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.

The two day event takes place on Museum Hill, featuring music, food and folk art from around the earth. It is a treat not only for the eyes but the senses. CLICK HERE for more information on more Santa Fe events.

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 is spread over nine days while painting the skies with brilliant colors.

Besides the balloons, there is a stage located in the center of Main Street that schedules various bands and children’s acts. And yes, there are food vendors at Balloon Fiesta Park serving a variety of foods.

My favorite event to attend is the mass ascensions which begin at 7am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Mass Ascension is when all 500+ balloons launch at the same time. To avoid traffic you will want to be there by 5am. The air is cool and crisp at this time offering a great opportunity for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to warm you along with a breakfast burrito seasoned with red or green chile.

For more information on Balloon Fiesta CLICK HERE

Who are the “Friends of Dorothy” anyway? And why does this mysterious lady seem to be popular enough to have friends in Santa Fe?   Actually it is a special interest group that host informal gatherings for gay and lesbians to meet and mingle and enjoy the gay life in Santa Fe. The term Friends of Dorothy, often abbreviated as FOD, became popular in the 50’s as the LGBT community felt a special connection to Judy Garland.  And thus became a secret code word that gays used in discreetly identifying other gays to socialize with.

Fast forward to the present. We are here! And we are queer! No longer feeling the need for secrecy, Friends of Dorothy gatherings have become a huge social network across the globe and its presence in Santa Fe is no different. The group meets once a month on Friday’s at 6pm onwards and is attended by 200 – 250 members of Santa Fe’s gay community.

There are a lot of good reasons to live in Santa Fe. But one of my favorites is for the snow skiing and there are a lot of choices when doing so.  An hour and a half from Santa Fe is Taos Ski Valley, and in 2 hours you can be at both Angel Fire Resort or Red River ski areas.  But for us Santa Feans,  Ski Santa Fe is just a 15 mile drive  from the Plaza at Santa Fe boasting some of the best skiing in the Southwest. Just another way to enjoy the Gay Life in Santa Fe.

The most gorgeous sunset views in Dos Griegos can be enjoyed from this stunning hilltop residence. The 3.6+ acres provides a dramatic backdrop for this estate’s extensive indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. From the lushly landscaped front courtyard, enjoy the sounds from the bubbling water feature while savoring the warmth from the outdoor Kiva. Gracious open-concept kitchen and family room is ideal for entertaining. The private dining room is an elegant setting for intimate dining while enjoying the dazzling sunset and mountain views.

A true owner’s suite, expansive in size, contains a Kiva fireplace, multiple closets, separate tub and shower and is thoughtfully separated from the spacious guest suites. Private office with views. This estate masterfully combines the breathtaking northern New Mexico landscape with tranquility, creating an amazing and unique experience to fully enjoy the art of living the Gay Life in Santa Fe…..www.8CaminoTeofanio.com

Behind the scenes sneak peak: This peaceful and serene lane is home to this charming Pueblo style residence just blocks off the Santa Fe Plaza. In the midst of the beautiful gardens sits a bubbling fountain from Stone Forest. Once inside you will enjoy brick floors throughout, many skylights, built in bookshelves, Kiva fireplace with painted tiles, high ceilings, classic Vigas in every room, radiant heat, large kitchen and separate dining room. Quintessential Santa Fe living at its best with easy access to the Ski Mountain and Los Alamos or walking to the Plaza. For more information www.547DelNorteLane.com

It is amazing the way Santa Fe embraces Gay Pride week. In addition to the pride parades, happy hours and networking events is the Lamy Gay Pride train and as usual this year’s was a huge success. We had a blast and wish you could have been there. We know you would have really enjoyed it. All the gay boys and girls were there for the fun. Each train car had its own bar for drinks. Once in Lamy, we departed the train for a BBQ, bonfire, and live music. Afterward we boarded the train for the return trip to Santa Fe where they converted one of the cars into a dance floor playing songs like “I Will Survive” and we danced and swayed with the train! Hopefully we will see you there next year. For more information on living the Gay Life In Santa Fe email us at BanhamRoss@PruSantaFe.com

Santa Fe is rich in outdoor activities and one of the most fun event some of the gay guys like to participate is hiking. We have a group that goes weekly up into the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The city is located in the foothills of the mountains. From town to the top is 18 miles and is loaded with hiking trails with views to inspire. Just another way the friends enjoy living the gay life in Santa Fe.

As a resort town, Santa Fe gets its share of visitors. We love to share our lifestyle with those visiting so there is always a cocktail party somewhere. So when we have visitors it gives us an opportunity to see all friends and meet some new ones.