Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico. It is a great city - and a very good base for visiting the rest of the state. Established in 1610, it's the oldest capital in the United States, and one of the oldest European cities in the USA. Santa Fe is an odd mix of old and new, with heavy admixtures...

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico. It is a great city - and a very good base for visiting the rest of the state. Established in 1610, it's the oldest capital in the United States, and one of the oldest European cities in the USA. Santa Fe is an odd mix of old and new, with heavy admixtures of conservatism and quirkiness. The enforced style of 'adobe' (most of it is actually stucco blown onto shaped styrofoam) ensures that even big box stores have that 'taco deco' look. On the other hand, the history of the old downtown is genuine. The small scale of the buildings, with the low doors, thick walls, and lack of square is for real, as are the litany of events that happened in the old city. Experience it on foot; take a walking tour, or get a map to figure it all out. It's easy to be seduced by the combination of heritage, glamour, and kitsch that make up Santa Fe. Sure, you'll leave, but you'll want to come back again. Really.

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