Santa Fe in September

My better half and I are going to be in the Santa Fe area for 7 days in September (the 15th through the 22nd). I've been doing a lot of reading on all of the places to go and things to do, but I'd like to know from those of you who live around the area what are the places that are really must see and what are the places I shouldn't waste time on. My better half is an Hispanic Catholic so she has already stated that we will visit a lot of the old Spanish missions. Any advice?

Take the road to Chimayo and Truchas. A great changing landscape. Might even be some changing colors up around the two towns. Your wife will enjoy CHimayo and there are a couple REALLY old churches in the area. Grab beakfast or lunch at Rancho De chimayo (Their rellenos rock!). If it is still there The Cosmic Cafe in Santa Fe has some kick tail fish tacos too. I am not an in town shooter so never took pitures in Santa Fe. Old town looked like it might have had some possibilities if there were not so many people around.

Enjoy your trip. It has abeen a few years since I have been to Santa Fe, and want to go back real bad.

I second Rancho De Chimayo, awsome food. The square in Sante Fe is always fun. Lots of great people and achitecture to shoot there. Also a visit to Bandalier (sp?) is one of my favorite places. It has some old peublos you can walk around in and the cerimonial cave is great to shoot too. Have fun

D.

Take a trip up to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs for a day. About an hour from Santa Fe, its in the middle of nowhere. Natural hot springs, massages and private outdoor hot tubs for two.

If you take the high road from Santa Fe to Taos, you will pass several old churches that have all been photographed by Adams, Weston and Strand and a thousand other photographers. Still worth the drive.

You should also go to Madrid and Abiquiu to see the White Place and Ghost Ranch.

PM me your email and I will give you some details since I live there.

Thanks for the input, guys. David, pm sent.

Be sure to set aside at least half a day for Taos (at the end of The High Road trip): Bent House, Fechin House, Kit Carson Home, Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos gorge, and if there's time drive to the ski basin.

In Santa Fe: Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of the American Indian, Spanish Colonial Museum, Wheelwright Museum, Folkart Museum, Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Eat at: The Shed, Dominic's, Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Zia Diner, Tomasita's, Maria's. Breakfast at: Pascual's, Tecolote, The Pantry.

East of Santa Fe about 25 miles is Pecos National Monument, ruins of a pueblo deserted in 1838. Excellent interpretive site and museum. Gives a small inkling of the oppression of the Spanish Catholic church and its role in destroying native lifestyles and lives.

Enjoy your stay- you'll fill every hour. Days will still be warm but nights will be getting crisp. Aspens will probably be turning at the higher elevations.

Russ

Thanks for the info Russ. We've got a few of the things you've mentioned on our list of things to do. One question, though. You mention the aspens at higher elevations will turning. When is the "peak week" for that area?