photo by gusto

The capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe represents a flawless amalgam of natural and contemporary art. Its classic regional architecture is distinctively Spanish in flavor, and complements the rich desert surroundings perfectly. Even those who don’t typically enjoy the great outdoors can’t help but want to wander about the area and marvel at the beautiful architecture. Structural design aside, Santa Fe is a haven for artists of all expressional mediums. Downtown Santa Fe is crowded with unique galleries and art boutiques, which carry both obscure and mainstream masterpieces created by local artists. The Santa Fe Opera is one of the Southwest’s best, soon to enter its fiftieth season. If you don’t feel like packing your opera gloves, catch a concert at the Paolo Soleri Ampitheater.

Santa Fe also has some excellent art museums. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, for instance, is home to a large variety of unique artwork and was created in honor of one of New Mexico’s most celebrated painters. The International Museum of Folk Art is also a worthwhile stop for art lovers. Check out the New Mexican collection, which features vibrant Mexican-influenced tin paintings and stunning examples of mayolica, artfully glazed pottery in vibrant blue and white shades. You’ll want to be sure to stop at the Plaza Center. Known as the gateway to the community of Santa Fe, the adobe-style Plaza Center is nearly 400 years old and offers visitors a pure taste of the Southwest. This park is bordered by many of Santa Fe’s noteworthy attractions, including the St. Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel. The park itself is filled with benches and shade, a perfect place to rest and regroup before hitting the nearby jewelry boutiques and art galleries.