New Mexico Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-08-19T09:55:13-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR NEW MEXICO VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a New Mexico Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
MILITARY
New Mexico Military:
New Mexico Military – Following Lewis and Clark, many men started exploring and trapping in the western parts of the United States. Sent out in 1806, Lt. Zebulon Pike’s orders were to find the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red rivers. He was to explore the southwestern part of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1807, when Pike and his party crossed into northern New Mexico they were arrested and taken to Santa Fe, and then sent south where they appeared before the Commandant General Salcedo. After four months of diplomatic negotiations, Pike and his party were returned to the United States, under protest across the Red River. Fascinating! What else can we find out about New Mexico and its military history?
Fort Selden Historic Site: The last stop before you embark into the Valley of Death 13 miles north of Las Cruces is the ghostly adobe ruin of Fort Selden. Built in 1865, to protect American settlers from thieves and Apache raiders, particularly those along the Royal Road to the Interior, the 1600-mile route connected Mexico City to the pueblo of San Juan Pueblo. Fort Selden was the last stop place for vegetation and water for northbound travelers. Fort Selden was home to several units of black troops known as the Buffalo Soldiers. The tenacity of these brave soldiers gained the fear and respect of the Apache. Nine of the Buffalo Soldiers received the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor. By 1891, the railroad had made the Camino Real obsolete and Fort Selden was abandoned. Today Fort Selden visitors can immerse themselves into this authentic 1860s frontier fort, and hear stories of travelers, soldiers, cattle rustlers, and raiders. A visitor center offers a video, exhibits, and a self-guided tour of the fort ruins. Guided tours are offered on the weekends and by request during the week. Special group tours can be arranged by calling the site at Radium Springs.
The New Mexico Military Museum: Proudly operated by the New Mexico National Guard, it brings the military history of New Mexico to the public and honors all New Mexicans who have served and contributed as members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard. The New Mexico Military Museum’s Civil War exhibit is now open. This exhibit showcases New Mexico’s Civil War. This interactive display focuses on New Mexico’s story as well as on the Battle of Glorieta pass through an interactive map. The large touch-screen display includes categories such as: Key Players – which focuses on soldiers that played key roles in Union and Confederate actions; Forts – which will focus on the Union forts where battles or strategic actions took place; Battles – which will summarize Union v. Confederate engagements; and more. Find this one in Santa Fe.
Fort Stanton: Established in 1855, it may be one of the most intact 19th-century military forts in the country and is the best-preserved fort in New Mexico. Found just outside the historic town of Lincoln and surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, the 240-acre site is best known for its roles in the Indian Wars and the Civil War However, over its 160-year history, Fort Stanton has also borne witness to westward expansion, the lawless days of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War, the tuberculosis epidemic that peaked in the 1920s, the New Deal–era Civilian Conservation Corps, and the internment of German sailors during World War II. Fort Stanton’s 12-building parade ground appears much as it did in the mid-1800s, making it easy to imagine military life in the Old West. Here, you can also learn about some of the most unusual and little-known chapters in New Mexico history. Surrounded by Lincoln National Forest and 1,300 acres of undeveloped BLM land, including the Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, they offer self-guided and guided tours. Fort Stanton also hosts a variety of living history events. The Museum and Visitors Center features historic exhibits, an introductory video, and Gift Shop featuring Fort Stanton souvenirs and books by regional authors. Fort Stanton Historic Site is located just outside the town of Lincoln in south-central New Mexico, along the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you step back in New Mexico history, Give us a call at 352-277-7300.
GARDENS
New Mexico Gardens
New Mexico Gardens – This is a great state to visit for the Balloon Fest in Albuquerque. The balloons fill with hot helium and float off into the horizon. Such fun to watch in the early morning. The desert provides a great quantity of foliage and cacti, so we believe these botanical gardens will be everything you are looking for in a succulent way. These plants grow almost anywhere…let’s see where New Mexico gardens has to offer.
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden: This Garden is a 36-acre botanical garden located beside the Rio Grande. The garden showcases plants of the Southwest and other arid climates and includes a 10,000-square-foot conservatory. It is a wonderful place for tourists or locals who want to learn about gorgeous plants and architecture. It has a cool bugarium to teach everything about bugs and a butterfly area. There are many unique garden areas to view, lots of shaded walkways and upper and lower indoor gardens. The mature succulents are quite impressive, and the miniature railroad village is sure to bring a smile to young and old alike. There are over 2 dozen different gardens all in this park, all themed, and all beautiful, and all found in the balloon city of Albuquerque.
Sasebo Japanese Garden at ABQ Biopark: Built in honor of Sasebo, one of Albuquerque’s Sister Cities, the four-acre Japanese Garden hosts a majestic waterfall, an elegant koi pond and a mixture of Japanese and local plants. Stone lanterns and pagoda sculptures dot the grounds and stone and wooden bridges straddle small streams. Upon entering the garden, you’ll walk past the large bell tower, through huge wooden gates, and along immaculately manicured paths. You’ll be surrounded by traditional Japanese plants, along with native New Mexican trees pruned and sculpted in the Japanese way. Noted landscape architect Toru Tanaka, founder of Portland Landscape Design and Japanese Garden Specialist, designed Albuquerque’s garden which opened in September 2007 in Albuquerque.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden: This Botanical Garden is nestled in a piñon-juniper woodland landscape. The garden features three main sections: the Orchard Gardens with an orchard, perennial borders, roses and lavender, meadow, and xeric garden; Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands, an ethnobotanical garden featuring raised beds for annual crops and an extensive collection of plants with traditional uses; and the Piñon-Juniper Woodland, a natural area showcasing native plants common to the community. A Visitor Center and Garden Gift Shop offer guests’ helpful information and specialty items for all ages. Featuring a mix of native and climate-adapted plants in a series of outdoor rooms, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden showcases local art and outdoor architecture. The plantings are tirelessly maintained and clearly labeled. Ramadas (pergola/seating structures) punctuate the walking trail and anchor each garden space. As the name implies, you will find this Garden in the city of Santa Fe.
Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve: This is a 35-acre nature preserve. This rare natural “marsh” hosts a bountiful diversity of plants and wildlife. It will inspire you as each season you will find beautiful scenery. The sound of frogs, birds, fish, and crickets. The smell of nature, the feel of a cool breeze, the sound of water running in the acequias. You will find this place to be unique and inspiring in Santa Fe.
TravelKatz is waiting for your call at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com so we can help you have a great time in New Mexico.
STATE PARKS
New Mexico State Parks:
New Mexico State Parks – New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern United States; its capital is Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610, and its largest city is Albuquerque. New Mexico boast of having 28 State Parks, and a State Fish Hatchery.
Blue Water Lake State Park: You will find rolling hills studded with pinon and juniper trees that encircle the lake. This State Park is popular for boating and year-round fishing. Both the lake and Creek are stocked with rainbow trout, native or cutthroat trout, and catfish, with trout weighing up to 9 pounds! Numerous good fishing areas are easily reached by car. The Park also is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter months. Bluewater Lake is situated on the north flank of the Zuni Mountains in the Las Tusas Basin. The reservoir is in a valley carved in shale and limestone; the latter of which contains snail and brachiopod fossils. You’ll find this park in the town of Perwitt.
Pancho Villa State Park: On March 9, 1916, the soldiers of General Francisco “Pancho” Villa attacked the small border town and military camp at Columbus, New Mexico. Pancho Villa State Park contains extensive historical exhibits which depict this raid, the first armed invasion of the continental United States since the War of 1812, and the last one. This 11-month pursuit led 10,000 American soldiers 400 miles into the country of Mexico and ended without the capture of Pancho Villa. Several buildings dating from the time of Villa’s raid still stand in Columbus, and the U.S. Customs House, built in 1902, serves as the visitor center. There is a swimming beach and primitive camping and lots of history found in this area of Columbus.
Oasis State Park: A true oasis, This Park is set among cottonwood trees, shifting sand dunes, and a small fishing lake, but no swimming. More than 80 bird species make their home at the park during the year. It’s especially ideal in winter. Look for great blue heron, ring-neck pheasant, quail, and western sandpiper. There are hiking and bike trails as well as electric camp sites. Found near the town of Portales.
Sugarite Canyon State Park: You will be able to take a Walk-Through History: The Coal Camp Interpretive Trail winds through the ruins of the Sugarite coal camp. Coal mining in the area provided an important economic boost to the region and state. The visitor center provides information about the coal camp and the area’s history. The captivating Caprock is an extended cliff of basaltic rock columns, often referred to as “caprock” that is the dominant geologic feature at the park. Many millions of years ago, broad sheets of molten lava erupted from a nearby volcano, forming layers of basalt rock 10-100 feet thick. Rock climbing is allowed on the caprock. There is fishing and launch ramps, hiking trails and a swimming beach and various other activities, especially in winter. Go to Raton, New Mexico to find this park.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park: This Park is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the high mountains of the Moreno Valley. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and salmon. Anglers can fish from the banks or by boat and ice fish in the winter. At 8,300 feet in elevation, the park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fisherman, boaters, campers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. An abundance of animals makes Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing as well. The beautiful 2,000-acre lake in a wide valley is surrounded by the mountains of the old west. Wil miles of shoreline and a maximum depth is about 90′, the length of this lake is about 4 miles and the width 1 mile. A new campground with pull in and pull thru sites with one vault toilet and individual site covered picnic tables was installed in 2009. Most of them have great lake views and are within walking distance to the water. You will find this park in Eagle Nest.
TravelKatz is looking forward to making a wonderful vacation for you and yours to New Mexico. Call us at 3520277-7300 or go to www.vacationnationradio.com to “chat” with any of your questions.
MUSEUMS
New Mexico Museums:
New Mexico Museums – New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern region of the United States; its capital is Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610 as capital of Nuevo México, while its largest city is Albuquerque, where you will find the great Hot Air Balloon expedition as well.
Liquid Light Glass: This museum is owned and operated by Elodie Holmes since 1987, is a contemporary glass studio and gallery offering world class glass art and classes. You will have so much fun taking the paperweight class. All of the paperweights always turn out to be gorgeous. The instructors are great. We highly recommend this! Liquid Light Glass is part of the Baca Street Arts District- a community of local artists and small businesses primarily located on or near Baca Street in Santa Fe.
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center: This center is worth seeing multiple times, as the caverns never cease to amaze. Pictures simply cannot do this area justice. It requires lots of walking in downwards and upwards angles so make sure you wear comfortable shoes with some grip. Most people like hiking in the caverns and riding the elevator back out. It gives you some time to acclimate to the darkness and pressure. There is a nice gift shop and small café. You will find this museum in Carlsbad.
New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society: The volunteers of the Historical Society are completely restoring the 1944 Steam Locomotive No. 2926 to full running order. Seventeen + years in the restoration process and now under steam as of 2018. This is a working restoration operation staffed with skilled volunteer welders, pipefitters, mechanics and many other trades. Free tours are available to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will be issued a hard hat and a personal guide who will present a hands-on introduction to this exceptionally large locomotive, cab, and its tender! Parking is free and donations are important to keep the restoration moving forward. All are welcome for tours, 9AM – 2PM. Merchandise is available for purchase from the gift shop. Make sure you bring your camera when visiting Albuquerque.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: The Cultural Center was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District just minutes from Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, the Cultural Center is a world-class museum as well as a cultural center created to be a place where the Pueblo people can tell their story. The Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year-round and also offers an exciting schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs and art festivals. Visitors can also experience the award-winning Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine of Pueblo Harvest and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store, a trusted destination for authentic handcrafted Native American art. This is a place where you can be educated in American Indian History and culture and shop till you drop! there is a good selection in Native American music, everything from flutes to drums. Some of the artist are usually around and will gladly talk about their works of art that is for sale there. To visit this cultural center and learn about Native American history travel to Albuquerque.
TravelKatz is looking forward to hearing from you so we can make a special vacation for your family or other group. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300 or go to our website or www.vacationnationradio.com to “chat” and get your questions answered.
FESTIVALS
New Mexico Festivals:
New Mexico Festivals are known for their spectacular shows. When you are ready to attend any one of these festivals – some along the famous Route 66 – just let us know.
1st Annual Prickly Pear Festival: This festival is the first in an annual series that seeks to celebrate everything prickly pear; food, art, music. The festival will feature vendors selling a vast variety of prickly pear products, cooking demonstrations showing visitors new and interested way to use prickly pear in their own kitchens, prickly pear live music, art, and much more. Located in Albuquerque, all day on Sat, Aug 31.
Fiestas de Santa Fe: This annual tradition captures the spirit of Santa Fe and is the longest continuously running celebration in the U.S.! With a Pet Parade, the Burning of Zozobra, the Mariachi Extravaganza, music concerts and more. It is a feast for all senses! Join in at the Santa Fe Plaza for a week of fun. Aug 31 – Sep 8.
The PASEO Festival: This is a free, immersive, nighttime art festival that brings installation, projection, and performance art to Taos. The PASEO is unique in Taos thanks to its presentation of art forms that are not often found in galleries: art that does not hang on a wall, art that is participatory and transforms public spaces. Art on view engrosses audiences visually; you are invited to touch it, activate it, dance with it, step inside of it. This participatory nature encourages audiences to engage with one another in a communal experience. Each year, the festival welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors over two nights, and over 1,000 local youth participate in its education program. The festival and all programs are offered to the public 100% free of charge. Sept 13 and 14 during the evening from 7pm.
Harvest Festival: Bring in the harvest with villagers as they crush grapes by foot, string chile ristras, make tortillas, bake fresh bread and much more! It is a very popular community celebration! This Festival is in Santa Fe; on Sat and Sunday, Oct 5 – 6.
5th Annual Red River Folk Festival at Aspencade: Head to the southern Rockies for this exciting event featuring local, handmade crafts, jewelry, home furnishings, food, art, pottery, and specialty goods. The fall colors are one of a kind and the local flavor of art is just as unique and beautiful. Enjoy shopping outdoors in the spacious Brandenburg Park or head into the Red River Conference Center for more to explore. The Red River Folk Festival accompanied Aspencade this past year and was a huge success! In Red River, Fri, Sep 20.
ABQ International Festival: The Albuquerque International Festival is a FREE daylong multicultural event that celebrates the International District of Southeast Albuquerque, bringing in diverse entertainment, food and crafts. Entertainment will range from Lion and Ribbon Dancers, to Karate Demos, Asian dances and poetry. Also see Native American and Thai Dancers and Musicians. There will be Jump Rope Teams, music, ethnic food and a variety of jewelry, baskets, and other crafts; all will be for purchase throughout the venue. A free kid’s zone with petting zoo, face painting, carnival rides and games, a photo booth, and a vehicle/bike show. Call TravelKatz for the event dates and times for this International Festival.
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival: This particular film festival invests in the advancement of independent, innovative, and cutting-edge cinema bringing 5 days of excellence in filmmaking to the inclusive and diverse community of Santa Fe for a full week. Enjoy the films from Wed – Sun, Oct 16-20.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: This is a spectacular, nine-day annual hot air balloon festival that takes place from October 6 – 14, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year. The event is the largest balloon festival in the world and has some spectacular night time flights. Come spend the week and tour the areas other festivals during the month of October.
TravelKatz will be happy to help you plan your next vacation to New Mexico. Give us a call – 352-277-7300.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Los Alamos
Los Alamos is a town in New Mexico that is recognized as the birthplace of the atomic bomb––the primary objective of the Manhattan Project by Los Alamos National Laboratory during World War II.
Los Alamos Historical Museum: It looks like a cabin from the outside, bit it’s bigger than you think. It gives a nice detailed look at the “Manhattan project” and the people that worked on it and how the lived. I thought I was familiar with the project, but still, there were some very interesting details. Besides it leaves you with questions as to what was gained, or not. A definite eye opener. The additional pueblos building foundations and homesteader’s buildings, with information, were great. It’s a part of the town that adds great perspective. The walking tour from this museum may be the best part. The guide is very knowledgeable and does her best to let you know how things were during the project while including history of the town.
Bradbury Science Museum: Approximately 60 interactive exhibits trace the history of the WWII Manhattan Project, highlight Los Alamos National Laboratory’s current and historic research projects related to defense and technology, and focus on Laboratory research related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns. Admission is FREE and open to the public. This is museum has exhibits relating to the National Lab. It tells the history of the atomic bomb, the history of the first super computers, and the development of the Human genome among other stories. It’s got hands on exhibits that delight children and adults. A movie tells the story of the Manhattan project. The place is surprisingly compact, so you won’t’ get tired out. But it’s got a lot of stuff too in that small space because the exhibits are so professionally done– often with help from the scientist who did the work. This is an incredibly unique science museum and history museum.
Los Alamos Nature Center: The award-winning building is filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits including live animals, a large-scale 3D topo map of the plateau, a Children’s Discovery Area, peaceful wildlife observation room, information about the formation of the Valles Caldera, a planetarium with star shows and full dome feature films, and much more. Browse the demonstration gardens, get dirty in the mud kitchen and nature play area, learn about all the plants and animals that make up the Vertical Mile of Diversity, Explore local nature at the Naturalists’ Desk, meet all the critters, including Tad, Poole, and Lily, the Canyon Tree Frogs and Titus the Tiger Salamander, watch the ants tunnel in their special visible ant mound, play on the model Pajarito Plateau for kids, put on a puppet show or cuddle up with a book in the Children’s Discovery Area, or just relax in comfy chairs and admire the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Finish off your day with some time under the stars in the state-of-the-art planetarium!
White Rock Overlook Park: Well worth a short diversion to look at the Rio Grande Gorge from the White Rock Overlook Park. The view is breathtakingly spectacular to the valley below. On the opposite side is a tall waterfall. You can hear the fall from the park. As you drive to the overlook, the park along the road is also impressive with lots of community sports fields, toilets and large parking lots. Nice town, that recognizes what is important and showcases this prominent overlook appropriately. If you have more time, consider hiking one of the trails. Well worth a short diversion to look at the Rio Grande Gorge from the White Rock Overlook Park. The view is breathtakingly spectacular to the valley below.
Fly from Tampa to Albuquerque, rent a car and head to Los Alamos for your special tour. Give Travelkatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make this special trip come alive for you.
GARDENS
Alabama Gardens- Come witness the beautiful colors and varieties of flowers and plants as we travel to Alabama for a look. There are 13 varieties of gardens located all over the state. Call us to help you create that springtime Alabama adventure! Or maybe you would rather witness the fall colors instead.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A cherished place of respite and inspiration since 1962, these Gardens promote a passion for plants, gardens, and the natural world. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this 67-acre urban oasis offers beautiful blooms, glorious specialty gardens, and opportunities to grow your green thumb throughout the year. The Gardens are free and open to the public every day of the year. A facility of the Parks and Recreation Board, these Botanical Gardens are the result of a public-private partnership between the city the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Beautiful gardens with lots of incredible plants and water features and benches to sit and take it all in and it’s also right across from the zoo. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, read a book, have a picnic, or take photos. The gift shop is lovely as well. Found in the city of Birmingham.
Dunn Formal Rose Garden: This Rose Garden is an official All-America Rose Selection Display Garden. It features tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures and shrub types that bloom in glorious colors from late April until frost. You’ll see old favorites such as ‘Peace’, ‘Chrysler Imperial’, and ‘John F. Kennedy’ mingle with newcomers like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Dolly Parton’ and ‘Fourth of July’; our bounty of roses has made this spot a mainstay attraction since The Gardens first opened in Birmingham.
Hess Camellia Garden: Another beautiful site, this Shade Garden and the Japanese Garden are found at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come and enjoy the diversity these gardens offer.
Huntsville Botanical Garden: The 112-acre Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association of North America. Discover this garden in Huntsville.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens: Serene retreat featuring 50 acres of lush, manicured gardens with ponds & shady walking trails. It is on the smaller side but for $5 a person it was well worth the money! There is a gorgeous Asian garden and tropical plant house. You can see a good variety of roses, camellias, and herbs, too. There are paved walkways for a very peaceful and quiet stroll on a Sunday morning. For the children, there is a kid zone which everyone loves. Found in town Dothan north of Atlanta.
Aldridge Gardens: This spot is amazing. Wonderful accessible walking trails, a hands-on bonsai educational opportunity, a Veterans Memorial Arbor and Pentagon Plaza with beautiful views of the lake, also a great place to take a run in the park – and just adorable geese or ducks! They also have a venue you can rent for events. Come experience the beauty and hospitality the city of Hoover has to offer.
Cornerstone Gardens: This garden is a beautiful hidden gem! You might very well love all the Bible verses throughout the garden! Cornerstone Gardens and Arboretum was created as a place of meditation, rest, and reflection for Carriage House Repose & Restore, Inc., a Christian support ministry for ministers, missionaries, and evangelists. The Carriage House is situated on the property close to the gardens, and the pastors and others come to stay there as a short-term respite. The caretakers and stewards of the Carriage House ministry have opened the gardens to the general public to share the natural beauty and wonder of over 5,000 plants and trees comprised of over 150 different species. Travel to Mobile to enjoy this garden.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a special vacation in Alabama where you will get to see beautiful gardens. Just call us at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com.
New Mexico State Capital: Santa Fe
Santa Fe was originally called “La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis,” which means “The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.” Founded in 1610, it was likely given its name by provincial governor Pedro de Peralta to honor Catholicism and communicate the Spaniards’ desire to convert the indigenous peoples of the region. The name also implicitly referred to the city of Santa Fe in Spain.
Santa Fe, New Mexico is a magical, exuberant, colorful journey at any time of year. Our legendary history and culture will fascinate and inspire you. Our art galleries and diverse visual arts span ancient traditional art to the most contemporary, making it one of the largest and most important art markets in the country. Settle yourself into our World Class accommodations, partake of our sumptuous world renowned cuisine and treat yourself to our colorful markets and experience why Santa Fe has been considered a legendary trading center for hundreds of years.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most significant and intriguing artists of the twentieth century, known internationally for her boldly innovative art. Her distinct flowers, dramatic cityscapes, glowing landscapes, and images of bones against the stark desert sky are iconic and original contributions to American Modernism.
Palace of the Governors: Originally constructed in the early 17th century as Spain’s seat of government for what is today the American Southwest, the Palace of the Governors chronicles the history of Santa Fe, as well as New Mexico and the region. This adobe structure, now the state’s history museum, was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1960 and an American Treasure in 1999. Self-guided visits to the Palace of the Governors and/or New Mexico History Museum are available daily. There also may be special self-guided activities. Please ask the front desk when you arrive. Christmas at the Palace brings the community together for an evening of hot cider, cookies, live music, etc., and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus–all in legendary magic. A free family event.
Museum HILL:
New Mexico History Museum: The New Mexico History Museum is changing the way New Mexicans and visitors from across the country and around the world understand our state’s pivotal role in the shaping of the American West. sweeps across more than 500 years of stories – from early Native inhabitants to today’s residents – with stories told through artifacts, films, photographs, computer interactives, oral histories and more. Together, they breathe life into the people who made the American West: Native Americans, Spanish colonists, Mexican traders, Santa Fe Trail riders, fur trappers, outlaws, railroad men, scientists, hippies and artists. The downstairs exhibits on the Harvey Girls and Los Alamos as well as the short presentations on various topical subjects shown on the upstairs television are excellent all the way around!
The exhibit is divided into six sections representing chronological periods from the pre-colonial era to the present. Each is set apart by time frames and contrasting views from first-person accounts of the people who lived during the different periods.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture: Chronically Native Groups in New Mexico from ancient times to now, this museum was incredibly informative. The collection of artifacts shows but Indian Art and Indian History. The tour guides are so knowledgeable and responsive. Start with the beautiful sculptures just outside the Indian and arts museum. They are amazing and photograph so well! The museum itself has many sections. The main exhibit hall which does indeed focus on the culture of the various groups in the area. There was lots to see in terms of artifacts of the elements that make up a culture. You can see the videos of people talking of their childhoods and various experiences. Really interesting. View the Lindbergh photos, and the modern artwork of Frank Buffalo Hyde. Be sure to view the video of Maria Martinez demonstrating the creation of black pottery.
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum: is an exploratory space for children of all ages, toddlers to teens! Offered is over 35 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits including giant bubbles, dress-up and puppet theater, magnetic building tables, a 1.5-acre outdoor educational garden, and a special place just for toddlers.
Museum of International Folk Art: Fantastic visiting and permanent exhibits of Folk Art from around the world. One of the best museum shops as well. Fun for the whole family! One of the several museums one can attend on the $30 pass. A huge a stroll to Canyon Road worthwhile. Collection occupied most of the space, with little or no interpretation, as was the donor’s wishes. Folk art from all over the world, but mostly Europe and Central America. The exhibits were fascinating, but one had to enjoy them on a visual and not intellectual basis… except for a very interesting exhibit in the basement about what constitutes folk art. This museum is very important, but very challenging.
Canyon Road: it is very impressive to behold the number and scope of the artistic endeavors along both sides of this remarkable street. There are artists creating offerings in all manner of material including, pottery, iron work, wood carving, jewelry, and of course painting. While many items are quite expensive, a closer look should produce enough affordable items to make it worthwhile.
Direct flights to Sante Fe leave from Tampa so it is easy to go and enjoy the diverse culture of this area. Give us a call at 352-277-7300 and TravekKatz will make this vacation a special one for you.
NEW MEXICO VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
Another option for our New Mexico Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
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