Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States, founded in 1610, and it wears those four centuries with effortless style. The entire downtown is built in adobe -- by law -- giving the city a warm, earth-toned character unlike any other American city. Add world-class art galleries on Canyon Road, the celebrated Santa Fe Opera, and some of the best restaurants in the Southwest, and you have a place that punches far above its weight.
The Plaza is the historic heart of town, where Native American artisans from over twenty tribes sell handmade jewelry and crafts daily under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. From here, narrow streets wind past galleries, churches like the Cathedral Basilica and the Loretto Chapel, and boutiques. The city has an almost European feel -- walkable, beautiful, and very easy to spend money in.
Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet, so the air is thin and the light is extraordinary -- which explains why artists have been drawn here for over a century. Summers are warm and dry with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters bring snow and good skiing at Ski Santa Fe, just a short drive up the mountain.
Beyond the art and architecture, Santa Fe is a gateway to the pueblos of northern New Mexico, the hot springs at Ojo Caliente, and the high desert landscapes that stretch in every direction. It is not a cheap destination, but it is a deeply rewarding one.