyrs Park
The Cross of the Martyrs Park is situated northeast of the Santa Fe Plaza, atop Paseo de la Loma Hill within Fort Marcy Park. It honors the 21 Franciscan friars and many Spanish settlers who perished in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. This memorial serves as a tribute to those lost in this historic event.
Visitors can take a gently sloping uphill path that leads through a memorial walkway, adorned with 20 plaques that narrate the captivating, diverse history of Santa Fe, spanning from 500 AD to the present day.
At its summit, a towering 25-foot cross serves as a poignant memorial to those who fell in the Pueblo Revolt. The park boasts expansive vistas of the cityscape, the Jemez Mountains to the west, and further afield, providing an ideal vantage point for witnessing Santa Fe’s renowned sunsets.
17. Santa Fe Summer Scene
Since 2003, Santa Fe Summer Scene has been animating the historic Santa Fe Plaza each summer with an eclectic mix of music, becoming a focal point for the community to come together and unabashedly enjoy dancing. Featuring a variety of music genres, the event showcases both local and national bands. To secure the best vantage point, attendees are advised to arrive early, equipped with folding chairs.
In addition to these events, Performance Santa Fe usually has at least one performance each summer. To see what’s in store, view their performance schedule.
18. The Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera stands as a global beacon for its summer festival, which has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1956. Situated 7 miles north of Santa Fe on what used to be a rustic ranch, this open-air venue is celebrated for debuting world premieres as well as presenting classic and modern operatic works, featuring both established and up-and-coming talents.
Embrace the long-standing custom of pre-performance tailgating in the parking lot in your most elegant attire, or opt for a more relaxed look with jeans and cowboy hats — either way, you’ll blend seamlessly with the crowd. For an upscale experience, partake in the opening night opera-themed dinners, where you can enjoy a meal while listening to an opera aficionado discuss the night’s show. Explore the Santa Fe Opera schedule for upcoming performances.
19. Take the Margarita Trail
Since its start in 2016, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail has attracted some 18,000 enthusiasts, both locals and tourists, who have embarked on a flavorful journey. Participants enjoy unique margaritas while aiming to collect stamps from each participating establishment to earn commemorative T-shirts and other rewards.
The trail has expanded, introducing new stops that guide margarita lovers through the city and its surrounding areas. The adventure includes visits to bars known for their storied pasts, traditional BBQ spots, upscale dining establishments, favorite local hangouts, and various other captivating venues, each serving up unique margarita creations found nowhere else.
To join the Santa Fe Margarita Trail fun, simply download the Margarita Trail Passport app from the Apple Store or Google Play, or grab a traditional paper passport from any participating location. Set off to explore, tasting distinctive Santa Fe margaritas along the way. Learn more about how to dive into this spirited experience.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
