Santa Fe

Artist Georgia O'Keeffe moved to Santa Fe in 1949 and established it as her new home and artistic haven as it, according to O'keeffe, expressed “the wideness and wonder of the world as I live in it.” Though she had been popular and recognized in New York art circles, she found her niche in the rugged New Mexican terrain where she immortalized flowers, shrubs, rocks, shells, and other natural objects through large-scale abstractions. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum has over 3,000 works of art, including 1,149 paintings, drawings, and sculptures done by O'keeffe from 1901 to 1984. The museum is also dedicated to O'keeffe's contemporaries and the American contemporary and modernist art movements; artists such as Arthur Dove, Sherrie Levine, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol have had their work displayed at the museum.

Opened in 2016, the House of Eternal Return is a self-titled combination of “children’s museum, art gallery, jungle gym and fantasy novel”. It has been formed by the Meow Wolf collective and over 100 local artists. The installation represents a Victorian house, in which each visitor can choose their individual path. Immerse yourself into the story and experience colors and your own imaginative space.

If you have the opportunity to rent a car, the scenic 1 1/2 hour drive from Santa Fe to the Municipality of Taos, north of Santa Fe, should be on your list. Surrounded by incredible landscapes, the town offers endless recreational activities.

Used a backdrop for weddings, the Loretto Chapel is one of Santa Fe's oldest and most dear attractions. Formerly a Roman Catholic church, it now serves as a museum and wedding venue. Perhaps beyond its grand beauty and elegance, Loretto Chapel's continued allure lies in its mysterious spiral staircase. Both the identity of its builder and the stunning physics of its construction - there were no supports holding it as it spirals into the choir loft - remain a mystery. Legend says that St. Joseph himself made it, as the man who did build the staircase disappeared before the nuns were able to pay him, and the wood used was not native to the area. It is a stunning salute to the science of physics and the hearts of believers.

Thousands are drawn each year to Santa Fe for its wealth of natural and historical sight-seeing opportunities. Among these are the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos located north of the city. With a history extending millennia, the pueblos were inhabited by Native Americans far before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s. Today, their cultures, traditions, and arts lend to New Mexico's greatness.

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture dedicates itself to the preservation of local Native American heritage. Listen to the stories and songs that span thousands of years of Southwestern history. If you're a history love or simply enjoy stories, it's a great way to spend your afternoon.

Even if you aren't a fan yet, you'll fall in love with opera after attending a production at the Santa Fe Opera House. With acclaimed singers from around the world visiting, the opera produces grand productions from classical composers to modern day favorites. Call or go online to check out performance times.

The Santa Fe Trail was a transportation route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the 19th century. In 1821, the Santa Fe Trail became America's first international commercial highway, becoming one of the nation's great routes of adventure and western expansion for nearly six decades afterwards. Congress recognized the significance of the Trail to American history by proclaiming it a National Historic Trail in 1987. Now visitors and locals can partake in its amazing history.

St. Francis Cathedral is one of Santa Fe's historical gems. Serving as the representation of the Southwest's influential past under Catholicism, the Cathedral is a cultural landmark. There are plenty of photograph opportunities with the beautiful interior and classical art. Daily masses are still held.

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet features top global choreographers, groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers from the American west. With locations in Aspen, Colorado, and Santa Fe, the Ballet forms a multifaceted arts organization. They curate quality dance programming for home audiences with dance education being the priority.

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is a professional, full-sized orchestra with a volunteer chorus. They feature anyone from gold medalists, first prize winning soloists and beloved masterworks. Come hear one of their stunning performances while in town.