Living in Santa Fe Blog

Outdoors or the Arts? The Great Santa Fe Debate

Santa Fe seems to exist in its own little universe. When you’re here, the rest of the world seems to fade away.

And we’re not just talking about the enchanting vibe of New Mexico culture, this is scientifically provable: The elevation in Santa Fe is high enough so that gravity is actually lighter here than it would be in a coastal city. Okay, maybe not by much, but that may be part of the reason why New Mexico can feel like its own cozy little planet whether you’re an indoorsy or outdoorsy type. Of course, the question remains—are the cultural landmarks or outdoor attractions the bigger draw in Santa Fe?

Some Of Our Favorite Outdoor Attractions

Ski Santa Fe

Of course we had to…

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Broker Spotlight: Peter Van Ness

“Santa Fe and I have evolved and matured together”

Peter’s eyes shine when he says, “I love that every day I wake up, life is an adventure. It’s exciting to me!” From growing up in Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to adventuring through Europe, Mexico and Guatemala, Peter’s zest for life is apparent.

After a brief stint living in San Francisco, Peter decided he was definitely not a ‘city boy’ and moved to Santa Fe 45 years ago. “I simply love everything about living in Santa Fe! I have evolved as the town has evolved over these many years. Santa Fe has become more sophisticated, and I have matured along with it — you might say the town and I have grown up together!” Peter and his wife Mary have lived in Tesuque for the past 31 years…

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Detour to Santa Fe at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Hot-air balloons are a charming oddity in the modern world. Once upon a time, balloons filled with hot air were used by the Chinese military to signal the troops with a small airborne lantern. In 1700s France, pre-airplane “aeronauts” took to ballooning as an early means of flight.

The balloon was never the most practical means of transport, of course. And yet, balloons persist as a hobby and a tradition, especially here in Santa Fe, where fall just doesn’t feel like fall without the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This year’s Balloon Fiesta will take place October 6 through 14.

If You’re Going to Albuquerque

Ballooning is leisurely, Zen-like. You don’t take a balloon up when you’re…

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Your Guide to Santa Fe Craft Beer

The taproom at Second Street’s Rufina location.

Santa Fe has seen an explosion in craft brewing in the last few years. Santa Fe Brewing, one of the early pioneers, expanded their facilities and offerings, while Second Street opened yet another location and are looking toward canning for the first time. It’s a great time to be a beer aficionado in Santa Fe!

Fortunately, with the introduction of new breweries in new parts of town, everyone has access to their own neighborhood pub. Use this helpful Santa Fe craft beer guide to find your new favorite hang-out spot.

Looking for a home that’s within walking distance of one of these great breweries? It’s a great time to work with us! We are…

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Broker Spotlight: Jody Lusk

“The artistic light surrounding Santa Fe has always enchanted me”

Santa Fe has always been home base for Jody as her family history runs deep in our little town. Her grandmother was Georgia Lusk, State Superintendent of Schools and the first woman ever to represent New Mexico in the United States Congress. Her grandfather was Burton Brown, a saddle maker in Tesuque who is well known for his leatherwork. “I have always loved, loved, loved Santa Fe,” Jody says, smiling happily. “Something my grandmother used to say that I hold close, ‘When you go up and over the hill towards Tesuque, the light is different every single day.’ She was so right. Each evening I hike the ridge behind my home in Tesuque with my dog, Gigi, and I always feel so much better…

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Get Ready for Zozobra and the Fiesta de Santa Fe

The Burning of Zozobra, the centerpiece of Fiesta de Santa Fe, is one of the city’s most exciting traditions. Santa Feans love the Fiesta for the art and the food and the celebration of cultures. But the spectacle of Old Man Gloom, burning 50 feet high while chomping his jaw and flailing his arms . . . it’s an amazing sight to behold.

This year’s Burning of Zozobra takes place August 31 from 2 PM to 11 PM at Fort Marcy Park, located just a few blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza. Get tickets here.

The Fiesta de Santa Fe will follow on September 1 through 9. You can get a schedule with details here.

A Brief History of Zozobra and Fiesta de Santa Fe

The ceremony draws an obvious comparison to…

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All the FAQs You Need About the Santa Fe Indian Market

Sometimes you’re looking for an in-depth, deep-dive look at an upcoming market, festival, or event in Santa Fe. But sometimes you just want the critical data. Here’s everything you need to know about the Santa Fe Indian Market at a glance.

If you need more information, check the Santa Fe Indian Market website for additional details as well as info on an app you can download. For ticketed events, check out the official schedule summarized below.

“Santa Fe Indian Market, Tourist – Close Up” by Larry Lamsa is licensed under CC-BY-2.0

Q: When and Where Does the Market Happen?

The Santa Fe Indian Market opens on the Santa Fe Plaza on August 18  at 7 AM. The day comes to a close at 5 PM. The…

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Broker Spotlight: Tami Acker

“It’s a huge win when I can help people maximize their investment”

A passion for real estate and helping people maximize their investment is apparent when Tami begins talking about her work. She exuberantly recalls, “Like the time I researched an old subdivision plat in the city to increase a building envelope. It was an incredible win! My clients were limited by a 1,600 sq. ft. house, but because I conducted extensive research they were able to grow the envelope to accommodate a 2,200 sq. ft. house, adding an additional $100,000 value to their property. Another client was trapped in a house because they couldn’t sell for the price they had into it. I was able to help them by facilitating a condo conversion, allowing them to sell two properties…

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Insider Guide to the International Folk Art Market

Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market is the biggest folk art festival in the world, but we’re afraid that simply saying that is not going to communicate just how big this market really is. Now in its 15th year, this annual Santa Fe event is a super festival: It’s massive, multi-day, and city-wide.

This year’s IFAM dates are:

• Friday, July 13 Market Opening Party: 6:30 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday, July 14 Early Bird: 7:30 AM to 10 AM. Regular Market: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
• Sunday, July 15: 9 AM to 5 PM

Let’s start with the most important tip we can offer for getting the most out of the event.

Don’t Worry Too Much About Getting the Most Out of the Event

You don’t try to ride…

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Broker Spotlight: Tom Matthews

“I love teaching people about our community.”

Tom’s deep love for Santa Fe has been passed down to him from the three generations before, and passed on by him to the fifth generation of Santa Feans he and his wife have raised. His great-grandfather moved here in the 1870s, and Tom feels very attached and connected to Northern New Mexico. “Santa Fe is one of those places that is just different from anywhere else,” he says. “I find it hard to even consider living in other places, knowing I would miss it deeply and want to come back and be a part of the local culture. I compare every place I have lived or visited to Santa Fe.”

After several years away from Santa Fe in Washington D. C. as a squash professional, and in Denver as a licensed…

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