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In addition to serving as the state
capital, the city depends economically on art, tourism, construction,
and real estate development. Set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo
mountains, the city's climate and cultural attractions have drawn an
influx of new residents with an above average income and educational
level. Restaurants, boutiques, and galleries line the streets of the
city center and Canyon Road.
The growth boom flagged temporarily in the
mid-1990's when Debbie Jaramillo, who opposed the focus on tourism,
was elected mayor. Although she was voted out after serving one term,
the city continues to face the challenges of continuing drought
conditions and a widening divide between locals and recent arrivals.
Still, art and tourism remain
Santa Fe's
biggest industries.
Nestled at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains,
Santa Fe boasts a population of almost 65,000. While in
Santa Fe,
be sure to visit the
La Fonda Hotel, which
has been providing a restful place for weary travelers since 1920.
In 1926 the Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe
Railroad acquired the hotel, which they leased to Fred Harvey. From
1926 through 1969 the La Fonda was one of the famous
Harvey
Houses. Reportedly the La Fonda also hosts a resident ghost.
You will also have the opportunity to see
the historic Palace of the Governors, the San Miguel Mission Church,
visit Santa
Fe's many museums, and stroll through numerous galleries and
boutiques while visiting beautiful
Santa Fe,
New Mexico
.
One other interesting
note is that
Santa Fe
is reportedly extremely haunted. It is one of the few cities
that offers a full schedule of "ghost tours” and "ghost walks” year
around, with as many as five operators conducting tours from
Santa Fe's
historic plaza. These tours primarily focus on the ten block
historic area of
Santa Fe,
featuring such places as the La Posada and
La Fonda Hotels, the Grant
Corner Inn, Palace of Governors, the oldest house in the nation, and
other historic buildings. Some tours also include
area superstitions, as well
as
Santa Fe's
history of vigilantes, gunfights, murders and hangings.
From Santa Fe,
Route 66 travelers will continue southwest through several small towns.
La Bajada Hill is in La Cienga, but is difficult to find, so you will
needs some good
Route 66 maps and if you want to drive it, a
high-clearance 4x4 is required. Continuing, you'll soon arrive in Domingo
where one good stop is Fred Thompsons' Indian
Trading post. A side trip opportunity also presents itself here, to visit
the Santa Domingo Pueblo just a few miles west. Called home to more than
3,000, Santa Domingo Indians have lived here for centuries. Here, you will
see many roadside stands with jewelry, pottery and silverwork. The
pueblo also offers a cultural center and small museum for visitors.
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