The beauty and abundance of Santa Fe are vast and multifaceted with a colorful history of being the trading hub of the southwest. As the country’s oldest and highest (7,199 feet above sea level) state capitol located at the crossroad of the El Camino Real, the Spanish trail from Mexico City and the Old Santa Fe Trail from the east, Santa Fe has always had a rich and varied trade business.
Today, Santa Fe is known for its exciting annual art markets and its on-going support of local artists, writers, musicians and performers. As the country’s third largest art market, three tremendously successful art fairs are held here each year. The Spanish Colonial Art Market in July, with over 250 Spanish artists; The Native American Indian Art Market in August, featuring over 1,000 Native American artists; and the International Folk Art Market offering work from 160 master artists from 53 countries in July.
In addition, there are also rich and exciting art communities in Santa Fe. The historic Canyon Road art district has over 100 fine art galleries all within a half-mile, each offering a diverse array of art by established and emerging artists. The Railyard District boosts contemporary art and performances and the dynamic contemporary art museum exhibition platform, SITE Santa Fe.
The homegrown arts production company, Meow Wolf offers immersive, multimedia art experiences and the on-going free music concerts such as the nightly summer concerts at the Plaza’s Bandstand and the Music On The Hill at St. John’s College bring a lively and diverse musical variety to every member of the community.
Santa Fe is also known as a culinary destination with world-class restaurants offering an amazing diversity of cuisine by award-winning chefs as well as our own, unique and hearty Northern New Mexico fare such as posole green chile stew and chile rellenos in traditional red chile sauce.
