NOVEMBER 1-5, 2023
With a rich multicultural past, a vibrant art scene, and a breathtaking desert landscape, it’s easy to see why Santa Fe consistently ranks among the world’s top art destinations. Join Jennifer Dasal, of the ArtCurious podcast, for a long weekend, immersed in the treasures of the southwest, to include Georgia O’Keefe’s private residence and discover the reason for her fascination with the “Land of Enchantment.”
DAY 1
Welcome to Santa Fe, New Mexico! Check in to the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza- in the heart of the historic district and relax before meeting Jennifer and your fellow travelers. We will begin with a walk across the historic Santa Fe Plaza to the La Fonda hotel, for a private tour of their extensive art collection. (In 2015, Conde Nast rated La Fonda #5 among the best hotel art collections.) La Fonda was founded in 1607 by the Spaniards, making it the oldest hotel corner in the United States, in addition to its prime location on the famous Route 66.
Following the tour, we will get to know each other over cocktails at a welcome reception. The rest of the evening is yours to spend how you like.
DAY 2
Georgia O’Keeffe fans, this day is for you! We will travel by bus to the small town of Abiquiu, NM, (approximately 50 miles north of Santa Fe), to the Georgia O’Keeffe Welcome Center. After watching a short film about the life and art of Ms. O’Keeffe, we will have our own private tour of her personal home and art studio. You will also have time on the patio, which was the inspiration for dozens of paintings.
Following our private tour, we will have lunch at Cafe Abiquiu, a local diner specializing in regional southwestern fare, and featuring works from local artists.
After lunch, we will board the bus for a fifteen-minute ride to Ghost Ranch. Situated on 21,000 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, we will find out first-hand why the ranch was so inspiring to Ms. O’Keeffe. From the comfort of a mini-bus, private guides will drive us into the depths of Ghost Ranch and show exact locations for some of Ms. O’Keeffe’s more famous works. With frequent stops along the way, you can get out, stretch your legs, sit in the exact location where she painted and soak in the beautiful desert landscape. We will also pass her second home, nestled among the red rocks. (This home is not available for viewing.)
The evening is on your own to explore the enchanting Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding areas. Don’t forget to research restaurants you would like to try! Santa Fe is famous for its spicy, southwestern cuisine.
DAY 3
Museum Hill is the destination of the day. Located a quick ten-minute drive from downtown Santa Fe, Museum Hill is home to four world-class museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens, featuring the distinctive and beautiful vegetation of the desert. The museums include; the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. All will be self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace. We will convene at Museum Hill Cafe for lunch as a group, enjoying exceptional views and great company.
The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Highly recommended is the Friday evening Canyon Road Art Stroll. Approximately one hundred galleries, boutiques and restaurants are located in this half mile area. Meet artists and fellow art-lovers as you wander from gallery to gallery. Definitely a must-see!
DAY 4
We begin our day at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in downtown Santa Fe, where we will get an exclusive, docent-led, private tour, before opening hours. We will have the museum to ourselves for further immersion into the works of Ms. O’Keeffe. Following the hour-long tour, you are free to spend as much time in the museum as desired.
Lunch will be on your own, and be sure to wander the plaza area where local artists set up daily. Also not to miss, the Loretto Chapel and its “Miraculous Staircase,” the San Miguel Chapel, America’s oldest church, and the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously used public building (established in 1610).
Next up is a chocolate walking tour, yes… chocolate! Chocolate made its North American debut 1,000 years ago, near Santa Fe. Fast forward to the 1600’s, chocolate was introduced at the Governors Palace, right on the Plaza. We will walk the chocolate trail, learn about its rich southwestern roots and sample various delectable treats at five different chocolatiers. Save room for souvenirs!
We close our day, and our tour at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, for a cooking demonstration from an award winning chef. The southwest prides itself on spicy and vibrant cuisine. Be prepared to answer the very New Mexican question, ‘red or green,’ which refers to the chile sauce! You will also leave with the recipes of each dish to bring a little of the southwest home with you.
DAY FIVE
DAY 5
After one last hotel breakfast, we check out and head home. Come explore the intrigue of the southwest, and find out for yourself why New Mexico is considered the Land of Enchantment. From sweeping vistas of red rock, to the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s best art scenes, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Please join Jennifer Dasal and fellow like-minded travelers for this unique and memorable trip. Sign up today!