Entering Santa Fe Historic Plaza transports you to another country and even another time. On one side of the square, Native American artisans display their wares in the shade of the historic Palace of the Governors, while on the opposite side cobblestone streets wind through burnished adobe façades and lead toward towering Spanish colonial churches. Elements of Native American, European and Old West cultures are alive in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, shining a light on 400 years of history. Adding to the richness, your family will find world-class museums, excellent weather for outdoor exploration and a full slate of cultural events.
What to Do:
Exploring Santa Fe’s multifaceted culture begins in the wonderfully walk-able downtown area, which presents an alluring concentration of museums and historic sites, including some of the oldest buildings in the country. Walk the halls of the oldest government building in America at the Palace of the Governors and ring a centuries-old bell at the Chapel of San Miguel, the nation’s oldest church. Adjacent to the chapel is another building listed as the oldest house in the United States, cementing the unique antiquity of Santa Fe. For a more hands-on view of the past, visit the New Mexico Museum of History (505/476-5100; nmhistorymuseum.org), where interactive exhibits invite visitors to grab kid-sized boots and spurs and imagine life as a cowboy.
El Rancho Golondrinas (505/471-2261; golondrinas.org) is a 200-acre living history museum where costumed performers stroll through original colonial buildings to show how life was lived on the frontier. Kids get a chance to grind corn and craft tortillas or explore the buildings that serve as the setting for the stories of popular American Girl character Josefina.
Art lovers will be right at home in the vivid art culture of Santa Fe. The Museum of International Folk Art (505/476-1200; internationalfolkart.org) is ideal for kids, with a dedicated play space to engage young minds in the collection and a multimedia iPod tour available at the front desk. Art galleries are abundant in the city, and while stuffy galleries and young children often don’t mix, the outdoor installations of famed Canyon Road carve a place for little ones in the art scene.
Editor’s suggestion: Sledding at Hyde Memorial State Park (505/983-7175; emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/hydememorialpark.html)
In the winter months, the kids will be thrilled to take a run at an old-fashioned pastime: sledding. Hyde Memorial State Park, eight miles from Santa Fe, has three netted sledding areas that vary by steepness. Bring your own sled or buy one at the ski shop – which you’ll definitely want to visit afterward for hot chocolate.
Where to Stay:
The heart of the city is the Historic Plaza, and Fort Marcy Hotel Suites (505/988-2800; allseasonsresortlodging.com/santa-fe) provides all of the comfort of a fully equipped condo with a location right near the action. Fort Marcy’s one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are spread among nine acres of landscaped desert grounds where you can wander through cacti and take in the mountain views. Kids will love taking a dip in the indoor waterpark, while parents will appreciate concierge-style amenities such as on-call shuttle service. Try your hand at preparing local cuisine in the fully furnished kitchen and soak up the warmth of wood-burning kiva fireplaces in the separate living area. Each suite includes a private balcony for a perfect view of a spectacular Southwest sunset.
Editor’s suggestion: Vacation Rental by Owner
Traveling with kids and a dog and know you definitely want a fireplace? Consider renting a private home through VRBO. You can easily customize the amenities you need, and the price is comparable to a hotel or condo.
Where to Eat:
The newly restored Railyard District offers a wide variety of rustic eateries amidst the bustle of the train tracks. At Cowgirl BBQ (505/982-2565; cowgirlsantafe.com), grown-ups indulge in margaritas and mouthwatering ribs on the patio while kids scramble around on the play structure. An extensive kids’ menu and a lending library of board games make this a family favorite. A table at Coyote’s Rooftop Cantina (505/983-1615) not only gets you a taste of the hip food scene – including a green chile mac and cheese that perfectly blends comfort and cuisine – but amazing views of downtown. Hit the Cantina early to beat the dinner crowd and then stroll the Plaza to sample the live entertainment and vendor carts.
Published February 2014
