Artists and artisans in Santa Fe

Since Santa Fe averages 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s hard to imagine a better place for a summer trip. This historic town, nestled between four mountain ranges, is filled with more art and culture than you could exhaust in a lifetime.

The New Mexico Museum of Art is a great starting point for your exploration of Santa Fe, as it gives you a sense of the history of this diverse area. Make sure to check out the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit (which runs through 2010) to see the beauty of the New Mexico landscape expressed in oils on canvas.

The Las Palomas Inn offers “casitas,” private escapes made of traditional adobe bricks, rather than rooms. Casitas with fireplaces start at about $190, including breakfast, and rooms are filled with local art and furnishings.

At the end of August, Santa Fe hosts the Thirsty Ear Music Festival, a three-day celebration of blues, bluegrass, alt-country, and roots rock. Also represented are dozens of local artisans, wine and beer producers, and restaurants. A weekend pass costs $60.

It’s impossible to talk about Santa Fe without mentioning the food. Cowgirl has been a local favorite for years. This hot spot for BBQ and traditional Mexican cuisine is famous for its margaritas and breakfast burritos, and with such an extensive menu, you’ll want to try a little of everything.

For more planning tips, go to the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Read more of the 50 Affordable Stateside Escapes.

Have a recommendation for Santa Fe, or another great getaway in New Mexico? Post your comment below.