Saturday, August 16, 2014

Sightseeing Saturday: Santa Fe

Santa Fe's full name when founded was La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís (“The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi”).
What a mouthful.
 
It is the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest city in New Mexico.
Santa Fe has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City which is evident by the numerous art galleries that can be found around the Plaza and along Canyon Road where you can find the highest concentration of galleries.
Art is everywhere.
And color. 
How I love color!
 
What I love about Santa Fe is that an ordinance was passed mandating that buildings, especially those in historic districts, must be designed in the Spanish Territorial or Pueblo style.  The architecture must stay true to its history. (We found this same design element when we were in Oman at the beginning of this year and it truly makes for a unique environment that respects its past.)
Upon recommendation by blog friend, Jan, we stayed at the Santa Fe Motel & Inn.  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.  Perfect location within walking distance of the Plaza, the Railyard District, Canyon Road and all the shopping and dining available in the area.
The room was cozy, with tiny red peppers left everywhere as a sign of welcome, and there was even a rubber ducky in the bathroom.
Breakfast is served daily.  You can sit family style at the dining table or enjoy the outdoor area.
Although there was much to see in Santa Fe itself, we did venture out from there.  Our first day trip took us to Bandalier National Monument.  More to come in my Travel Tuesday post.

Have a super Saturday!

17 comments:

Maya Kuzman said...

What a nice capture of the greatest points in pictures! I wish I would be able to visit Santa Fe sometimes.

Home Meadows said...

It's fun to explore new places and I enjoy seeing your photos from where you and your family travel. I love the photo of the textiles with the hanging flowers and the blue door trim. Looking forward to more from your trip. Heather

Acorn to Oak said...

Wow! That full name is a mouthful! I'm glad it has a shortened version. I love that type of architecture. That's one of the things I loved in Taos. I hope to wander around Santa Fe someday too. Looks like fun!

Tanna said...

Santa Fe is on my bucket list. I'm adding the little hotel! I so enjoyed catching up on your posts today, Tammy! ESPECIALLY the one with the great affirmations. That was perfect for me today. Words and photos. THANK YOU!!
I'm enjoying your notes on your trip to the states! =) blessings ~ tanna

Mereknits said...

I have never been to Santa Fe, but I hope to go someday, now after seeing these pictures I hope it is sooner than later,
Hugs,
Meredith

Kit said...

Oh what lovely photos! My daughters love visiting Sante Fe because of all the art and the beautiful buildings. Enjoy your stay! Kit

Betsy said...

Those are some gorgeous buildings! I've never been to Sante Fe but now after seeing your post it definitely makes me want to visit.
Blessings,
Betsy

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Oh what a magical place!
I love the adobe houses and the bright blue paint too.
What an inspirational city to visit - wonder art everywhere you look.
It makes me want to get out the paint pots!
A beautiful post Tammy.

have a happy week
hugs
Shane

Melanie said...

Santa Fe has always been a place I've wanted to visit (as well as Taos). Thanks for the little tour!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy.

Thank you for sharing your sightseeing pictures with us - love all the colour and the architecture.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Everything looks so clean and tidy!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Such sunny colors make one happy! Great idea to respect the cultural heritage and for keeping it true to its origins.
You did have a fantastic trip all together with lots of cultural and sight seeing experiences. Funny is that again you opted for the dessert states; also for your son's university. Maybe it makes him feel at home more.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette

Diane said...

That area is so rich in color and history. I'm glad you got to spend some time there. I'm enjoying your exploring "my part" of the country. Have a great week, Tammy. Diane

Tanya said...

I know exactly where you were from each and every photo, my friend. One of my favorite towns. There is actually a great restaurant across from the train station, next time you get to town. And I WILL be checking out that motel - we stay at the same one, over and over - need to try something new.

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

How wonderful that you are in the States visiting and seeing wonderful things! I have been worried about you from watching all of the unrest in the other parts of the world but was not sure if you live in that area. Have a safe and fun time with your family!

~*~Patty S said...

Santa Fe looks lovely and definitely a place we would enjoy.
I always salute places that care about preserving authenticity and history.
Thanks for sharing some of your travels!
oxo

Poppy said...

What brilliant and bold colours, shapes and textures, in the hot, Santa Fe landscape! Thank you for taking us along with you, Tammy; your tours are always so chock full of interesting info and amazing images!

Poppy

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