Santa Fe for Less

Santa Fe is known for exquisite sunsets that produce polychrome colors; galleries with beautiful art; American Indian crafts both present day and centuries old; delicious food; and a rich culture. But it is not known for being inexpensive. So can you still visit affordably while enjoying a culturally rich holiday and not feel like you're on a college hostel reunion tour? Absolutely.

First, Santa Fe is like all great cities: it is the size that is irrelevant because the culture is so rich that it permeates every facet. Just walking through the square reveals American Indians selling crafts; food cooked on the street; music; horses; shops; the Cathedral; and the distinctive dress of the desert Southwest. Walking through the daily display of American Indian crafts exhibited at the Palace of the Govenors does not cost you a dime, but it affords an in depth look at the rich treasures still produced by artisans today. Whether it is the O'keefe Museum or the Museum of the American Indian, more treasures await you for a minimal entrance fee. Check listings because many museums have late afternoon reduced admissions. Also, galleries abound in Santa Fe, but there is no entrance fee, so look all day long without spending a dime. Morning Star Gallery, Nedra Metucci, and Gerald Peters provide gallery experiences that rival any museum in quality of items exhibited. Santa Fe has numerous Cathedrals and small churches. Whether you go for religious reasons, or to admire the architecture, they are wonderful free opportunities to take in more of this city's interesting culture. And perhaps the most luxurious free activity in Santa Fe is simply watching the horizon. As the sun shifts in the sky, amazing colors reflect off of the adobe buildings and surrounding mountains. With a digital camera or a pack of colored pencils and pad, you can spend the day creating your own masterpieces. If you rent a car, head to a Pueblo on a feast day for a spectacular festival that will only cost you your respect of the American Indian and their rituals and traditions. It is truly an amazing experience: one that is deeply meaningful and most enlightening.

While Santa Fe has fabulous dining options, they often come with a very high price. Try heading to some of the more local spots which might not be as fancy, but have delicious local food. Bumble Bee's might look like fast food, but wait until you taste their enchiladas and burritos. And if you want to sit outside and see all of the local color, there's no better place than Cowgirls for a great burger and a cold beer. Inn of the Anasazi is very expensive in every category; however, a little known secret is that they have a fantastic breakfast served in the same dining room as dinner, but for a fraction of the cost. Head there to start your day with their homemade granola and a side of applewood smoked bacon that won't break your budget, but will afford you the experience of a first class hotel breakfast.

Finally, Santa Fe offers every category of accommodation from luxury hotels to simple B & B's. I've stayed in many of the high end hotels, but I recently happened upon a hotel that is fabulous in every category, and amazingly affordable. The Inn of the Govenors is two blocks from the square and a short walk from Canyon Road. A low slung two story building, it does not appear much from the exterior. However, the rooms are spacious and most comfortable with stacks of down pillows, leather seating, and Navajo inspired blankets. For $220. per night in the high season of the summer, the rate also included an amazing breakfast for two. Hot huevos rancheros and pancakes, mounds of fresh fruits, fresh homemade pastries, and delicious juices and teas made our mornings at the Inn of the Govenors a special treat. Check Expedia, PriceLine, and Travelocity for specials at this hotel and others in Santa Fe as I repeatedly discovered that their prices were lower than those quoted by the hotels.

It's not often that one finds a city so rich in what it has to offer, while not costing a dime to partake. But Santa Fe is centuries old with a colorful history that has woven a brilliant opportunity to bask in her riches. Go and enjoy without breaking your budget.