The night time temps are coming up and any danger of frost is now gone--which can only mean one thing: it's time to make my first foray to the local nursery's. I live north of town, so I start out at Payne's on Camino Alire. This is a large garden center with a nice selection of annuals for pots, tools and supplies.
From there, I head south on Agua Fria, where the Agua Fria Nursery is just around the corner. Bob is the proprietor there and he is a character. They have a nice sampling of annuals here but the real draw are the ratty perennials in the back. These plants have had it pretty rough, but when you get them home they will be so happy to have regular water and good soil that they will reward you with strong growth.
Further south of Agua Fria is Plants of the Southwest. This is a great nursery for "natives" and the place to buy seed. Petunias would be laughed off the premises.
From Agua Fria, I double back a half block, head up Siler Road to Rufina. Right on Rufina to Santa Fe Greenhouses. When I first moved here and stumbled upon Santa Fe Greenhouses, I cried with joy. There are two display gardens, both of which will take your breath away. I've since learned to come here for inspiration but I usually only buy a few things because this pretty place will cost you.
Next stop, south on Cerrillos Road to Newman's Nursery. Newman's is a sprawling nursery with five or six green houses of annuals and a huge selection of shrubs and trees. If you are looking for that perfect dwarf spruce to punctuate your garden, this a good place.
This is where I loop around and head north again. I know you'll be somewhat surprised, but my next stop is Jackalope. Jericho's is a very good nursery in Albuquerque and they have the franchise at Jackalope. They are a little skimpy on shrubs and perennials but what they have is nice and they have one green house full of annuals. I almost always come away with several flats.
At the corner of St. Michael's drive, I turn right and hit my last stop for the day, Payne's south. They are a sister store to Payne's on Camino Alire but they have a slightly different selection of bedding plants.
When I get home, am I too tired to start planting? Never.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day Hikes in Santa Fe
It's getting to be that time of year when short hikes around Santa Fe are particularly enjoyable. My overweight Rottweiler and Chiweenie are chirping at the door to go.
The Dale Ball trails are a well-maintained system of trails that run along the Sangres. My favorite section is above Sierra del Norte where they have a parking lot and the trail loops nicely around two foothills. It takes me almost exactly an hour to walk the loop, which includes spectacular views of the Santa Fe basin.
Rio en Medio is a one-way trail at the back end of Chupadero. When a friend first took me back there, I kept imagining the movie "Deliverance" and wondered if we were going to make it back to civilization--but it's really not that far. From the Plaza, 285 north to any of the Tesuque exits. Route 592 runs off the main drag to the east. You follow that to the end, which from the turn off is probably only 15-minutes. The beauty of Rio en Medio is the lush landscape and the flowers. It's most likely you'll get your feet wet because you cross the stream ten or twelve times before arriving at a small pool with a 2-story water fall. Be prepared to be awed by an oak tree canopy, towering ponderosa pines, a field of Rugosas (wild roses) and a glade of purple, waist high thistles. The masses of iridescent blue butterflies complete this picture perfect experience.
Tent Rocks is a national park about 45-minutes south west of Santa Fe. This is my go-to hike for visiting out-of-towners. The "tents" or rock formations have have been worn by the wind and look like giant spires against the azure blue sky. It is truly spiritual. You wend your way through a small canyon and then there is a short climb to the top of a ridge. Following my tri-athlete sister, I once made it from the parking lot to the top in 45-minutes but it usually takes about an hour and fifteen. This is a popular park so it can get busy but everyone is so taken with the beauty of this place that they are usually in a serene mood as you saunter amongst the sandstone finials.
So whatever your taste: Panoramic, sylvan or just plain spectacular, we have something for everyone.
The Dale Ball trails are a well-maintained system of trails that run along the Sangres. My favorite section is above Sierra del Norte where they have a parking lot and the trail loops nicely around two foothills. It takes me almost exactly an hour to walk the loop, which includes spectacular views of the Santa Fe basin.
Rio en Medio is a one-way trail at the back end of Chupadero. When a friend first took me back there, I kept imagining the movie "Deliverance" and wondered if we were going to make it back to civilization--but it's really not that far. From the Plaza, 285 north to any of the Tesuque exits. Route 592 runs off the main drag to the east. You follow that to the end, which from the turn off is probably only 15-minutes. The beauty of Rio en Medio is the lush landscape and the flowers. It's most likely you'll get your feet wet because you cross the stream ten or twelve times before arriving at a small pool with a 2-story water fall. Be prepared to be awed by an oak tree canopy, towering ponderosa pines, a field of Rugosas (wild roses) and a glade of purple, waist high thistles. The masses of iridescent blue butterflies complete this picture perfect experience.
Tent Rocks is a national park about 45-minutes south west of Santa Fe. This is my go-to hike for visiting out-of-towners. The "tents" or rock formations have have been worn by the wind and look like giant spires against the azure blue sky. It is truly spiritual. You wend your way through a small canyon and then there is a short climb to the top of a ridge. Following my tri-athlete sister, I once made it from the parking lot to the top in 45-minutes but it usually takes about an hour and fifteen. This is a popular park so it can get busy but everyone is so taken with the beauty of this place that they are usually in a serene mood as you saunter amongst the sandstone finials.
So whatever your taste: Panoramic, sylvan or just plain spectacular, we have something for everyone.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Music Scene in Santa Fe
Culture, as in the arts, is big in Santa Fe. Yes, we have many interesting galleries and artists flock here to capture the "light" but there are many aspects to our culture including music.
The Santa Fe Opera is probably the largest player on the block, with it's spectacular venue just north of the city. Did you know you can pay $10 to STAND at a railing and enjoy a performance--which runs 3+ hours--and that people DO just that? You start your evening with a high-end tail gate in the parking lot, watch the sun set to the west, and just as the Sangres start to turn pink, you teeter on your stilettos (if you are of the feminine persuasion) into the plaza areas. The building is amazing, and if you sit on the north side, you'll see the lights of Los Alamos flickering against the Jemez Mountains as the performance unfolds. I was treated to a performance last summer, and I observed that the recession does not seem to have affected ticket sales.
The Lensic is also well-known and has been the main-stay for our theatrical scene. It can be eclectic but I have never been disappointed. Believe it or not, the Lensic Performing Arts organization does not own the building (they rent, and it used to be a mainstream movie theatre) but the venue is lovingly maintained and I always marvel at the beautiful surroundings. So if it's Arabic music or Klezmer or Blues, what ever is playing, it's a worthwhile night out.
Vannessie's is a favorite spot of mine. It is an upscale bistro style eatery with a great bar area. They hire local talent and we really have talent here. For years, you would find Rabbi Helman there on a Saturday night, playfully tap dancing amongst the tables.
Then there are many, many other great establishments, hotels and restaurants, to enjoy music, including Second Street Brewery where you can sample a micro-brew and their fresh made calamari. La Fonda has a hopping jazz scene, as do a number of other hotels.
Santa Fe is a "go with the flow" kind of place so if you are here for a short time or live here but decide to go out at the last minute, you can find a performance of some kind. It may not be something you would typically seek out but go and you might be surprised.
The Santa Fe Opera is probably the largest player on the block, with it's spectacular venue just north of the city. Did you know you can pay $10 to STAND at a railing and enjoy a performance--which runs 3+ hours--and that people DO just that? You start your evening with a high-end tail gate in the parking lot, watch the sun set to the west, and just as the Sangres start to turn pink, you teeter on your stilettos (if you are of the feminine persuasion) into the plaza areas. The building is amazing, and if you sit on the north side, you'll see the lights of Los Alamos flickering against the Jemez Mountains as the performance unfolds. I was treated to a performance last summer, and I observed that the recession does not seem to have affected ticket sales.
The Lensic is also well-known and has been the main-stay for our theatrical scene. It can be eclectic but I have never been disappointed. Believe it or not, the Lensic Performing Arts organization does not own the building (they rent, and it used to be a mainstream movie theatre) but the venue is lovingly maintained and I always marvel at the beautiful surroundings. So if it's Arabic music or Klezmer or Blues, what ever is playing, it's a worthwhile night out.
Vannessie's is a favorite spot of mine. It is an upscale bistro style eatery with a great bar area. They hire local talent and we really have talent here. For years, you would find Rabbi Helman there on a Saturday night, playfully tap dancing amongst the tables.
Then there are many, many other great establishments, hotels and restaurants, to enjoy music, including Second Street Brewery where you can sample a micro-brew and their fresh made calamari. La Fonda has a hopping jazz scene, as do a number of other hotels.
Santa Fe is a "go with the flow" kind of place so if you are here for a short time or live here but decide to go out at the last minute, you can find a performance of some kind. It may not be something you would typically seek out but go and you might be surprised.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Happiness in Santa Fe...
Last week, I met with a gal who is considering a move to Santa Fe. She lives in Arizona and she is looking to get away from the summer heat, among other things. So I broke out the map and gave her my 10-cent orientation. Then it was question and answer time and the first question was, "Are you happy in Santa Fe?" To which I answered, unconditionally, "yes." Then of course, there was the follow up, "why" ?
I have lived on both coasts, and I can honestly say that Santa Fe is the most nurturing place I have ever experienced. I lived in New Hampshire on and off for 12-years, worked in hospice, served the community as a volunteer in the schools and married a busy surgeon. But my connections were mostly shallow and even though it was a small town, I didn't feel particularly valued or even known.
My favorite sandwich place in Santa Fe is Back Street Bistro. When I walk in, David, the owner, yells out my name and asks me if I'm eating in or out. (I eat at my desk a lot, and his hot pastrami is the best in town, as are his homemade soups.) Then there was the time that Charles, who owns the mail box place where I have a box, stepped out of his shop and stopped traffic for me so I could cross the street with an arm full of mail. There he was in the middle of busy Santa Fe Trail, 6' 3" tall, arms out-stretched. My days are often populated by these little acts that bring joy to my life.
Then there are the slightly less mundane situations, like five trips to the ER in the last few years. We have a new ER here and as you can imagine, we are somewhat discriminating about health care services. But the broken nose, kidney stones and skin hives were all handled quickly and with good care.
And last, we are enjoying a rewarding and active social life. Politics, religion, animal-welfare, the environment--whatever your interest, we have a group for you.
I have lived on both coasts, and I can honestly say that Santa Fe is the most nurturing place I have ever experienced. I lived in New Hampshire on and off for 12-years, worked in hospice, served the community as a volunteer in the schools and married a busy surgeon. But my connections were mostly shallow and even though it was a small town, I didn't feel particularly valued or even known.
My favorite sandwich place in Santa Fe is Back Street Bistro. When I walk in, David, the owner, yells out my name and asks me if I'm eating in or out. (I eat at my desk a lot, and his hot pastrami is the best in town, as are his homemade soups.) Then there was the time that Charles, who owns the mail box place where I have a box, stepped out of his shop and stopped traffic for me so I could cross the street with an arm full of mail. There he was in the middle of busy Santa Fe Trail, 6' 3" tall, arms out-stretched. My days are often populated by these little acts that bring joy to my life.
Then there are the slightly less mundane situations, like five trips to the ER in the last few years. We have a new ER here and as you can imagine, we are somewhat discriminating about health care services. But the broken nose, kidney stones and skin hives were all handled quickly and with good care.
And last, we are enjoying a rewarding and active social life. Politics, religion, animal-welfare, the environment--whatever your interest, we have a group for you.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Grocery Stores in Santa Fe
Santa Fe has a real rainbow of choices when it comes to grocery stores so I thought I'd run through the list...
In the "most economical" category you will find Smith's and Albertson's. Albertson's has three stores: DeVargas, south St. Francis near I-25 and at Zafarano. These are big box stores where I can recommend the produce but I don't usually venture in to the meat or fish department unless it's for something standard. We also have a Sam's Club if you have the storage capacity for stock piling.
Our Trader Joe's is small here compared to other stores in other cities but it's at the top of my list if I'm planning a party. And I regularly buy their rack of lamb and the pecan salmon is very good. Life would not be worth living without their dark chocolate caramels sold in bulk.
We have two new Sunflower Markets here which is a chain. The fruit and produce are often good buys but their packaged dinners and meat have been a disappointment. Sunflower is in DeVargas and south of town on the west side of Zafarano.
My market of choice is Kaune's (pronounced Ka-nees) which is at the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail or kitty-corner across from the state house. The location is ideal for me and the parking is awesome. They have an old style meat department and a real butcher. If Tur-duck-ins are your thing, you can order one from Kaune's. Their standing rib roasts and beef tenderloins are cut to order and divine. The prices are somewhat elevated but if I forgot the ginger ale, I don't have to criss-cross the length of a football field to back track. And did I mention the parking?
Then we have a smattering of what I call mother-earth style markets. The best one is the Co-op in Solana Center. They have a great deli, quality meats and fresh produce. The prices are up there and you can't find Dr. Pepper there but this is a manageble and quality market.
Last but certainly not least, the moment you've been waiting for: Whole Foods. I'll start with the parking lot which is a nightmare. There are times when I've tried to park but gave up and headed to Kaune's. Yes, this is a high end, expensive market and the produce is lovely but the quality of the meat and fish are not a given. Always smell before you agree to buy. If you are planning an event or a holiday meal, go to Whole Foods early and during off times like early morning. I've been in there with my basket full of food and felt so over-whelmed that I was tempted to abandon my basket and run screaming. But there's nothing like the smell of fresh roasted chilis as you pick out a beautiful bunch of cut flowers to grace your table.
In the "most economical" category you will find Smith's and Albertson's. Albertson's has three stores: DeVargas, south St. Francis near I-25 and at Zafarano. These are big box stores where I can recommend the produce but I don't usually venture in to the meat or fish department unless it's for something standard. We also have a Sam's Club if you have the storage capacity for stock piling.
Our Trader Joe's is small here compared to other stores in other cities but it's at the top of my list if I'm planning a party. And I regularly buy their rack of lamb and the pecan salmon is very good. Life would not be worth living without their dark chocolate caramels sold in bulk.
We have two new Sunflower Markets here which is a chain. The fruit and produce are often good buys but their packaged dinners and meat have been a disappointment. Sunflower is in DeVargas and south of town on the west side of Zafarano.
My market of choice is Kaune's (pronounced Ka-nees) which is at the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail or kitty-corner across from the state house. The location is ideal for me and the parking is awesome. They have an old style meat department and a real butcher. If Tur-duck-ins are your thing, you can order one from Kaune's. Their standing rib roasts and beef tenderloins are cut to order and divine. The prices are somewhat elevated but if I forgot the ginger ale, I don't have to criss-cross the length of a football field to back track. And did I mention the parking?
Then we have a smattering of what I call mother-earth style markets. The best one is the Co-op in Solana Center. They have a great deli, quality meats and fresh produce. The prices are up there and you can't find Dr. Pepper there but this is a manageble and quality market.
Last but certainly not least, the moment you've been waiting for: Whole Foods. I'll start with the parking lot which is a nightmare. There are times when I've tried to park but gave up and headed to Kaune's. Yes, this is a high end, expensive market and the produce is lovely but the quality of the meat and fish are not a given. Always smell before you agree to buy. If you are planning an event or a holiday meal, go to Whole Foods early and during off times like early morning. I've been in there with my basket full of food and felt so over-whelmed that I was tempted to abandon my basket and run screaming. But there's nothing like the smell of fresh roasted chilis as you pick out a beautiful bunch of cut flowers to grace your table.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Santa Fe Garden Tours...
When I was visiting my mother in October, we made the trek to Charleston for a home and garden tour. I had no idea how spoiled I had become, touring homes and gardens in Santa Fe. Towards the end, I was so impatient, I asked the docent for the "abbreviated" version. My poor mother must have been mortified.
We have a number of awesome tours here run by a variety of organizations. They are all incredibly organized and worthwhile although a bit pricey. My favorite is actually the Builder's Association "Hacienda Tour" in August. And if you go with your realtor, it is free. It runs over the course of two weekends, with a twilight tour one evening in between. Builders sign on and plan for this event years in advance and include new homes as wells as older homes which have been renovated.
All the homes on the Hacienda Tour are professionally staged so the furnishings and decor are the best of the best. I always feel motivated to go home and do something to my house, paint, clean, etc.
And Santa Fe being the relaxed place that it is, the docents are there to be helpful and not to waste your time talking about a parking lot that used to be a church. Sorry Charleston!
We have a number of awesome tours here run by a variety of organizations. They are all incredibly organized and worthwhile although a bit pricey. My favorite is actually the Builder's Association "Hacienda Tour" in August. And if you go with your realtor, it is free. It runs over the course of two weekends, with a twilight tour one evening in between. Builders sign on and plan for this event years in advance and include new homes as wells as older homes which have been renovated.
All the homes on the Hacienda Tour are professionally staged so the furnishings and decor are the best of the best. I always feel motivated to go home and do something to my house, paint, clean, etc.
And Santa Fe being the relaxed place that it is, the docents are there to be helpful and not to waste your time talking about a parking lot that used to be a church. Sorry Charleston!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A weekend in Santa Fe...
I recently visited my mother in Hilton Head, South Carolina. And while I had a lovely time riding my bike on the beach, watching the porpoises play and padding around the beach, I was struck by the beauty of Santa Fe when I returned.
My cousin recently visited me here in Santa Fe--this being his first time to the City Different. He is an avid skier (cross country), hiker and outdoor sportsman. By the end of his visit, he had to admit "we have it all" here...
We started out on Friday afternoon with an awesome lunch under the portal in my back yard. It is a south-facing patio, with views of the Ortiz and Sandia Mountains. We enjoyed a combination of take out (noodles from Lan's Vietnamese) and some fresh fish I grilled. Brilliant sunshine, 65 degrees and perfect.
After lunch, we put the dogs on their leashes and headed down to the Plaza. For the next two hours we enjoyed a "city walk" -- all around the Plaza, up Canyon Road to the top, down Acequi Madre, looping around the Plaza again before picking up the car on Guadalupe.
Saturday morning, we started out at the farmer's market. I so enjoy wandering the stalls teaming with produce and crafts. The breakfast burrittos and hub bub are really great. A tour of the farmer's market always receives rave reviews from visitors. Late morning, we hiked one of the Dale Ball trails at the top of Sierra del Norte. Again, perfect day with 360 degree views of the Santa Fe basin. After lunch, I took my cousin out to Las Campanas where they have paved walking trails so he could get in a couple of hours of roller-skiing. He came back only a little bloody.
At 3:30, we toured the Shidoni Sculpture Gardens in Tesuque, arriving in their foundry at 3:55 in time to get a good spot to watch the molten bronze pour. I had not seen this in a few years and it was really interesting to watch. There is a lot of drama, especially when there is a mis-step and the caldron of molten bronze threatens to splash out onto the floor.
Saturday night was a typical Santa Fe scene at the Cow Girl. The food and atmosphere are always very good.
Sunday morning, we went to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. We watched the two videos they show, which is very worthwhile--and then wandered the museum. They do an excellent job of curating the works, mixing in photographs by Ansel Adams (of Georgia, naturally) and Georgia's husband, Stiegler (who I personally think may have been a scoundrel). The works change regularly so one can visit often and still enjoy the art.
Sunday is my busy day at work, so I asked my husband to take over tour duties while I attended to a showing and did an open house. When I came home, I found that they had not left the house, but spent the time sitting at the kitchen table drinking beer. A perfect weekend in Santa Fe.
My cousin recently visited me here in Santa Fe--this being his first time to the City Different. He is an avid skier (cross country), hiker and outdoor sportsman. By the end of his visit, he had to admit "we have it all" here...
We started out on Friday afternoon with an awesome lunch under the portal in my back yard. It is a south-facing patio, with views of the Ortiz and Sandia Mountains. We enjoyed a combination of take out (noodles from Lan's Vietnamese) and some fresh fish I grilled. Brilliant sunshine, 65 degrees and perfect.
After lunch, we put the dogs on their leashes and headed down to the Plaza. For the next two hours we enjoyed a "city walk" -- all around the Plaza, up Canyon Road to the top, down Acequi Madre, looping around the Plaza again before picking up the car on Guadalupe.
Saturday morning, we started out at the farmer's market. I so enjoy wandering the stalls teaming with produce and crafts. The breakfast burrittos and hub bub are really great. A tour of the farmer's market always receives rave reviews from visitors. Late morning, we hiked one of the Dale Ball trails at the top of Sierra del Norte. Again, perfect day with 360 degree views of the Santa Fe basin. After lunch, I took my cousin out to Las Campanas where they have paved walking trails so he could get in a couple of hours of roller-skiing. He came back only a little bloody.
At 3:30, we toured the Shidoni Sculpture Gardens in Tesuque, arriving in their foundry at 3:55 in time to get a good spot to watch the molten bronze pour. I had not seen this in a few years and it was really interesting to watch. There is a lot of drama, especially when there is a mis-step and the caldron of molten bronze threatens to splash out onto the floor.
Saturday night was a typical Santa Fe scene at the Cow Girl. The food and atmosphere are always very good.
Sunday morning, we went to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. We watched the two videos they show, which is very worthwhile--and then wandered the museum. They do an excellent job of curating the works, mixing in photographs by Ansel Adams (of Georgia, naturally) and Georgia's husband, Stiegler (who I personally think may have been a scoundrel). The works change regularly so one can visit often and still enjoy the art.
Sunday is my busy day at work, so I asked my husband to take over tour duties while I attended to a showing and did an open house. When I came home, I found that they had not left the house, but spent the time sitting at the kitchen table drinking beer. A perfect weekend in Santa Fe.
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