Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown

Santa Fe’s historic core and downtown hub is more than just the tourism center of our universe. It’s also the seat of city and state government, a hotspot for local commerce, and home to both those holding on to the original foundation of the community and to those seeking the luxuries of urban renewal. Find low-lying adobe facades of storefronts and art galleries, bright gardens and public art, plus the landmark Plaza, cathedral and museums.

Get Active

Cross of the Martyrs: Pedestrians can ascend to the crest of hill near the site of former Spanish and US military garrisons along a path used during the winter holiday for luminarias and a Catholic procession. On a clear day, yes, you can see forever. The entrance is on Paseo de Peralta northwest of Marcy Street.

Santa Fe River Trail: Access the paved walkway along Alameda beginning at Patrick Smith Park, and follow it on bike or on foot west all the way out of the city limits, soaking in the riparian plants and city life along the way.

Fort Marcy Recreation Complex: Not only is it the famed field for the annual Burning of Zozobra, but kids say this playground is a fun one. A large grassy field is ready for a pickup soccer game, and make use of outdoor equipment or an indoor pool, gym and weight room.
490 Bishops Lodge Road, 955-2500

Creative Peek

KEEP Contemporary: See the art from a wide collection of emerging local artists who are keeping it real, including spray paint graffiti art, printmaking and
sculpture.
142 Lincoln Ave., 557-9574

Chuck Jones Gallery: Far from your average art gallery, this space lets visitors get close to the artist who brought the world Wile E Coyote, Marvin the Martian and Pepe Le Pew, among other animated stars.
126 W Water St., 983-5999

New Mexico Museum of Art: Regional creatives in the hands of thoughtful curators make the year-round offerings, rotating exhibits and special events at this part of the state Department of Cultural Affairs museum system show off painting, drawing, photography and more.
107 Palace Ave., 476-5072

Voted Best Business … 

Doodlet's: A day or an hour of shopping in the downtown area is incomplete without a trip to Doodlet's. The corner store wins not only Best Business Downtown in our readers' poll, but it also reigns in the citywide Best Gifts category. Browse the books and toys for kids of all ages, funny decor and useful (or useless) tchotchkes, and keep from smiling—we dare you.
120 Don Gaspar Ave., 983-3771

Kaune's Neighborhood Market: One of the last true independent neighborhood grocers in the city is a staple in the South Capitol neighborhood, complete with produce, a butcher and almost too much wine to choose from.
511 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-2629

Botwin Eye Group / Oculus Optical Downtown: Eyeglasses have officially transitioned from medical device into fashion accessory. You, too, can make the crossover with help from trendsetters and classics here.
125 W Water St., 982-2020

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