One Place, Two Ways Santa Fe

Sazón Oversized paintings give the space an art gallery–like feel. Start with a tasting of silky, spicy moles followed by fried squash blossoms and huitlacoche tacos. Must order: Chef Fernando Olea’s signature sopa de amor (blue crab meat in a creamy, piquant poblano broth). One of the city’s largest selections of tequilas and mezcals. sazonsantafe.com

Turquoise and Silver Visit the open-air marketplace at the historic Palace of the Governors building to buy jewelry directly from Native American artisans. Registered vendors are vetted to ensure authenticity. Walk across the street to The Rainbow Man store—a maze of rooms chock-full of vintage Navajo blankets, hand-carved folk art, original Edward S. Curtis photographs, and antique Native American jewelry. nmhistorymuseum.org; rainbowman.com

Gruet Sparkling Wines Pinot noir and chardonnay grapes grown in the bone-dry sandy soils of New Mexico make excellent méthode champenoise sparkling wines. Enjoy flights from the family-owned and -run winery served in various local establishments, including the official Gruet Tasting Room at Hotel St. Francis. gruetwinery.com

Canyon Road Artists from all over came here as early as the 1920s because, as Georgia O’Keeffe said, “There’s so much more space between the ground and sky out here it is tremendous.” Now Canyon Road is a magnet for collectors with more than 100 galleries, restaurants, and secret-feeling passageways leading to contemporary artists’ studios. Join monthly evening art strolls. visitcanyonroad.com

Back at the Ranch This tiny, blue-trimmed adobe with creaky wood floors is packed to its rafters with handmade cowboy boots—more than 700 pairs—in every imaginable color and style. Founder Wendy Henry was in the fashion business in New York before moving to Santa Fe, where she designs boots that are stylish and comfortable. Custom orders ship worldwide. backattheranch.com

STAY: The Inn of the Five Graces On a narrow street in the city’s most historic neighborhood, the adobe-and-river-rock compound conceals secluded courtyards and Silk Road–inspired guest rooms straight from the pages of Arabian Nights. The 25 rooms and suites are decorated in jewel-toned silks, rugs from Afghanistan, and sofas in striking Turkish kilims. From $825, including breakfast; fivegraces.com

COUNTRYSIDE DISCOVERIES
Called the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico features ancient dwellings, historic pueblos, and bubbling hot springs.

Frito Pie A favorite snack or salad in the southwest, Frito pie is on the menu in many Santa Fe restaurants, including The Shed, Harry’s Roadhouse, and even the Five & Dime General Store on the Plaza. But locals swear by the version at Tesuque Village Market, a pretty 10-minute drive from Santa Fe. tesuquevillagemarket.com

The High Road Take this scenic byway that meanders through a piñon-and-juniper landscape. Drive past low-rise adobe towns, touch the healing dirt at El Santuario de Chimayó (a National Historic Landmark), and have lunch at Doc Martin’s inside the historic Taos Inn. The kitchen, helmed by eighth-generation Taoseño chef Nité Marquez, specializes in Northern New Mexican dishes. Take the “Low Road” along the Rio Grande River on the way back.

Santa Fe Opera This stunning open-air building with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains hits a high note hosting summertime performances from international operatic superstars. Tailgating before concerts is tradition, as in-town restaurants pack hampers (with wine) or you can preorder a picnic from the Opera. Go early for premium parking in the upper lot. July 1–August 21. santafeopera.org

Festivals Traditional Spanish Market (July); Indian Market (August), Indie Film Festival (October); Albuquerque International Balloon Festival (October). Local favorites: Wine & Chile Festival (September; 50+ restaurants, 75+ wineries) and the International Folk Art Market on Museum Hill (July; 150+ artisans from 150 countries). santafe.org

Ojo Santa Fe Soak in a bowl-shaped hot springs pool or in your private enclosure with towels, robes, and a fragrant piñon-burning kiva fireplace. You can also book a signature cactus-flower full-body scrub and grab lunch (quinoa burger or chile relleno) prepared with ingredients from the Ojo Farm. ojosparesorts.com

STAY: Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection Housed in a legendary landmark building on more than 300 secluded acres of gardens, horse pastures, and forest-cloaked mesas. The interior design for the 100 rooms, suites, and casitas was inspired by international fashion muse Millicent Rogers. Book yoga and spa treatments at the Stream Dance Spa and join in immersive experiences with chefs, artists, and outdoor guides. From $750; aubergeresorts.com