Visiting Santa Fe

Santa Fe sits at the convergence of three geographic and energetic land events: the southern-most tip of the Rocky Mountains (locally named Sangre de Cristo for their sunset color), the western border of the Great Plains (extending 497 miles [800 km] from the Mississippi river) and the northern reach of the Altiplano (a high-altitude semi-arid plain stretching north from below Mexico City). Our altitude (7,000 feet, 2133 meters) contributes to our pure air, low humidity and intensely light-saturated colors (these have attracted artists for over a century). The heat of summer midday is balanced by afternoon thunderstorms, cool evenings and breezy shade. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, even freezing winter weather is often bright and warm.

Vibrant cultures co-exist here: coyote, crow and lizard, a high-altitude desert ecology brimming with sudden floral treasures, the indigenous Pueblo Indians, Spanish descendents of the Conquistadores, ranchers, the movie business, Latin American immigrants, landship-off grid communities, organic farmers and artists of all stripes. World-renown museums and cultural events abound. We are one day's drive (a short flight) from the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

"In the pursuit of happiness
it is sometimes good to be happy."
Mary Burmeister

If you are traveling for a class or sessions, we encourage you to schedule a little extra time for exploration. Here's some favorite places and annual events you may wish to have your visit coincide with:
Ceremonial dances at local pueblos (These are not tourist events. "Pueblo dances are a kinetic prayer, an important part of ceremonies that ensure the rhythm of life for everyone" – Phillip Marmolejo, Laguna Pueblo singer and drummer.)
Feast Days (set, annual dates): http://www.indianpueblo.org/19pueblos/feastdays.html
For dates of other dances open to the public: 866-855-7902; http://www.indianpueblo.org
Folk Art Museum: www.internationalfolkart.org
International Folk Art Festival: www.folkartmarket.org
Indian Market: www.swaia.org
Santa Fe Opera: www.santafeopera.org
Santa Fe Camber Music Festival: www.santafechambermusic.com
Site Santa Fe: sitesantafe.org
Lannan Foundation readings, lectures and dialogues with authors and social activists: www.lannan.org
Skiing, river rafting in the Rio Grande Gorge, infinite year-round hiking
The High Road to Taos: badlands, mountain villages, "sacred earth", Chimayó chile, weaving and Santero shops.
Christmas and New Years: farolitos, animal dances at the pueblos, snow, the incense of piñon fires
Climbing around in archeological sites: Tsankawi, Bandelier, Puye, our local BLM arroyos
Ojo Caliente hot springs and 10,000 Waves Spa
Bonanza Creek Ranch Film Location: www.bonanzacreekranch.com/index.html
Porcini, wild strawberry and wildflower hunting: seasonal in the Sangre above town
Farmers' Market – superb!
Georgia O'Keefe territory: Abiquiu, Chama River
Great espresso: Uzi's and Ohori's
Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco and flamenco classes http://www.santafehometownnews.com/content/maria-benitez-institute-spanish-arts-2013-fall-flamenco-classes
African dance camp http://campmabina.com/
Coming here on the train: see the Country! We'll pick you up in Lamy.
One (of several online) general monthly events calendar: http://santafe.org/Calendar/