Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, New Mexico

by philipaross on November 11, 2011

As Autumn firmly takes hold, I have friends and family who think a trip to the southwest is a great option for Thanksgiving, whether you are alone or with a large family and I couldn’t agree more.  From the fresh scent of roasting green chile at roadside stands to the glorious golden leaves of the aspen trees, there’s no other place like it.  After all, Santa Fe was founded well before the pilgrims landed in Plymouth.

For those who just adore southwestern cuisine, you may want to look for a restaurant presenting a Thanksgiving meal that will feature cornbread, chilis, and, if the weather is right, a meal in front of an outdoor kiva fireplace.

Here are three choices offering specialty dining on Thanksgiving Day.

La Casa Sena  – Built in 1868, Sena Plaza is one of the oldest surviving houses in Santa Fe and located 1 block off the plaza. Click HERE to see the Thanksgiving menu.

Terra – Ecantado’s signature restaurant features majestic views of the surrounding vistas, offering an inventive interpretation of American Cuisine with regional influence. Click HERE to see the Thanksgiving menu.

The Anasazi Restaurant  - Offering a fine dining atmosphere that is welcoming, elegant and rusticly Southwestern. Regional artistry is tastefully displayed throughout this Santa Fe restaurant for patrons to enjoy.  Click HERE to see the Thanksgiving menu.

For a real southwest treat, visit the Santa Fe Plaza for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration held annually the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.

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Ah Pinon! – The scent of fall…

by philipaross on October 12, 2011

 The aspens have begun to change on the mountain displaying their brilliant oranges and yellows. The temperatures have settled into the 50’s and kiva fireplaces are ablaze with our native pinon wood. The fragrance of pinion wood, especially when burned, is unmistakable.

Bundled up with a scarf securely around my neck and latte in hand, I walk down Guadalupe Street while enjoying the magical fragrance of pinon as it wafts in the air over the village of Santa Fe. I stop for a second, close my eyes and let it seep in. There is no other place I would rather be.

Pinon pine is a small, slow growing evergreen tree, usually only 10-30 feet in height. The seeds are edible and important for wildlife.  For more than 2,000 years Pinon nuts have been used by Native American peoples of the Southwest, including Pueblo, Navajo, Ute, Shoshone, Cahuilla and Paiute. The fall harvest of these nuts was an occasion for great festivity. Surpluses were stored for winter food supply. The pine nuts you buy in the store are usually from pinon pine trees.

This dense, slow growing southwestern pinewood is a favorite among wood burners. Well known for its wonderful fragrance, pinon wood has become a must for those looking to enjoy the warmth and aroma of a wood burning fire.

Visit Santa Fe, and you’ll see why fall has it all: perfect climate, lots to do, lighter crowds. Autumn is the perfect time to start making travel plans to Santa Fe for the coming months

 

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Balloon Fiesta!

October 4, 2011

This year will mark the 40th time that the Balloon Fiesta has filled Albuquerque’s crystal blue skies! The Balloon Fiesta is still the premier international ballooning event, powered by the perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the “Albuquerque Box,” (a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and [...]

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Gay Pride in Santa Fe

May 24, 2011

Gay Pride in Santa Fe is a highly celebrated event. In fact, it is spread over ten days with lots of fun usually beginning with the third weekend of June and ending on the  fourth weekend. There are events for all tastes. One of my most favorite Pride events is the Pride train to Lamy. [...]

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The Old Pecos Trail

March 30, 2011

The Santa Fe Plaza is located at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Old Pecos Trail. While much is known about the history of the Old Santa Fe Trail, the history of the Old Pecos Trail is not as clear. Pecos, NM is located in the midst of piñon, juniper, and pine [...]

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The Reserve at Santa Fe & the Lofts at Marquez Place

December 30, 2010

Tourist come to Santa Fe, from all over to visit, and leave with visions of living or retiring in the “City Different.” And you may be one of them but perhaps the time isn’t right just yet. Or for some, they desire a second home, a little slice of Santa Fe that they can come [...]

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Santa Fe Dreamin’ ……… On a Fall Day

November 2, 2010

Santa Fe Dreamin’ ……… On a Fall Day Indian lore is lovely, mystical and often proves to be true. One bit of lore in the GLBT community has it that if you visit Santa Fe, then go home and dream about it, you will return and stay forever. It happens. In fact, it happens a [...]

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Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

October 14, 2010

Summer sizzles on the Plaza in Santa Fe. For years, locals and tourist flock to the Indian Market and Spanish Market but quickly becoming the highlight of the summer season is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Currently it is the largest folk art market in the world featuring artist from around the globe. [...]

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

October 7, 2010

Each October, just as autumn begins to rise in Santa Fe, so do the hot air balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Spectators come from as close as Santa Fe as well as from all parts around the globe. It is considered to be the most photographed event in the world. This magical display [...]

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Short Sale Opportunity – Pueblos del Sol

September 22, 2010

Santa Fe has no shortage of real estate investment opportunities ranging for from full time residences, part time or seasonal homes. A new investment option in the City Different that is becoming more popular for buyers is to purchase a short sale.  It is a great opportunity to purchase property below market value.  The process [...]

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