The City Different, a hot spot for movie lovers, boasts a variety of movie theaters to suit any mood --- whether you want to check out the latest Hollywood box office hit, an indie flick, or a romantic foreign film.

Regal Cinemas Santa Fe Stadium 14
3474 Zafarano Dr.
(505) 424-0799
http://www.fandango.com/regalsantafestadium14_aauin/theaterpage

Center for Contemporary Arts Cinematheque
1050 Old Pecos Trail
(505) 982-1338
http://www.ccasantafe.org/cinematheque.html

The Film Center at Jean Cocteau Theater
418 Montezuma Ave.
(505) 988-7414
http://www.santafefilmfestival.com/Movie_Listings

The Screen at the College of Santa Fe
1600 St. Michael's Drive
(505) 473-6494
http://www.thescreen.csf.edu/home.html

United Artists De Vargas Mall 6
562 North Guadalupe
De Vargas Center
(505) 988-1110
http://www.fandango.com/uadevargasmall6_aagjf/theaterpage

United Artists North 6
4250 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe Place
(505) 471-3379
http://www.fandango.com/uanorth6_aagji/theaterpage

Film Festival

Every year in late November and early December filmmakers and film buffs descend upon the city of Santa Fe for the annual Santa Fe Film Festival. The festival has become a respected forum for filmmakers, and is a fantastic way for visitors to spend the day. Visit the Santa Fe Film Festival's website for the latest information: http://www.santafefilmfestival.com

Hollywood in Santa Fe

Hollywood has always had a soft spot for New Mexico, but in recent years that soft spot has become a little something more. Many producers and studios are choosing to film their movies in the Land of Enchantment, with many also completely relocating their entire companies and operations to the state. "Tamalewood" is a nickname often given to this state which seems to be a blossoming miniature version of Hollywood. Santa Fe's rich culture, beautiful high desert landscape, and unique architecture make the city a huge draw for filmmakers. During your trip to Santa Fe you just might run into your favorite movie star or--if you're lucky--you may be able to witness the next blockbuster hit being filmed right before your eyes on the city streets. Stay up to date on the latest movies and television shows filming in Santa Fe and around the state by visiting the New Mexico Film Office website: http://www.nmfilm.com

Take your wallet because this one costs $100 per person but if it fits in your travel budget, this is a great food event. The wines are from Black Mesa Vineyards in Velarde, New Mexico and their wines are exceptional.

The event will be at the Spa's Blue Heron Restaurant where the food is natural, organic and local. At this special event they'll offer six courses to go with that lovely wine.

Courses will include Autumn salad with toasted almond vinaigrette, Green Chile dusted halibut with roasted fennel, and coriander broth lamb loin chop with Navajo spices, corn, chanterelles and fry bread.

To reach Sunrise Springs takes a bit of driving.  Go south out of Santa Fe on Cerrillos road until just before you reach interstate 25. There's a stoplight. Turn right onto the frontage road and proceed south until you reach a road just before the former race track. There's a small sign there for Sunrise Springs. Turn right (the only way you CAN turn) onto the road and stay on it, proceeding through the low hills southward until you come to Sunrise Springs on your left. As you enter the parking area you'll see the Blue Heron Restaurant slightly off to the right.

Check it out and if you decided to make a reservation the phone number to call is 505-471-3600

Well, there's this - Got mail? Sure, the post office is just another couple of blocks north on Lincoln then across the street on Federal Place, and if you don't have a stamp it's the place to go, but this is a whole lot more fun.

 

 We've been given no clue as to why Santa Fe was chosen to host one of these fun and unusual mailboxes (apparently there are just a few nation wide), but there it is, right on the corner of Palace Ave. and Lincoln next door to the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Fits right in with the adobe look of the town don't you think? Perhaps it's the desert sands where we were first introduced to R2D2 that made them think of Santa Fe's earthen buildings as backdrop.

Whatever the reason, there it is, just steps off the plaza. Be sure to toss your postcards in.

Kitty corner from the plaza on Palace avenue just across Washington Street and East of the Palace of the Governors, there's a small shop: Lewallen and Lewallen.

It's a do not miss for your shopping jaunt in Santa Fe. Their inventory is ever evolving, created by Ross and Laura LewAllen, father and daughter based on their loves and extensive world travels. The result is meaningful jewelry in a unique style of sterling silver and 14K gold.

It was 23 years ago when Ross started and originated the Earcuff, a wonderful piece of jewelry that wraps around the ear in a meatallic hug and comes in a wide range of prices beginning around $18 and up. His daughter, Laura, joined him in 1987.

The shop offers unique and innovative creations and their catalog offers a sampling of their work. This is not your typical southwest jewelry - unique and individual means just that.

 

You can request the catalog online, but the real fun is visiting the store and seeing the many designs available. Check out the pet collars (for pets), their silver pendants, bracelets, bolo ties, their EWOP (everything's working out perfectly) beads and bracelets and so much more. The silver wolf comb is truly unique and check out their trademark snake charms.

Don't miss this little gem when you hit Santa Fe, the jewelry is truly unusual and fun and the staff helpful, informative and friendly.

The Monk's Corner is a great little shop at the corner of Alameda and Don Gaspar. As it supports the Monastary of Christ In The Desert in Abiqui, New Mexico, northwest of Santa Fe, the shop's offerings are unique.

There's handmade fudge, cookies and jams, books on spirituality, incense, silver work and art, such as lovely Hispanic retablos (religious plaques) painted by the Christ in the Desert's Prior. All are handcrafted gifts from monastaries throughout the world. I purchased a beautiful, hand made journal there - and the amaretto fudge is amazing!

  

And it's been rumored, though details are unclear, that the Monk's Corner Gift Shop in Santa Fe will be offering their flagship Monks' Ale which received a gold medal at the New Mexico State Fair's Pro-Am competition. Very regional and very good.

It's a warm, charming, and welcoming shop who's hours can get a bit erratic at times if the single clerk must leave for a time. Be patient, come on back if you find the "back in ___ minutes" sign up.

Be sure to put this little shop on your list of 'must sees' when traveling, exploring and shopping in Santa Fe.

And if you have time and an adventurous spirit, you might think about taking a day trip to see the monastary. Christ in the Desert is located in the beautiful Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe, and about 53 miles south of Chama. It's thirteen miles down a dirt road off US route 84, and it is some dirt road!  The ruts are incredible and it's nearly impassable (did I say nearly?) when there's a full scale downpour.  Four wheel drive or a very tough car is recommended.

Visit their website for more information

This little cafe and comfort stop is a bit off the plaza, so pay attention here. Aztec is a street that runs between Guadalupe and Sandoval Streets. If you use the plaza as a starting point you can get there by taking West San Francisco off the plaza going west a couple of blocks where you'll run into Sandoval Street. Turning left (south) onto Sandoval Street, walk until you cross the Santa Fe River (a dry watercourse beneath a bridge if it isn't raining or melting snow). Continue on until on your right you spot Aztec Street. It's only about two short blocks beyond the river.

Okay, so now that you've gotten there, what do they have to offer?

A lot! In winter hearty soups and hot chocolates along with free trade coffee and tea. They also offer hot and cold sandwiches made to order - a lot of which are vegetarian friendly. Morning offers breakfast burritos, bagels, muffins and more. There's home made natural ice cream in the summer along with fresh fruit smoothies.

Their hours vary a bit between winter and summer, but basically they open at 7 a.m. each morning except Sunday when they open at 8 a.m. Most days they're open until at least 7 p.m. and weekends later. Check out their website for exact hours.

This is not a high speed restaurant and the ambiance waxes a bit toward funky so no suit and tie required (actually nowhere in Santa Fe can I think of that requires that). There's artwork on the walls by local artists and frequently local artists inside sketching. Free wi-fi too if you have your laptop and need a hotspot. Staff is friendly and laid back. Prices range from about $4.50 a slice of homemade quiche to $6.75 vicinity for sandwiches. Not bad. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the Martin Sandwich - turkey, green apples and swiss cheese, yumm!

  This is one fun restaurant, just a block south of the plaza on Water Street (103 E.) adjacent to Pasqual's and The Hemp store. It's comfortable, offers patio as well as inside dining and most items on their menu come in under $10. It's pretty much American food with local New Mexican fare thrown in. Be sure to check out their mosaic tiled wood oven inside. Very colorful and a nice backdrop to local paintings adorning the walls for sale.

 If that isn't enough, it's one of the only late night restaurants in Santa Fe – and they do serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You can get some basic egg dishes for breakfast, but a real favorite is the raspberry French toast served with apricot butter and maple syrup.

The rest of the day they offer dishes such as green-chile stew, fish tacos, frito pies, great burgers, wood-fired pizza, fantastic black bean quesadilla and more.

To accompany all that they offer wine by the glass and about 100 different beers, and of course appetizers. The staff is great as well. Extra note: they offer free wi-fi.

And if you're hanging out at your hotel room and don't want to go out, they deliver to the downtown area from 11 am to midnight. The restaurant itself stays open even later. I've heard until 3 a.m. though haven't personally tried a visit at that hour.

Did I mention it's right across the street from city parking?  Very convenient.

Give it a try on your next Santa Fe visit.

Friday night, September 7, saw a great art opening at El Zaguan, an historic home and small artists' residence at 545 Canyon Road.

Home to 5 artists in residence, El Zaguan hosted the opening of  John Gregory Tweed's show "Five Decades of Portrait Drawings" and the show is great.  Reception ran from 5-7 p.m. on Friday night, September 7, and was enjoyed by quite the enthuisastic gathering.  But fear not, the show hangs through Sept. 24, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so there's still time to stop by and see these wonderful drawings.

And while you're there don't forget to visit the graceful old adobe building, owned by the Historic Santa Fe Foundation,  that houses the show  Preservation is in progress and the helpful staff would be glad to answer any of your questions. 

Then check out the Santa Fe Institute's Public Lecture Series. These folks put on lectures on various topics and there's no admission charge, no reservations required. Only thing is seating is limited so get there early. There is adequate parking which is good for Santa Fe!

Right now, in Sept, they're doing "Ancient Perspectives on Future Climate", Three Talks For The Non-Scientist by Daniel Shrag. Daniel Schrag is Professor, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Director, Laboratory for Geochemical Oceanography, Harvard University.

Joining him are discussants Doug Erwin, Senior Scientist, National Museum of Natural History and Professor, Santa Fe Institute along with Geoffrey B. West, President and Distinguished professor, Santa Fe Institute.

The discussions will encompass geologic records of climate change, as well as observations of neighboring planets and offer lessons that can guide us in evaluating the risks of future climate change.

The lectures will be held at the James A. Little Theater on the campus of the New Mexico School for the Deaf.

It's located at 1060 Cerrillos Road which is just at the corner of Cerrillos and St. Francis Drive. If you're heading south out of the heart of Santa Fe on Cerrillos Road that will be on your right shortly after you cross St. Francis Drive and the railroad tracks. Pass the small orchard with metal sculptures on the corner and look for the entrance on your right after that.

Tuesday, September 11 the talk will be "How does the Earth regulate its climate and was it different in the past? The paleoclimates of Mars and Venus offer clues."

Wednesday, September 12 the talk will be: "Has the earth ever frozen over? A look at the planet's past extreme climates."

Thursday, September 13 will be: "What will future climates on Earth bring, and what can we do about it?"

This is a great opportunity for input. Additionally, these Public Lectures are common for the Santa Fe Institute. Be sure to check out their page for more events, free or with a fee.

If you're looking for a bookstore that carries plenty of books on Santa Fe, it's culture, history and general background, then Collected Works is the store for you. Located about a block and a half West off the Plaza almost across from The Lensic and Burro Alley at 208 San Francisco Street Collected Works is a small store but offers great regional books and more, some of which can be hard to find elsewhere. They have a friendly staff who are very happy to assist you in finding the perfect book as a souvenir of your trip.

Then there's the Ark. It's located at 133 Romero Street in the Railyard district off Guadalupe. A bit off the beaten path, they offer books, music and gifts to "nourish your soul". Depending on the state of construction you can usually reach the Ark by parking in the lot across the railroad tracks and looking for the sign that indicates the cut-through path through a wooden fence. Otherwise you may have to drive through the railyard, across the tracks and over to a West. Manhattan Avenue (going west) where you'll see Romero almost immediately on your right. Turn right and find the Ark on your right about a half block up. Or, if you're on St. Francis Drive, turn East on West Manhattan, proceed about two and a half blocks and turn left on Romero. Lots of books on spirituality, cultures, UFO's, unusual gifts, calendars and cards and a selection of periodicals. Be prepared to spend some time there, it's really worth exploring and one frequently discovers unexpected treasures.

The third bookstore worth a visit is Garcia Street Books on, yes, Garcia Street. Canyon Road is on the East side of Santa Fe, proceeding in that direction from Paseo de Peralta. Turn East onto Canyon Road off Paseo de Peralta, then about a block up, the first street on the right is Garcia Street. About another block further up Garcia street is the Bookstore. Locally owned, Garcia Street Books was voted the best bookstore in Santa Fe. They're open 9:30 to 6:30 seven days a week and carry a wide variety of books. Regional, best sellers and bargain books. It's not overly large, but it's definitely worth the trip.