Santa Fe (meaning the Holy
Faith) is an ancient city nestled at an elevation of 7000 feet in the
foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. It was established in 1610 and
is the oldest capital city in the United States. The culture of the Pueblo
people of New Mexico predated the European settlement of Santa Fe by 12,000
years.
Today, the high desert of
Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico are, of course, part of the American
landscape but not always strictly North American. The Pueblo, Spanish, and
Anglo cultures interweave the old with the new creating a rich, often
mystifying effect.
What has caused the
population of Santa Fe to triple over the past 50 years? Ironically, it is
primarily the desire of new residents for a small town atmosphere! However,
they seek this in combination with a centrally located, sophisticated urban
setting with access to a wealth of cultural opportunities. For artists, it
is additionally the indescribable beauty of the physical surroundings that
draws and keeps them in love with this colorful city.
Santa Fe is known for its
many world class museums, shops and boutiques, art galleries, and wide range
of entertainment from opera and dance to theater to music which can keep
visitors busy both day and night. Much of what Santa Fe has to offer is
located within the historic downtown area, which has a definite European
feel, and can be covered easily on foot. Strict construction guidelines
mandate the territorial and Spanish colonial architecture that characterizes
the Santa Fe style. City codes allow no high rises to block the mountain
views.
For those with outdoor
recreation in mind, Santa Fe is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of
National Forest and public land which offer fishing, camping and hunting
within easy reach. Hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, mountain climbing,
cross-country or downhill skiing at the Santa Fe Ski Area, white water
rafting and wind surfing are all available during the year. Golf, tennis and
even bird watching are other ways to enjoy the typically sunny, temperate
days.
Add to this world class
shopping or investigating why the city is a major center for alternative
healing and it is easy to understand how visitors to Santa Fe never seem to
lack for an itinerary. The city also offers meeting and conference
facilities and services for those wanting to mix business with pleasure.
Part of every day is enjoyably spent exploring the local cuisine in all its
forms and subtleties.
For inner journeying there
is a broad ranging alternative healing and thought community in Santa Fe
that provides a number of bookstores, physicians, lectures and workshops.
For those who seek a
vacation of tranquility and rejuvenation surrounded by the magnificence of
mountains, sky, sunrises and sunsets, there is no other place on earth quite
as satisfying as this city of peace and tranquility in the Land of
Enchantment.
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