Sshhh! Here’s a little secret: one of the best times to visit Santa Fe is in the fall between September and November. If you don’t have the chance to visit during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, there’s another three day weekend coming up in October—Columbus Day. This year, there’s even more reason to appreciate this national holiday. Our Mayor Javier Gonzales is making great strides to celebrate New Mexico’s indigenous people by also declaring this day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Come and experience the different sights and flavors this fall during this long weekend. What better way to enjoy it than by spending it in Santa Fe?

Behold Santa Fe’s Fall Colors

View beautiful fall foliage from a from the SantaFe Ski Basin chairlift. (photo courtesy Ski SantaFe)

View beautiful fall foliage from a Santa Fe Ski Basin chairlift. (photo courtesy Ski Santa Fe)

Looking up from the heart of downtown Santa Fe to see the 12,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn bright gold is beautiful,  but wait… how about getting up close and personal? Catch this fleeting fall drama by taking an upper-level tour of the mountainside on the [blog_link url="http://skisantafe.com/event/fall-music-and-activites-october/#.V74NsU0rKUk" text="Ski Santa Fe scenic chair lift" date="2016-08-30"] with service October 1 - 10, 2016. This bird’s eye view is mesmerizing, as aspens leaves shake and shimmer below in all their glimmering glory. As an added treat, on October 1, Beals & Co. will bring in several Santa Fe artists to the chairlift area to paint the beautiful fall colors onto their canvases. You’ll discover what "plein air" painting is all about.

The Santa Fe Ski Basin will also play host to fall music and activities such as the corn hole challenge (bean toss) and a kid’s treasure hunt. New this year, Ski Santa Fe  has opened their new [blog_link url="http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=8640&mode=ci" text="18 hole disc golf course" date="2016-08-30"] for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the opportunity to also enjoy live music by Stephanie Hatfield and Half Broke Horses Band on the La Casa Lodge deck.

 

Someone’s In The Kitchen Cooking Chile

Take a green chile workshop at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. (photo courtesy of Santa Fe School of Cooking)

Take a green chile workshop at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. (photo courtesy of Santa Fe School of Cooking)

Each fall the smell of roasting chile is a a delight to the senses. Many locals and visitors visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market to see and smell green chile roasting in metal drums. If you love chile and are curious but unfamiliar with New Mexico’s official state vegetable, the [blog_link url="http://santafeschoolofcooking.com/" text="Santa Fe School of Cooking Chile Workshops" date="2016-08-30"] are for you! In the workshop, you’ll explore chile's unique culinary history and discover how to handle them safely and efficiently in the kitchen. This workshop will include an in-depth discussion of the various fresh green chiles and you will prepare: flour tortillas and green chile sauce, roasted tomatillo & cilantro sauce, and green chile, mint and tamarind sauce.

Reserve your space early; this 2-hour class is limited to 16 people.

 

Tour the Santa Fe Margarita Trail This Fall

Every margarita made on the Margarita Trail is made is 100% agave tequila. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

Every margarita made on the Margarita Trail is made of 100% agave tequila. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

They say “All Trails Lead to Santa Fe” and this is one trail you should not miss!

Anytime is a good time to enjoy a margarita on the [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Self_Guided_Tours/Margarita_Trail/index.html" text="Santa Fe Margarita Trail" date="2016-08-30"]. With green chile roasting season in full swing, why not try Coyote’s Cantina’s “Norteno Margarita” or Del Charro’s “Santa Fe Trail Margarita”? Both drinks are infused with green chile, offering a unique twist on this favorite cocktail.

There are a total of 31 amazing margaritas on the Margarita Trail to tantalize your taste buds so you’re sure to find a favorite or two! Get started by purchasing your Margarita Trail Passport for $3 at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center or participating establishment. Earn stamps along the way for fun prizes! As an added bonus, your Passport contains a collection of recipes for each signature margarita. The Margarita Trail promises to be one of your most memorable Santa Fe culinary adventures.

Autumn brings ideal weather for experiencing the crisp air and the bright blue skies of New Mexico along with beautiful vistas, food and drink. You’ll have much to appreciate during this long weekend! Check out our most recent blog for event information if you are visiting us this [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/blog/five-santa-fe-events-to-set-fire-to-your-labor-day-weekend-getaway/" text="Labor Day weekend" date="2016-08-30"].

Why not discover what Santa Fe has to offer by checking our [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2016-08-30"] page. And as you are planning your next trip, don’t forget to order the [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2016 Santa Fe travel guide" date="2016-08-30"] or head to [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/" text="SantaFe.org" date="2016-08-30"].