June 12: SW Road Trip Day 34: Santa Fe (2)

We rise to face our second full day of Santa Fe. It will be another hot one, and I am getting increasingly desirous of being sub-90 degrees. Breakfast at the Inn is French Toast. Delicious. We get organized and head out anticipating a visit to the Art Museum and walking around town.

Our first decision after leaving the Inn and walking Northwest on Paseo de Peralta is to cross the street and climb the Fort Marcy Stairs. Ft. Marcy was built in the summer of 1846 by the American Army after it marched into Santa Fe to claim it during the Mexican War. It saw little use and was abandoned during the American Civil War. The site has recently been repurposed as a city park and the climb to the higher elevation is decorated with historical plaques explaining various aspects of Santa Fe’s history. The view from the top is great.

The Inn from Fort Marcy Park

Off to the west, we can make out the Cathedral (orange arrow) and the Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda (red arrows)

View from Fort Marcy Park

We descend from the Park and walk to the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Courtyard of the Museum of Art

There is an exhibit from the British Museum on drawing, from Michelangelo up to Now. There is also an exhibit of watercolors by Cady Wells called Ruminations. The drawing exhibit is particularly intriguing to Amy. We both like the Cady Wells work. A modern works exhibit called Lines of Thought leaves us both kind of scratching our heads. But what we both liked best was Imagining New Mexico, selection from the permanent collection investigating how artists in New Mexico have responded to key themes as they relate to the state’s identity. Therein was intriguing work combining Native, Spanish and American influences.

After the Museum, we walk the mile or so to the Railyard. When last we were in Santa Fe, this was a bustling art and farmers market. Now it has been built up. Perhaps due to the earliness of the season, no one is selling produce. Neither are there any artisans selling their work. A little disappointed, we have lunch at the 2^nd Street Brewery. This place has an impressive selection of beers and decent pub food.

Satisfied with lunch, we walk back towards the Inn. Our path takes us past the Stations of the Cross Meditation Garden, adjacent to the Cathedral of St. Francis. It has some very interesting sculptures. But given the subject matter, it is quite grim as the main purpose of such a garden appears to be helping one consider the Redeemer’s sacrifices.

We exit the Garden, then pass the north side of the Cathedral. On the Walking Historic Tour, we saw the display in this area and now we have a chance to view it. The Prado (Madrid) has a traveling, outdoor exhibit detailing some of their best art. This show has been to several cities in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The idea is to give people of America with no realistic chance of being able to visit the Prado the chance to see reproductions of the great works that are housed there. The only North America city to host this exhibit is Santa Fe, a testament to its deep Spanish roots.

We spend a good 45 minutes looking at dozens of artworks and reading the descriptive texts. This is a really interesting idea and I salute those who made this popular exhibit possible. We return to the Inn and take a rest.

At about 6:00, we head for the 1st floor bar at La Fonda to enjoy the Cavs v. Warriors game 5. We dine on appetizers and listen to an interesting Honky Tonk band from Texas. Amy and I take to the dance floor for a few spins. She is a real sport for accompanying me. Having watched the Warriors earn their 2nd NBA Title in 3 years, we return to the Inn.