Santa Fe

Since it was the weekend, we made reservations at the Trailer Ranch RV Resort so we would be sure to have a spot. The two nights added up to $72.84, our most expensive campground of the trip, but surely less than a hotel in Santa Fe. The staff were friendly and helped us into our spot right next to the bathroom and laundry facility. We did a couple of loads of laundry and got cleaned up from our adventures at Bandelier and Los Alamos.


Saturday morning we elected to leave the van and take city transportation around town.

The old government complex had native americans artists outside selling some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry.  Inside, original furnishings like this table and chandelier represented historic Santa Fe.

You never know where a Dragon might appear.

We walked Canyon Road where homes have been converted to art studios and galleries. Unbeknownst to us, it was an open gallery day so we were able to visit with sculptures, weavers, and painters demonstrating their skills.

Oversized Origami

Rock, Paper, Scissors

After soaking in the arts, we caught the free shuttle to Museum Hill in time to tour the Museum of International Folk Art. It wasn't what we expected, but was a collection of toys and dolls from around the world, rather than the Southwest. International in the name should have tipped us off. The collection was extensive and well displayed. Check out their web site to learn more.

We caught the very last free shuttle back into town and the driver was great, taking us right to the Railyard area.

 

The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Station.

Now you can travel on the Road Runner Express and  avoid traffic between here and Albuquerque.

In addition to trains, the Railyard area had lots of shops and restaurants. We stopped at REI and bought a decent pair of hiking boots for Beth, then found the Second Street Brewery for dinner. Enjoyed a bison burger and local beer while watching trains go by. What could be better?

When we returned to the Trailer Ranch, we had new neighbors from Oregon. After van tours, we exchanged tips on little improvements we had both made to vans.

One day is not enough to experience Santa Fe.  We need to return to this friendly and intriguing city.








Notes on transportation from Trailer Ranch: We made the mistake of taking the outbound bus that stops at the RV Resort entrance. Though it only makes a couple of stops before turning around, the driver takes a 15 minute break at the end of the line. The take-away is that it is worth crossing the four lane street to get an inbound bus.  The good news is that an all-day pass is only two dollars.

If we were to do it again, on a weekday, we would drive the van downtown and park at the Cathedral Basilica.

If it is a weekend, the government parking lots are empty and available free.

From either of these locations there are free, uncrowded, tourist shuttles to the museums, capital, and art studios.