Santa Fe has been known as a historic and quaint town for centuries. It has been a draw for the spiritually enlightened and the creative spirit. Many couples also find it a romantic place and come here for getaways or even to get married. In this article I will tell you of the romantic spots to celebrate. Places to lodge, dine and spend the day.
Lodging
Rated as the most romantic Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe by The Santa fe Site.com is
Alexander's Inn
This old adobe home evokes romance of a time gone by. It’s location in the heart of Santa Fe reminds one of the stories of love and adventure of Old Santa Fe.
The design style is a mix of Southwestern and Country French. The adobe walls are pained in soft hues of sunlight. The windows are all adorned with lace curtains. The walls all hang graceful Gustave Bauman prints. You can enjoy rustic Mexican furnishings in all the seven guest rooms.
Each guest room has either wrought iron or wood four poster beds that add to the romantic setting.
Three of the rooms are especially romantic with king size beds, fireplaces, and doorways onto the courtyard.
Isabella's garden, filled with roses, wisteria, iris, daisies, pansies and geraniums, provides an ideal setting for leisurely breakfasts or afternoon tea .
You can enjoy breakfast in your room, outdoors where bird song and flowers greet the day, or in our comfortable dining room by a roaring wood stove.
Outside of town (about an hour) where you must have a car is Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. Rated as thesanatfesite.com best spa value this location has it all for a romantic couple needing a more secluded local.
Ojo Caliente offers an unpretentious and uncomplicated atmosphere with a variety of lodging accommodations from a historic hotel to the cozy cottages and two special houses for those looking for a little more luxury or privacy. All lodging includes entry to all the mineral pools.
This remarkable combination of five different types of mineral water, over 100,000 gallons a day still come steaming to the surface every day revitalizing those who soak in and drink from these legendary springs. Bathing suits are required. If you have any other ideas you can always get a room.
The spa treatments at Ojo Caliente compare with the best of spas but here they are a great value. Facials, wraps, massages and packages are about 20% – 30% less than what you may find in other spas.
Other activities available at the spa are clay pottery workshops, hiking in Tewa Indian ruins, yoga, and through the year historic wagon rides and retreats.
Shopping
Santa Fe Flower delivery does same day delivery in Santa Fe (except holidays) and has a nice selection of romantic bouquets for your love. Just because they can do it the same day, order to be delivered at your place of lodging ahead of time - He/She will be more impressed.
Canyon Road is a romantic way to spend the day with so many galleries, shops and restaurants that take more than a day of walking to experience in total.
Silver Sun Gallery on Canyon Road is the place to stop to buy your love a gift from Santa Fe that is actually something you will not find anywhere else. Their turquoise is the top 2% quality of pure turquoise, and the settings are gorgeous. The turquoise mines represented here can not be found in many places in the world. Art objects, pottery and silver jewelry and accessories are also beautiful here.
The Plaza and downtown must at least be experienced the first time in Santa Fe. On one side of the Plaza is the Place of the Governors where everyday lying on blankets on the ground are the local Indians selling their wares. It is a great way to see true local artist’s work and get “The Real Thing”. The surrounding streets have the variety of southwest clothing jewelry and furnishings that created the “Santa Fe Style”.
Montecristi Custom Hat Works would be a true indulgence as a fine gift for your love that also is a unique experience in Santa Fe. They are located a few blocks from the plaza but worth the walk
Montecristi Hats speak more of style than of fashion, they are the ultimate marriage of form and function. Each is endowed with the hatter's skill — a combined effort of hands, heart and mind — finely honed by more than two decades of experience.
Throughout the process that begins with the selection of superior Fur Felt or Panama bodies, continues with the procedure of 'blocking' to produce the desired fit and style and culminates in the selection and application of trim, our commitment is to produce the finest hand-finished hats possible. What could be sexier than a hand made hat just for him/her from you?
Outdoor Activities
For the nature lover and for you lovers who love nature the Santa Fe area has a multitude of wilderness areas to hike and be private in the spring and summer.
In the fall and winter there is snow boarding and skiing in the local (just 20 to 30 minutes) Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
Golf and Tennis are also prevalent in the area. Even in the winter the Rosemarie Shellaberger TennisCenter on the College of Santa Fe campus offers the most extensive indoor courts club in the southwest.
For those of you couples who want real adventure like white water rafting (summer) or hot air ballooning or llama trekking this can be had. List of activities
One museum which I think is romantic is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The visual presentation there of her life gives you an understanding of her and her love life with her husband. Of course her art work and the photography is not to be missed either.
Restaurants
Right next door to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is which is a very romantic place to have dinner surrounded by Georgia's photography and art work.
Here the restaurant features the Contemporary Southwest Cuisine of Executive Chef de Cuisine Tony Lewis, an international wine list, and ultra-premium wines by the glass.
Julian's Restaurant has been voted "Santa Fe's Most Romantic Restaurant" by the readership polls of The New Mexican and The Reporter since 1998. Known for its Italian Regional Cuisine and extensive Italian wine list, the restaurant offers a memorable experience.
Dancing
Take your lover salsa dancing on Friday night at Club Alegria, or on Thursdays at The Paramount.The Paramount also has everything from Trash Disco to live bands to let you kick up a little dust.
El Farol Santa Fe's oldest and most popular night spot is located on Canyon Rd . Local musicians are especially drawn to perform here.
If you'd rather go two-steppin', head over to Rodeo Nites, where cowboys and country and western music are king on any given night.
Wine, Flowers, Spas, Shopping, Dancing or Adventuring can all happen on a weekend in Santa Fe for a couple who wants to experience Sex and Romance in the City (Different).
To book your lodging please click here.
Eileen Richardson
