Travel the Margarita Trail in Santa Fe (If You Dare!)

Situated in the foothills of the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is easy to see why Santa Fe’s natural beauty has been an inspiration to artistically creative souls since its inception.  Founded by Spanish Governor Don Pedro de Peralta, Santa Fe stands as the oldest continuous capital in the United States—and at 7,260 feet above sea level, it is also the nation’s highest elevation capital.

The heart of Santa Fe is the Plaza, the very pulse of the city with shops, art galleries, dining and outdoor vendors. It is also the place to get close to the area’s passionate history. Near the Plaza is the New Mexico History Museum that takes visitors from the state’s earliest days to the entry of the Spanish in 1540, atomic testing in 1945 and post-World War II with artifacts, interviews and more.  On the Plaza’s north edge is the oldest government building in the nation—the Palace of the Governors. Now a museum, it served as the capital for Spanish, Mexican and U.S. governors.

Art everywhere

History and beauty abound, but it is all about the art in Santa Fe with galleries lining streets and art punctuating virtually every structure. In fact, the art community has become the third largest art market in the country. Not surprisingly, museums pay homage to the famous artists who have captured the Santa Fe spirit. Georgia O’Keeffe, known for her red-rock landscapes and desert flowers that said Santa Fe so well, is celebrated in a namesake museum. You can also tour O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch north of town, the locale of much of her inspiration.

There are art galleries galore in your shopping excursion in the Santa Fe Plaza area, however Canyon Road, a winding lane east of the Plaza, contains more art galleries within a square mile than any other area in the world.  This is the place to stroll in peaceful wonder, passing by colorful adobes, gardens filled with statuary and sidewalk bistros.

Museum Hill is also a must destination for art lovers. You’ll find the Museum of International Folk Art, Spanish Colonial Art, Indian Arts & Culture and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. The Museum Hill Café here offers beautiful vistas and hosts monthly jazz nights, wine dinners and other musical events throughout the year.

Anyone who has attended the Santa Fe Opera will tell you that the performing arts in Santa Fe have just as much draw as the art. The summer hilltop destination for opera aficionados for the past six decades features a unique roofline that limits rain interference but none of the surrounding beauty. Near the Plaza is the ornate, restored Lensic Performing Arts Center—a year-round venue for entertainment, from live performances to films.

Follow the Margarita Trail

The artistic cuisine of Santa Fe, with chilies at its core, is as famous as its art. With more than 450 restaurants in the area, it is not difficult to find some favorites.  If you want to sample the best of the area’s cuisine in just a few days, plan to attend the Annual “Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta” September 23-30. The celebration of food and wine is worth the trip alone. Purchase tickets for chef demonstrations, walking tours, seminars and luncheons, all culminated by a Grand Tasting.

Now Santa Fe has a new, creative way to savor the margaritas that combine artistically with the cuisine—The Margarita Trail. The one-of-a-kind Margarita experience is geared for any length of visit, although if you can stay long enough or come often enough to taste all 31 signature blends, you’ll earn the top reward.

Here’s how it works:

First purchase a Margarita Trail Passport for just $3 at any Tourism Santa Fe Visitors Centers or buy one at any of the participating bars and restaurants—or download the new Margarita Trail Passport app for $3.99 from the App store or Google Play.

Present your Passport and receive a $1 off each margarita. Earn a ‘stamp’ at each location for trying their signature margarita—but sorry, just two per day.

Earn rewards for your stamps, such as commemorative T-shirts or a signed copy of The Great Margarita Book. If you dare to complete the entire Margarita Trail (31 total creations), you rightfully earn a Margarita Bartender Kit.

All margaritas featured on the Margarita Trail are made with 100% agave tequila. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail promises to be one of your most memorable Santa Fe adventures. Here are a few to inspire your journey on the trail:

La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda on The Plaza

Boasting a vibrant atmosphere, La Fiesta Lounge is one of the best locations in Santa Fe for sampling casual, regional cuisine and dancing to live music nightly. The lounge features a New Mexican luncheon buffet daily, as well as a variety of menu selections. Your meal is best complemented by a signature margarita. Staff mixologist created the Don Rael for the Margarita Trail.

Iguana Café and Cantina

Savor Mexican entrées such as tacos, enchiladas, fish, fajitas and burritos alongside the café’s rich and flavorful local cuisine and house specialties at the café nestled in the Hilton Santa Fe. The cantina’s extensive Margarita Menu features only 100% agave tequilas and no added sugar.

Luminaria Restaurant & Patio

At the crossroads of modern sophistication and authentic Southwestern charm stands Luminaria Restaurant and Patio, an award-winning Santa Fe, NM restaurant offering casual fine dining. Enjoy progressive Santa Fe cuisine at its finest with ingredients sourced from by local farmers, as well as the finest regional meats and game, all in a tranquil, inviting setting. Enjoy The Living Room at Loretto, a warm and sociable environment, fabulous cuisine, fantastic wines, and signature custom-crafted cocktails and, of course, margaritas.

Coyote Rooftop Cantina

Coyote Cafe’s Rooftop Cantina continues to be one of Santa Fe’s most respected outdoor dining venues. Enjoy sunset views in a lively fun atmosphere. The Coyote serves New Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails, making it a must stop on the Margarita Trail.

 

Margarita Trail photos courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe