Santa Fe New Mexico may just be the most unique city in the United States. The surprisingly small population (75,000) lives nicely at an altitude of just over 7000 feet. The air is clean and fresh and makes you feel good.
The newcomer is a little dismayed that all buildings, homes, apartments, condos, shops, galleries and you name it (except State buildings) must conform to the adobe construction and appearance by ordinance and that's just the way it is. It does give you a sense of the old west and that's not a bad thing.
Santa Fe is historic. You can walk up to the oldest church and oldest home in America (1000 years old) right in the downtown area and also visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi not far from the central city. The Center Plaza is a mecca for seekers of jewelry and crafts uniquely of New Mexico, while native Americans line a one block wall selling native crafted art and exquisite jewelry. Their location in the square is declared by treaty and is in perpetuity.
A walk down Canyon Road will take you past some of the finest galleries anywhere. I've enjoyed conversation with a sculptor as he carved a massive piece of translucent calcite.
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