Santa Fe, New Mexico — Overview
With a name translated as 'holy faith', Santa Fe claims some of the most faithful fans among tourists spending time in New Mexico. More than a few of its 70,000-plus residents have relocated to this hotspot to submerge themselves in the art world, take advantage of year-round outdoors adventure offerings, and enjoy the mystical, spiritual appeal of New Mexico's deep well of Native American heritage. Throughout the central, oldest part of Santa Fe, you will find the early style of architecture - a mix of mud and straw that form adobes - remains dominant. The intriguing blend of décor amidst homes and businesses still incorporates the carved images of saints called santos, as well as artworks in tin, iron, straw and silver, representing the Hispanic customs of the region. Pottery, stonework, baskets and weavings illustrate the significant Native American influences from the Eight Northern Pueblos that cover the landscape in this part of New Mexico. At an altitude of over 2,100m (7,000ft), Santa Fe is a lofty setting in which to experience a culture like no other in America. Although Santa Fe isn't particularly large, the city has more than 200 restaurants, 250-plus art galleries, 60 or so Native American jewelry shops, and more than a dozen museums, along with a world-class opera program and a good schedule of festivals.
