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Continued...
SANTA FE,
NEW MEXICO:
It’s all about
the burritos.
Chrystie Hopkins
Published 11/15/03
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For an easier, but equally
as beautiful hike during warm months, I recommend the Santa Fe Ski
Basin. This ski area has a 12,053 foot summit. From the rocky summit
you can see for miles across New Mexico. On the way to the top,
the trail is scattered with beautiful wild flowers, tickling streams
and majestic evergreens. The statistics for snow sports during the
winter months are fantastic as well: 1,703 vertical feet of skiing,
660 acres, 44 trails of varying difficulty, the longest run is 3
miles, average snowfall is 225 inches, and the area can handle 7,800
skiers an hour.
After a long day of hiking or skiing, and a burrito,
what is next?
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Well, Santa Fe does not boast a thriving night life, but there are
many options for the traveler after the sun has set. One such option
is checking out a concert at the strange and amazing Paolo Soleri
Amphitheatre. This venue was designed by renowned architect Paolo
Soleri.
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Soleri is
a master at what he calls “Archology”, the combination
of architecture and ecology. The idea behind this amphitheatre was
that it would be completely self sustaining and all of the lights,
and equipment would be hydro-powered. The project was abandoned
by Soleri because his vision for the amphitheatre was fundamentally
flawed. It would have taken more energy to pump water to this desert
amphitheatre then it would have saved.
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Today, the theater stands incomplete and mysterious. The steep incline
from the entrance to the stage is shocking. The stage area is a
concrete, futuristic-styled bubble, with staircases that lead to
the unknown and jutting shapes posing as sculpture. The theater
is very intimate in size, which makes every seat in the house amazing.
The sound, however, is noticeably better the closer to the front
and middle that you get. (Especially if you're listening to the
String Cheese Incident as shown here!)
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The Paolo
Soleri Amphitheatre is located on the grounds of the Santa Fe Indian
School, and during summer months has a packed and diverse line-up.
After the show, a great bar and BBQ to check out is The Cowgirl
Hall of Fame, located on Guadelupe Street. The atmosphere is unique,
with an outdoor patio that is equally beautiful, cool and relaxing.
There are 12 beers and ales on tap. If tequila is your thing, you
will not be disappointed by the selection. Your drinks and food
will come served to you by a cowgirl, of course. The bartenders
are friendly, but not too friendly, and are a cross between Tom
Robbins cowgirl and Coyote Ugly. The Cowgirl has given Santa Fe
nightlife a pulse, by bringing nightly entertainment and style to
this western town.
New Mexico is often overlooked by vacationers. The preserved and
varied culture, thriving artist community, and great food make Santa
Fe a great destination spot of the southwest. Or it’s a great
starting point: rent a car, and drive the open road of the west.
Denver is 400 miles to the north and Phoenix is about 500 miles
to the west, with plenty of sites to see in between. This is a unique
part of the United States and deserves your attention. I hope you
enjoy your wild west experience!
Meniscus Recommendations:
The Cowgirl Hall of Fame: (505)982-2565
319 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM
The Burrito Company: (505) 982-4453
111 Washington, Santa Fe, NM
Near Washington & Palace
1/2 block from Plaza
Santa Fe Ski Basin: http://www.skisantafe.com/
Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre at The Indian School:
1501 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM
Eldorado Hotel: (505) 988-4455
309 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
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-Chrystie Hopkins
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