In the late ‘90s I attended a conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was so enthralled with the Southwest that I tried to see all I could in between work duties. One day, I took a drive north on the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and spent barely an afternoon in and around the Santa Fe Plaza. In that brief period, I knew my credit cards would cry if I had the opportunity to stay on in Santa Fe. For years I avoided it and then finally, after living in Denver for eight years, I held my breath waiting to hear my husband’s reaction when I suggested we visit over the long Memorial Day Weekend.
“Sure,” he said having no idea that my credit cards were already starting to hurt just upon the sheer mention of a trip to Santa Fe.
So how do you avoid going broke in a town that is home to more than 200 world-class galleries in two square miles? And, let’s not forget the art shows, fairs, and festivals, the museums (and their shops), the jewelry stores, the award-winning cuisine, and, the hotels and spas that sit right next to all of this!
Here are some suggestions for battling the various temptations that lurk in – and around – town, so you really can visit Santa Fe on a budget!
Sleeping + Eating
Fresh flowers in the kitchen
Consider staying away from downtown. Even better, consider staying outside of town altogether in a place that also has a kitchen. This means you aren’t in front of a million ways to spend your money as soon as you walk out the door each morning. Plus, if you have a kitchen, you can eat breakfast – if not other meals – “at home.” We opted to stay in a charming airbnb cabin outside of town that not only had a kitchen, but had gorgeous views and friendly cats, too.
Because it was so cozy, we spent evenings here watching the pink skies. For dinner we either went to the grocery store to pick up items to cook, or, we ate leftovers from lunch supplemented with an appetizer we prepared ourselves. And that’s another great way to avoid spending money. If you do eat out, go at lunchtime when it’s less expensive but not necessarily less filling! We ended up with lunch leftovers three times over the course of four days.
Museum Hopping
Museum entrance fees aren’t steep – unless you plan to hop from museum to museum to museum. You could pick your top two or three and go for deep dives in those, which will also help you avoid going on museum overload. Or, you could visit the Official Travel Site for Santa Fe, which can help you find free days. However, if you’re a museum junkie, then get a New Mexico Culture Pass, which gives you one-time access to 14 state museums and monuments during a 12-month period.
We opted for a deep dive at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture followed by a visit to its Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival. The festival offered free admission on the last day, which meant the $20 saved, could go toward a beautifully handmade traditional beaded bracelet.
Shopping
Sculptures along Canyon Road
Well, you can always leave your credit cards at home, in the glove compartment of the car or in your airbnb. If that’s not feasible, try visiting Canyon Road – a half mile of more than 85 art galleries – after the galleries close. You’ll still have the benefit of seeing this magical street that’s nestled into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You’ll also still be able to take gorgeous quintessential Santa Fe photos. And, you’ll still enjoy a visit to El Farol – Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant and cantina.
If you absolutely must have art to take home with you, visit the weekly juried outdoor art show, in the parking lot of the First National Bank, on weekends from late April to mid October. Hosted by The Santa Fe Society of Artists, the show is spectacular and could save you a few dollars if you’re willing to pay cash, and, do a little haggling.
We came home with a beautiful acrylic on canvas painting of a pueblo entitled “Moon Magic” from the amazing Clair de Lune. I completely fell in love with the piece to the point where I audibly gasped when I saw it. When the power of a piece of art is that great, it can be worth the (very) unplanned expense.
Another way to justify shopping in Santa Fe is to pair the visit with a special occasion – a birthday, an anniversary, decorating a new home. My shopping took care of my anniversary, my next birthday and my next home purchase – whenever that may be!
Sightseeing
Finally something that doesn’t break the bank if you have the willpower to stay out of the shops along the way! If you think that will be too difficult to do around The Plaza, head to the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in the Railyard where you can buy locally grown foods to take home and cook.
San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church today
Or, hit the road and head south on the historic Turquoise Trail – the national scenic byway that runs between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Along the way, in Ranchos de Taos, you’ll find National Historic Landmark, the Spanish Colonial San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church, which was built between 1772 and 1816. In 1998 I happened upon this church by accident and was enchanted by its charm – so much so that a framed photo has sat in my living room ever since. Today it has more signage and more donation jars, but it remains a well-preserved charming adobe building. When you get hungry, stop for a bite in the village of Madrid. Be warned though … this once hippie, artist outpost is now swarming with tourists and motorcyclists, so best to visit on a weekday. Also be warned that there are a fair number of galleries and shops that will want to separate you from your money. The Gypsy Gem got me – turquoise mosaics on shells made into earrings that signify the old Mexico meeting New Mexico.
Moral of the story? Maybe go on a hike, a bike ride or even a horseback ride instead. You don’t have to go far to enjoy the outdoors as there are more than 50 miles of interconnected trails in and around Santa Fe.
No matter what you choose or how much you spend, know that Santa Fe is a very special place so everything you’re experiencing – and taking home with you – will be remembered long after the credit card bills are paid!
