by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Nov 22, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
With more than 250 art galleries, art lovers visiting Santa Fe have a wealth of choices to view and purchase art from local and internationally renowned artists. It’s no wonder that Santa Fe was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2005. The suggestions below represent just a sample of what is available for any style or budget.
Galleries
Everywhere you go in Santa Fe, you are sure to find galleries featuring works from artists from around the world. Canyon Road is one of the most famous gallery neighborhoods in Santa Fe, featuring galleries such as Acosta Strong Fine Art, Adobe Gallery, Alan Kessler Gallery, and Alexandra Stevens Fine Art. Canyon Road also boasts many places to eat and drink, making it easy to spend part of a day exploring the street. located on a parcel of redeveloped land along Guadalupe Street, just a short walk from the Inn, the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District features nine galleries along with Site Santa Fe. Standouts include Tai Modern, specializing in Japanese bamboo and photography; Gallery Fritz, showcasing works by contemporary artists; and Blue Rain Gallery, which features contemporary Indigenous and regional art.
Artisan Markets and Festivals
For visitors to Santa Fe in mid-October, the Canyon Road Paint & Sculpt Out, featuring more than 100 artists creating works in real-time is a can’t miss event. Visitors get to interact with artists and learn about their work. The prestigious Review Santa Fe Photo Festival, also held in mid-October, is considered the premier juried event of its type and draws photographers from around the world. The event also features workshops, artist talks, and a special event honoring an iconic figure from the photography world.
Artists’ Studios
Visitors to Santa Fe in late September should treat themselves to the Eldorado Studio Tour. Held at the Eldorado Community Center, the tour features works from more than 80 artists across more than 60 studios. In early October, the Abiquiú Studio Tour is an open house for local artists that also provides visitors with a self-guided visit to artists’ studios throughout the village of Abiquiu and the Chama River Valley, with its spectacular scenery of rock formations and the Piedra Lumbre Basin. Also in early October, the Santa Fe Studio Tour provides an opportunity to interact with more than 80 of the city’s best artists.
Boutiques
Santa Fe also features a variety of outstanding boutiques where shoppers can find everything from fine furnishings to gifts and souvenirs. Some favorites include Seret and Sons, with their unique collection of furnishings, rugs, and textiles; Green River Pottery for contemporary stoneware and ceramics; and House of Ancestors Antiques and Interiors, which offers pieces from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras as well as antiques and folk art from New Mexico. Array features a wide selection of gifts, books and greeting cards, bath and body goods, paper products, and home accessories.
Located just a short walk from the historic Plaza, The Inn on the Alameda is ideally located for access to Santa Fe’s many museums, galleries, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stay during your visit. Check out our website for all the information to plan an art-focused trip to Santa Fe. https://www.innonthealameda.com/
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Oct 17, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
With so much to see and do, it’s difficult to limit an itinerary for a visit to Santa Fe. But no visit would be complete without spending time in at least one of the city’s outstanding museums, many of which showcase the region’s unique blend of history and cultural heritage along with outstanding artworks. Whether tastes run to classics from past centuries, Indigenous arts, or edgy contemporary pieces – there is something to suit every art preference.
Museum Hill
With four museums on its grounds, Museum Hill is a must-visit stop. The Museum of International Folk Art includes an impressive collection of folk art from around the world. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian features extensive collections of Indigenous arts and artifacts. The Museum of International Folk Art showcases folk art from more than 100 countries around the world. Be sure to leave time to visit the museum shops to take home an original work as a souvenir of your visit. With the Museum Hill Café and the botanical gardens close by, it’s possible to spend the entire day on Museum Hill.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is located just off the Plaza. An international artist icon, American Modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe made her first visit to New Mexico in 1929 and relocated to the region 20 years later. Her works were inspired by the desert landscapes of Abiquiú, north of Santa Fe. Displays in the museum include articles from her daily life and a large collection of her works, along with changing exhibitions highlighting her influence on other artists.
SITE Santa Fe
Featuring rotating exhibits of provocative contemporary art, SITE Santa Fe opened its doors in 1995. This progressive art space also features multimedia productions. Biennials held by SITE Santa Fe are an international draw – attracting participation from renowned artists from around the world. The space was recently expanded and redesigned by New-York based SHoP Architects with a spectacular glass façade. The private nonprofit arts organization behind SITE Santa Fe cites as its mission enrichment of the overall cultural scene in Santa Fe.
New Mexico Museum of Art
Located a block off the plaza in an adobe building inspired by Indigenous pueblo architecture, the New Mexico Museum of Art was the first public building in New Mexico dedicated to the arts when it opened its doors in 1917. Its 20,000-piece permanent collection includes works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Gustave Baumann, and photographer Ansel Adams, as well as pieces from members of the Taos Society of Artists and Los Pintores – both early 20th-century art colonies.
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, adjacent to the prestigious Institute of American Indian Arts and located just off the Plaza, is devoted to showcasing contemporary Indigenous artwork. Exhibitions at the museum often feature works by students or graduates of the Institute, along with works by renowned Indigenous artists from across North America.
Located close to many museums, galleries, and restaurants and just a short walk to the historic Plaza, The Inn on the Alameda is the perfect place to stay for a museum-focused visit to Santa Fe. Visit our website to learn more about all Santa Fe has to offer and for help planning your trip. innonthealameda.com
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Oct 17, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
Fall foliage is spectacular in New Mexico – and Santa Fe is no exception. Residents and visitors alike can take a respite from busy city life to enjoy natural beauty just a short distance away. Many hiking trails in the region can be challenging even to experienced hikers. However, the hiking and nature trails featured below are suitable for active beginners as well as experienced hikers – and fall is a perfect time to explore them.
Aspen Vista
Located within the Santa Fe National Forest, the Aspen Vista trail is one of the best hikes in the region for enjoying fall color. It features a wide range of terrains, including wildflower fields, a river, lake, and groves of aspens in their glorious fall colors. The first 2.5 miles of the trail are relatively easy to navigate. But the trail becomes increasingly steep – which could test the resolve of more leisurely hikers. But the breathtaking view at the top is a reward that is well worth the challenge for hikers up to the task.
Dale Ball Trails
The popular Dale Ball Trails cover nearly 25 miles throughout the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains – linking the city of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe National Forest, and Santa Fe County. This moderate-rated high-desert trail boasts picturesque mountain views. The Dave Ball Trails are well marked — and maps are available at the intersection of Hyde Park Road and Sierra Del Norte. The Nature Conservancy’s Santa Fe Canyon Preserve provides another trailhead for the Dale Ball Trails, as well as a 1.5-mile loop trail through the Santa Fe River. A four-mile climb leads to the 8,775-summit of Picacho Peak. The Dale Ball Trails are open year-round, and dogs on leash are permitted. Weekday and early morning hikes are less likely to be crowded than treks on weekends and later in the day.
Randall Davey Audubon Center
Birdwatching and hiking are both featured at the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary. This 135-acre wildlife preserve was once a sawmill before being purchased by American painter Randall Davey, who converted it into his home and studio. The Sanctuary has recorded 190 bird species and includes trails that wind through gardens of flowers and stands of juniper, ponderosa, and piñon trees. Visitors can participate in free guided bird walks on Saturday mornings – or explore the sanctuary on their own.
The Inn on the Alameda is the perfect base for a visit to Santa Fe and embark on the popular fall hikes in the area, located just a short distance away from the inn. Visit our website to learn more about all Santa Fe has to offer and for help planning your trip.
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Sep 1, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
At the Inn on the Alameda, we take tequila very seriously. We’re passionate about the spirit and love to share our love of it with our customers. We want to educate you about tequila and help you find the right tequila for you.
To that end, we curate our collection by NOM so you can see which distilleries made each of the tequilas we feature. Today, we want to teach you about NOM and why it is essential for tequila drinkers.
What is a NOM?
NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana. The NOM is the official Mexican standard of tequila. That number represents the distillery where that tequila was produced and certifies that that distillery meets the legal standards tequila producers must adhere to when making tequila. It is a four-digit number you can find on the back of every bottle of tequila.
What can you learn from a NOM?
You can use the NOM to learn more about the distillery where that tequila was made. It can be used to help you evaluate the quality of the tequila you are drinking.
There are more than 1,400 registered brands of tequila but only about 140 licensed tequila distilleries in Mexico. Each licensed distillery has its own unique NOM, and any tequila produced at that distillery will carry that number. This means that each of those distilleries is associated with a number of tequila brands that, while distinct brands, share the same NOM.
Will tequilas with the same NOM taste the same?
Not necessarily. They’re all made at the same distillery using the same equipment. The different brands with the same NOM can taste similar but with different profiles based on a variety of factors, including where the agave that was used came from. If you find a tequila you like, you may enjoy other brands with the same NOM.
At Joe’s Tequila Bar, we offer a wide variety of tequilas to satisfy both the conservative and the adventurous. Stop by and sample tequilas from the same or different NOMs. We even offer flights to allow you to explore and learn more about tequila.
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Sep 1, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
Fall is a great time to visit Santa Fe. The summer crowds are gone, the temps are cooler, and the fall foliage is on display. There is plenty to do for nature lovers, foodies, or anyone who appreciates great art. Here are some of our favorite activities during the fall months.
Hit Scenic Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great activity, no matter when you visit Santa Fe. But most Santa Fe locals will tell you that fall is the perfect season for a hike. The weather is cooler, and the leaves are starting to change. If you’re looking for a great place to hike that is just a short drive from the Inn on the Alameda, check out the Dale Ball Trail system. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is a 25-network of trails for hikers and cyclists. The Aspen Vista Trail is just a short drive from the Inn on the Alameda. Named for the spectacular fall color of the aspens, this 11-mile trail is suitable for both casual leaf peeping and more serious hikers
Explore the Vibrant Art Scene
Santa Fe has one of the best art scenes in the country, and you can’t go anywhere without running into opportunities to experience or purchase art. Located just steps from the Inn, Canyon Road is one of the most famous gallery streets in the world. Spend some time wandering up it and into and out of galleries. Take the opportunity to visit some of the many artists who call Santa Fe home. A studio tour gives you the chance to meet artists in their studios to learn more about them and their work. If you’re looking for a more immersive art experience, visit Meow Wolf to explore their immersive, hands-on multimedia experiences. Or take a short drive out of Santa Fe to wander the sculpture garden at Shidoni. You can also visit the foundry and the glass-blowing studio that call Shidoni home.
Visit Museum Hill
No visit to Santa Fe would be complete without a trip to Museum Hill. Home to four world-class museums and the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens, the site is also a public sculpture garden with plenty of opportunities to view and learn about art and history. Explore the Spanish colonial period at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. Learn more about Native American art and culture at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Then dive into folk art from around the world at the Museum of International Folk Art.
Enjoy Delicious Bites
Taste the flavors of the area. From dishes featuring red and green chiles to Native American-inspired cuisine and world-class fine dining, there is no shortage of wonderful places to eat and drink in Santa Fe. Start your day off with one of Tia Sophia’s famous breakfast burritos featuring red or green (or every local’s favorite – Christmas, a combination of both). For lunch, La Choza Restaurant is always a great choice for some of the best tacos and enchiladas in Santa Fe. Finish off your day with an unforgettable meal at Geronimo on Canyon Road. Named one of the country’s best fine dining restaurants, it features farm-to-table dishes using the best local ingredients and flavors. For chocolate lovers, a trip to the Kakawa Chocolate House is a must to try exotic treats like agave caramels and mezcal-flavored chocolates. Start or finish your evening with a stop at Joe’s Tequila Bar at the Inn on the Alameda to sample a tequila from our extensive collection.
The list above represents just a small sample of what Santa Fe has to offer, whether your preferences are for art and artisan crafts, the great outdoors, or great food. Visit our website to learn more about planning a fall trip to Santa Fe. And while you’re here, our experienced staff will be happy to provide vital details like opening hours and directions to various spots.
The Inn on the Alameda is the perfect home base for your Santa Fe visit in every season. https://www.innonthealameda.com
by Inn on the Alameda Santa Fe Hotel | Aug 15, 2022 | culture & tradition, dance in santa fe, New Mexican Culture, new mexico food, New Mexico Restaurants, Santa Fe, santa fe dining, santa fe food, Santa Fe Restaurants, santa fe travel, What To Do in Santa Fe
Santa Fe can rightly claim the title of margarita capital of the country. Tequila made its debut in the United States in Santa Fe as an import carried along a 1,200-mile stretch from Mexico City.
Today, visitors to Santa Fe can enjoy participating in the Margarita Trail, stopping off at different locations around Santa Fe to sample different takes on the margarita.
Tourism Santa Fe launched the Margarita Trail as part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in 2016. The trail featured 31 local restaurants and bars offering various margarita versions. Since then, 16 more establishments have joined the Margarita Trail. Participants receive a stamp from each establishment that they stop at to sample a margarita. You can pick up your Margarita Trail Passports from the Santa Fe Visitor Centers. Old Passports can be exchanged for the current Passport at no charge, and stamps transfer to the new version. The passport allows users to collect stamps, earn prizes, and get a $1 discount on each signature margarita. Smartphone users can also download an interactive Margarita Trail app to help them explore the trail.
The Margarita Trail features a rewards program as an incentive for collecting stamps. Collecting five stamps earns a Margarita Trail T-Shirt. Participants who collect ten stamps earn provisional membership in the Margarita Society. 15 stamps give a participant full membership. Margarita Society members attend invitation-only social gatherings and lectures and receive the quarterly newsletter, Margarita Insider. Individuals who earn 20 stamps receive an autographed copy of The Great Margarita Book by former Maria’s owner Al Lucero. Individuals collecting 30 stamps received a branded bartender’s kit. Everyone who completes the Margarita Trail receives a VIP Margarita Package.
Joe’s Tequila Bar at the Inn on the Alameda is one of the can’t-miss stops along the Margarita Trail. As one of the Margarita Trail’s original establishments, Joe’s Tequila Bar offers a wide variety of tequilas designed to satisfy tequila purists and adventurous connoisseurs. Joe’s Tequila Bar serves more than tequila. We also offer wine, beer, and other spirits. Our menu includes delicious Southwestern-inspired appetizers and entrees, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, on the menu. Come and enjoy a drink and a bite today!
