the red portal

Welcome to the oldest, and highest Capital city in the US and no that is not because we’ve only recently legalized recreational, but because Santa Fe New Mexico rests at nearly 7000 feet above sea level. 

 Founded in 1610 The story of Santa Fe is ribald, charming, and celebrates a certain pride around what is sometimes coined the “City Different.” 

We boast an interesting page in American history. Check out the annual Fiesta melodrama at the Santa Fe Playhouse mid-August. Or visit local historian Ana Pacheco’s Page.

Santa Fe was built around a central plaza that marked the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Where the La Fonda hotel is, it used to be a Harvey House Restaurant complete with brides who started out as waitresses. The Plaza hosts a number of spectacular events including live music and the Native and Spanish markets. International Folk Art Festival is nearby. Not to mention the Zozobra (burning man) himself, Old Man Gloom.  Each attracts thousands of visitors a year. Santa Fe rests in the bosom (or more the pelvis) of the Southwest and boasts some key folks of American Wild West history. We’ve hosted some bad boys, like Billy the Kid, and artists like Georgia O’Keeffe who hung out with Ansel Adams.

While saltier locals may quip, it ain’t new and it ain’t Mexico there is a lot of excitement to experience here. 

Here are some things to keep in mind to make your stay comfier.

Santa Fe may leave you breathless, especially after a trot up a hill to the Cross of Martyrs say, you might be panting a dog at the effects of the 7000-foot elevation.

Sunscreen is essential as you are so much closer to the heavens here. Plus you don’t want to be mistaken for a desert lobster. The number on a tube of Sunscreen = minutes before re-applying. Santa Fe can boast as many as 320 days of sunshine even if it snowed overnight. Closer to that Zia in the sky, you might want to buy yourself a flat top snap-brim for the ladies, or a 10-gallon custom-made cowboy topper. Add pair of shades and a touch of turquoise.

Drink water, more than you would think- some define that as margaritas but you may feel the effects more here.  Weird dry cough? Drink more water.

It is customary to say hello to everyone you encounter walking down the street here, we’re all on the same path after all.

Go find Aquaphor or bag balm if you stay awhile- your skin will feel dry as toast otherwise in the summer. 

Dogs are welcome in many places here just call ahead first to make sure. Just keep in mind to never, ever leave them in the car here in the summer- shade is at a premium and cars overheat quickly. We want everyone to be OK here.

Check back for more tips.