My visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico, felt like an international travel destination, even though I was only traveling from California. Fly to Albuquerque, a travel friendly airport. with multiple no-line restrooms, lots of seating, excellent food (for an airport) and simple car rental. The hour drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is trouble free, with good access from the airport to the well maintained highway.
When we followed our phone directions to our timeshare, I thought we must be in the wrong place, as I had read many positive reviews that the property was within walking distance to the Santa Fe town center, and it seemed we were in a neighborhood of adobe homes far from any city center. However, when we set out to explore on foot, after getting some recommendations from the front desk of our timeshare, we discovered the town center is only blocks away from neighborhood homes.
I really didn’t have any expectations for Santa Fe. I’d never visited New Mexico and had heard from many people that they “loved Santa Fe,” so I put the destination on my bucket list. To my surprise and delight, I fell in love with Santa Fe. The adobe buildings and the mix of Native American culture and Mexican culture added to the intrigue, beauty, and culinary experience. The age of the city and the adobe buildings creates a feeling of international travel. The history of this area is felt through the visual experience as well as the cultural experience during a visit to Santa Fe. The southwest of the United States is multilayered in history and worth checking out when you are visiting.
What to do in Santa Fe:
Santa Fe is the state capitol. The State visitor’s center is a must stop early in your vacation to ask questions, get recommendations and request free maps of the city and surrounding area.
The city is a mecca for artists and there are galleries galore in Santa Fe. Pick up maps and guides of artist galleries so you can enjoy the experience of moving from one gallery to the next and often talking with the artist.
Learn about New Mexico’s history and the many tribal people of the area in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture located in the main town square.. There are also local Native Americans selling handmade jewelry just outside the museum.
Santa Fe is also known for roasted green chillies. Try a hamburger with green chili.
Visit the Farmer’s market on Saturday at the railroad depot and discover crafts as well as local produce and delicious food.
Visit Kakawa Chocolate House for dedicant candy, hot chocolate, and milkshakes.
Take a day trip to Los Alamos and learn the history of the Manhattan Project and the building of the atomic bomb. Visit Bandelier National Monument and walk the trails of Ancestral Pueblo people, climb ladders to see their cliff homes, and search for petroglyphs.
Watch the sunset.
Be open to being spontaneous and enjoy the day as it unfolds. Learn while you are visiting the various in-town churches by reading the provided information. On the drive outside of town, history will unveil itself, so be open to stopping and reading the markers.
Timeshares in Santa Fe:
WorldMark Santa Fe
Villas de Santa Fe by Diamond
Extra Vacations:
These vacations don’t use your timeshare points or credits, but are available to book for a week at a time, or sometimes offered as a fraction of a week for a set fee. Always check to make sure the booking cost is less than booking through a hotel booking site.The cost will vary depending on the time of year. For example, at this writing a three night booking at The Lodge at Santa Fe was $420 on a hotel booking site and $309.00 on the “Exchange Plus” Extra Vacation offer on RCI.
