Anyone out there been to/live in Santa Fe?

[LuvTigger]

I'm attending a conference at the Hilton in Downtown Santa Fe the first week of September. We won't have a car, and not a whole lot of free time except for the afternoon on the first day, and evenings.

Anything special I should see/do/eat that's walking distance, while I'm there?

Also, the seminar brochure just says "casual attire." What does that mean in Santa Fe? I was going to bring slacks and some light, short-sleeved sweaters.

One more thing, transportation. We're flying into Albuquerque, and it's recommended that we either use the Santa Fe Shuttle or Sandia Shuttle to get to Santa Fe. Has anyone used them or have a preference?

Thanks!

 

[Cindy B]

My dear friend just moved back to PA from Santa Fe... it was pretty, but there are some *interesting* things...

The DUI rate is very high there, be wise!

The scenery was pretty, and very back to nature, but they missed other things.. it was a hike to the store, and a long drive to Alburquerque.. maybe an hour or so?

There were some great restaurants, and touristy things, but it really wasn't her place....

 

[Judy from Boise]

I'm afraid you might freeze ! Bring some layers and some warm tops and jeans !!!!!!

 

[lisaschu]

I visited Albuquerque and Santa Fe in January. We drove from Albq to Santa Fe. If I remember correctly it was about an hour's drive. We only spent part of the day, but there's a ton of quaint artisan's shops. The items aren't cheap, but it's fun to look. There's a great Georgia O'Keefe museum. Also, I highly recommend visiting the Loretto chapel. I saw it as a child and remembered it so vividly I had to return as an adult. There is a spiral staircase made entirely of wood - no nails and no visible means of support. There's a long miraculous story that goes with it. There's just something about that chapel for me. I loved visiting it again. Oh - there was also a Sidney Poitier film based on the chapel...Lillies in the field, I believe. Anyway, I enjoyed the city. I hope you do too.

Lisa

 

[Harley Chick]

I live in the mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. If you have time to take the scenic route (North 14) from Abq to SF, please do (it'll add about 1/2 hour to the trip, but it's well worth it). The scenery is spectacular. We've had quite a bit of rain recently and the wildflowers are just starting to grow and everything is fairly green. Although I spend most of my time at the Harley Shop in Santa Fe , I have managed to get to the Historic center once or twice. Like lisaschu said, visit the chapel. It's pretty cool. The shopping is very expensive. As far as freezing, it is cool at night, but beautiful during the day. If you get a chance to spend some time in Albuquerque, I absolutely have to recommend a visit to the zoo. It is something Abq is really proud of. Old Town is also near the zoo. You can shop there at much more reasonable costs than in SF.

 

[tc]

We used to go to a church camp near Santa Fe called Glorieta, and would a day around town. I really liked it. I liked the art museums. The food is awesome. Mostly you can walk anywhere in the old town area, and visit the shops and restaurants.

Harleychick: I went to the Harley Dealer there. I bought my car, a 2000 Vapor (baby blue) Beetle on the Internet, and the closest place to pick it up was Santa Fe. We took the Road King from Longmont to Santa Fe, spent the night, and picked up the car in the a.m. Stephen always has to go to every Harley dealer we get near to get dip dots, or a tee shirt. We went as soon as it opened, and got the dots (free, which doesn't always happen), two shirts, and a sticker for my car. It's small with light blue in it, so it looks good, yet understated. They were very nice to us there. Then we took the long drive home (about 8 hours). My butt was thankful it was sitting on a regular seat.

 

[perdidobay]

I agree with taking time to see Loretto Chapel, also Canyon drive is a beautiful street with lots of small art galleries along it. Hyde Park Road for a beautiful view of Santa Fe from above. St Francis Cathedral is a historic Church ( built by ArchBishop Lamy, have you ever read "Death comes for the Archbishop" by Willa Cather?) The Chapel of San Miguel is also a historic pueblo style church. As for food just try any local New Mexican style restuarant and be sure to order something with green chili on it, if only to say you tried it!
Abq has a great zoo, I agree, and Old Town Abq is fun for tourist shopping, I always stock up on Pinon incense there
Sorry I can't help with shuttle companies, I always have my own car there.