A Special and Quiet Day in Santa Fe - Plaza Lounging and River Strolling
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and if that is really true then this is one long blog post.
One of the things people enjoy most about their visit to Santa Fe is simply strolling about the plaza or up Canyon Road. And it can be an opportunity to slow down, kick back and wander a bit aimlessly to see the sites.
Stroll along the length of Palace Ave. fronted by the Palace of the Governors and check out the items for sale beneath the portal. Native Americans come every day (with the exception of Indian Market weekend and Spanish Market) to display their crafts: pottery, beadwork, silver jewelry, and some slightly more obscure items. You can still find the occasional bargain, but be aware, that's not the draw beneath the portal.
The Plaza is on the other side of the street. The heart of Santa Fe, the square. It offers benches and tall trees for shade on a hot day and recently there have been a lot of those. Lacking the usual afternoon showers this summer, what is fondly known as 'monsoon season' it has been pretty hot in Santa Fe, mostly around the mid 90's with a really intense sun.
On that note, once again the caution. Santa Fe is at around 7,000 feet altitude. Lots of sunblock is needed, a hat with a large brim would be a good idea and remember to drink lots of liquids - water in particular. Oh, and go easy on the alcohol. At this altitude alcohol can hit harder than expected. Occasional stops where you can sit down and pause with a cool drink or a snack is a great idea as well.
As a matter of fact right off the plaza is the Plaza Bakery and Cafe featuring Haagen Daz ice cream, cold drinks, coffee, pastries and light lunch items. The food is always good, the ice cream what would be expected of Haagen Daz and its pleasant, light, airy atmosphere is a nice place to stop. It's right on the southwest corner of the plaza across San Francisco Street from the plaza . It's locally owned and has been here a good long time - ever since Zook's pharmacy along with it's soda fountain closed somewhere in the mid-eighties. It's a small shop with a few tables inside. One right up against a window that fronts on the street for close-up people watching. Or you can take your treat and wander back across the street to the plaza and a nice bench beneath a shady tree.
There's lots to see in Santa Fe as you branch out from the plaza. Shops, Galleries, several Museums, lovely hotels and restaurants, and more all with the backdrop of the mountains that seem mysteriously cooling even on the hottest day.
Something else to be aware of however, is the parking shortage in Santa Fe. Reality is there just aren't enough parking places for everyone who works in and visits the city. And currently there are a couple of large construction projects going on which have eliminated even more parking. This can lead to short tempers on the part of the locals and frustration on the part of visitors. Patience is key - that and have a collection of coins handy to feed the meters once you get parked.
Another idea is to leave your car at your hotel and walk if possible or if not, perhaps drive down a bit early in the morning, catch breakfast downtown and wander back occasionally to feed the meter where you've parked.
Another lovely place to rest, cool off and just people watch is down by the river tht parallels Alameda. The river in Santa Fe is more like a creek, and that's when there's actually water in it, which is mostly in the spring with the snow melt run-off or during and immediately after a rainstorm. Nonetheless, it boasts some very old and beautiful cottonwoods and other trees along with a scattering of picnic tables and some green grass.
It is also a lovely path to take up to connect with Canyon Road if you want to head in that direction.
Just wandering - a great way to spend a lazy summer day.
