Fernweh

We visited New Mexico between Christmas and New Year’s and stayed in a small casita just steps from downtown Santa Fe – while the weather was cold, the tranquility and lack of crowds more than made up for it.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the United States, is treasure trove of adobe architecture, colorful art galleries, delicious restaurants, and vibrant markets. Photographers will find inspiration in the city’s charming streets, historic buildings, and brilliant sunsets.

The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi features stunning Romanesque Revival style, intricate stained glass, and rich history. It was built in the late 19th century, designed by French architect Jean-Baptiste Lamy.

Santa Fe’s artistic spirit radiates throughout the city, with captivating art gracing its sidewalks, parks, and public spaces. Vibrant murals, whimsical sculptures, and intricate mosaics invite visitors to appreciate the city’s creative energy at every turn.

The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe is a striking Gothic Revival building, famous for its “Miraculous Staircase,” a marvel of craftsmanship with a helix design and seemingly floating structure, surrounded by the chapel’s exquisite stained glass and intricate woodwork. The staircase was built by a man who appeared (seemingly in response to the Sisters’ nine days of prayer), spent months building, and then departed without pay.

Taos Pueblo

Just a short drive from Santa Fe, the ancient Taos Pueblo invites visitors to step back in time and experience the rich heritage of the Native American Pueblo people, some of whom still live there. The centuries-old adobe dwellings and stunning mountain backdrop create a unique photographic opportunity.

While the buildings comprise multiple stories, there are no internal staircases, so residents use ladders to reach homes that are higher up. Originally, for defensive purposes, there were no doors on the ground floors and homes were access via entries on the roof.

The San Geronimo Church in Taos Pueblo, built in 1850, has a beautiful adobe façade, blending centuries-old architecture and spiritual heritage amidst the striking Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

In the Neighborhood

About halfway between Santa Fe and the Taos Pueblo is the roadside Classical Gas Museum. The museum, operated by Johnnie Meier, showcases a fascinating collection of vintage gasoline station memorabilia, including antique gas pumps, neon signs, oil cans, and various Americana artifacts. This quirky destination offers photographers a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of American automobile travel and classic roadside culture.

Sometimes, good advice comes on rusty old signs!