Set in the shadows of the 12,000-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the high-desert city of Santa Fe has long cultivated a loyal following among creative spirits and open-minded souls, including writers and artists, New Agers, outdoors enthusiasts, and plenty of lesbians and gays. This capital city of New Mexico abounds with exceptional museums, noteworthy restaurants, and distinguished galleries. Here's a visual guide to exploring this stunning situated metropolis.
Mine Shaft Tavern, in the small town of Madrid, 25 miles south of Santa Fe | Max's, a casual restaurant and bar in the Guadalupe District | Madrid, a small artists' enclave on the Turquoise Trail, near Santa Fe | Chocolate Maven restaurant and bakery, on West San Mateo Road |
Amavi Restaurant, on Shelby Street near the Plaza | SITE Santa Fe, a contemporary art museum in the Railyard District | Acequia Madre, one of the most scenic streets on the city's East Side | Downtown Subscription coffeehouse and newsstand, near Canyon Road |
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, 15 miles north of town on Pojoaque Pueblo | Bataan Memorial Building, the former New Mexico Capitol | Jean Cocteau Cinema building, home of the New Mexico Film Museum | Santa Fe Playhouse, on DeVargas Street - the oldest theater of the West |