The Bobcat Paw

The winter season can bring a longing to pack your bags and hit the open road for a much-needed vacation. New Mexico, for decades, has been known as the Land of Enchantment. The city of Santa Fe is the living embodiment of that now-famous slogan. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Santa Fe is a hub for both avid and beginner skiers. The mountains also provide the perfect place to hike and take in the breathtaking nature of New Mexico. If skiing or hiking isn’t your thing, the town of Santa Fe has you covered with one of a kind charm and amenities. Home to the best museums, restaurants, and shopping, you will never have a lack of things to do in Santa Fe this winter season. To help you breakdown what Santa Fe has to offer before you plan your trip, we have put together a list of our favorite things to do. 1. Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing Skiing is the biggest attraction that brings tens of thousands of visitors to Santa Fe every winter. Ski Santa Fe is home to one of the m...

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1610,  Santa Fe, New Mexico is the oldest state capital in the USA. With its rich background, Santa Fe has lots of charm for history enthusiasts. From museums to old cathedrals, Santa Fe has plenty of opportunities for vacationers with a love for history. If you’re looking for historical sites and landmarks, you should include Santa Fe on your bucket list. Here are a few must-see sites when touring this city: 1. Santa Fe Plaza The Santa Fe Plaza is at the heart of the city and is home to a mixture of Native American and Spanish influences. Tour the plaza - one of the oldest parts of Santa Fe - where community events are common. From pop-up markets, farmers’ markets, and concerts, the plaza is a hub of events and activities. You’ll get a taste of the modern Santa Fe along with a taste of old. Both tourists and residents alike spend a great amount of time in the plaza. Aside from a host of community events, the plaza is also surrounded...

Everyone needs a getaway every once in a while. If you’re hoping to add a dash of art and culture to your upcoming vacation, one of the best places to find this is Santa Fe, New Mexico. This family-friendly and art-filled destination is historically known as the hot spot to discover art of all shapes and sizes including art shows, performances, fiestas and more. Before you get your travel agent on the phone, check out these recurring events happening in Santa Fe to see which one sounds like the best option for you to visit. Art Festivals and Markets Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival If you’re hoping to witness high-quality and professional art featured from a variety of artists far and wide, then this is a must-see. The Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival not only showcases art to look at but features pieces that can also be purchased. Each contributing artist has been hand-selected and invited by the members of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC). Once...

To help plan your Santa Fe vacation with family, the sampling of family-friendly activities described below will give you a good idea of the kinds of adventures available in the area, and at least provide the basis for your own research. Whether you're looking for laid back Santa Fe attractions or for more active participation, there are endless ideas for engaging every member of the family, so that all will be enchanted by the beauty, the excitement, and the inviting atmosphere of the Southwest. El Rancho de las Golondrinas This is one of the best family activities you'll find in the region, because it amounts to an outdoor living history museum, with numerous buildings and artifacts restored from the 18th century, and living historians dressed in period costume. Visitors can witness the daily routines of Spanish ranch inhabitants of the time, grinding corn, making leather, and even producing various objects made of metal. Santa Fe Farmer's Market The whole f...

Your planned Santa Fe, New Mexico activities should include several stops at area museums, so as to experience the flavor and the rich history associated with the region. Santa Fe is famous for its historical museums, which faithfully preserve the art and the culture in a number of facilities run by the state of New Mexico, as well as some that are privately maintained. You will be especially pleased if you have any kind of appreciation for Western, Spanish Colonial, Native American, or world folk art. Your only problem will be trying to decide which of the many museums to include on your itinerary. Here are a few of our favorites: El Rancho de las Golondrinas 'The Ranch of the Swallows' is a living history museum which was originally established more than 300 years ago as a way station on the road to Mexico City. In present times, it's open from June through September, and you'll see the past literally come to life here, with authentic buildings restored on orig...