The Bobcat Paw

New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment and for good reason. From its vast, serene deserts to its tall mountain peaks, there are endless adventures at every turn. During the autumn months, the need to wind down from summer activities only increases. Santa Fe prides itself on good weather and aims to support a host of different events. Here is a list of 7 of the Best Fall Festivities in Santa Fe. 1. Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day This exciting and important three-day event is hosted every year in Santa Fe. As a tribute to the ancestors that claimed the land in Santa Fe, there is an abundance of fun and education at this event. The main goal is for the community to remember and honor the valued Native American neighbors. From Saturday, October 12th through Monday, October 14th at the Downtown Santa Fe Historic Plaza, you can enjoy performances and stories like the Buffalo Dance Group, Youth Hoop Dancers, storytelling of the Indigenous History of O’gah Po’oge, and more! Visit...

There’s a reason they call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment”. With its many National Parks, deserts and mountain scenery, this southwestern gem offers luxurious views. Whether you’re visiting New Mexico for skiing, riding bike trails or visiting Native American pueblos, the state capital, Santa Fe, will likely be on your itinerary. While you’re here, take a break from the outdoor sights and recreation, and enjoy one of the many vineyards and wineries local to Santa Fe. Unknown to many, some of the finest wines in the world are produced in New Mexico. Sante Fe produces a wide variety of wine-producing grapes. So naturally, there are some award-winning wineries in the area that you must visit. Here are the ones you should be sure not to miss: 1. Vivac Winery At the Vivac Winery, every step of the winemaking process is performed entirely by hand; from sorting the grapes to punch-downs and bottling. Vivac selects the finest New Mexico grapes and takes the utmost care in gen...

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...

Summertime in Santa Fe is a wonderful time to enjoy the full beauty of the Southwest with mountains, valleys, rivers, and prairies. Enjoy outdoor activities before coming back into town for local attractions. Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Santa Fe in the summertime: photo courtesy of  santafe.org Santa Fe Plaza Ever since the city's 1610 founding, the Santa Fe Plaza has served as the focal point for city life, offering shops and restaurants, bullfights and fandangos, and a gathering place for both locals and visitors. There are still many of the old buildings standing, which act as reminders of the city's rich history and you can still attend Spanish and Indian markets, just like in older times. The Plaza is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is something that should be on every summertime itinerary. Santa Fe Farmers Market Only about a mile away from Santa Fe Plaza, the Farmers Market is open all year round to offer loca...

There are so many great outdoor activities to do in Santa Fe that it's impossible to list them all in any single article. This is just a brief sampling of our favorites to get you started. Most of these activities are open all year round, thanks to our beautiful weather. image courtesy of SantaFe.org Pueblo Feast Days There are nearly 20 pueblos in the northern region of New Mexico, and each one of these communities has its own annual Feast Days and Religious Events. Most of them allow respectful visitors to observe and partake in the fun so that an understanding can be gained of traditional tribal culture and history. This is a wonderful way to learn about the area natives, and how they have lived for centuries before the arrival of others. Ski Santa Fe Our area provides challenges for experienced skiers as well as great introductions for newcomers. Offering some of the highest elevations for skiing in the United States, Ski Santa Fe has a base elevation of 10,350 f...

Whatever kind of shopping you enjoy most, you're sure to find something for you in the Santa Fe area and you'll not only come away with some terrific purchases, but you will also have loved the shopping experience you had in the process. image courtesy of Keshi - The Zuni Connection Prairie Dog Glass Come to this shop and enjoy browsing through all the wonderful hand-crafted glass creations, then take a class yourself and produce your very own glass art that will be a lifetime reminder of your experience in Santa Fe. Keshi - The Zuni Connection Keshi is the shop to go for authentic and beautifully hand-crafted Zuni crafts and the owners are extremely knowledgeable about all things to do with the Zuni peoples. The owners work very closely with the actual Zuni pueblo today, and sell their products at prices set by the artists themselves. image courtesy of Seret & Sons Origins This is one of the oldest shops in Santa Fe, NM, and it still has an atmosphe...