Real Estate Information Archive

If you’ve seen a movie in theaters over the past couple of years, you may have noticed some Santa Fe landmarks you recognize. Santa Fe has become a popular location for major motion picture filming. The city’s vibrant art scene, varying landscape and quality production spaces attract filmmakers from around the world.

This past summer, you may have seen Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford in Santa Fe on location for their film Cowboys and Aliens which is due to be released this July. Thor, due out in May 2011, starring Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and other notable actors and actresses, was filmed at popular Santa Fe bar Cheeks last spring. Where are these movies filming, and how do you get a peek at some of Hollywood’s most famous? Here are a couple of popular filming locations in Santa Fe.

Garson Studios
These state-of-the-art sound stages are located on the campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design right in the heart of Santa Fe. Major motion picture producers are drawn to the Studios’ two large stages with ample room for production staff, wardrobe facilities and more. Notable films which have most recently been filmed in these studios include True Grit, starring Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges, Oscar-winning film No Country for Old Men starring Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem and Terminator Salvation starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. There always seems to be something going on at Garson Studios, so keep an eye out when you’re in that area of Santa Fe!

Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch
Located eight miles south of the heart of Santa Fe is Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. Built in the 1950s, this location is ideal for the filming of Westerns with its 1850’s movie town and two home sets. Unlike many movie sets, the buildings in Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch are four-sided and have running water and electricity. 3:10 to Yuma starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale was filmed at the ranch, as was the comedy Wild Hogs starring Tim Allen, John Travolta and others. Because this is a working ranch, Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch is able to accommodate visitors who want to see the movie sets by appointment only.

Because there are always movies being filmed in Santa Fe, you’re bound to see an actor or two if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. To make your run-ins with movie stars more frequent and less of a coincidence, check out On Location Vacations to see up to the minute details on who is filming what and where in Santa Fe.

If you want to sell your Santa Fe home or are in the market to buy a home in Santa Fe, I’d love to give you a hand or show you around. Please contact me to get started, and I promise to help make your transaction go smoothly!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

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Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

How often do you take the time to relax and appreciate the beauty Santa Fe has to offer? In today’s busy world, we’re constantly rushing around and rarely go out of our way to de-stress. Consider taking a mini-vacation this weekend. We’re lucky to live in Santa Fe where we can take advantage of mild weather and different natural wonders just by taking a short drive. I’ve researched a few ways to relax in Santa Fe whether you need just an hour or a few days of peace.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
This Adobe-style resort and spa is located in the heart of Santa Fe. Relax in the tranquility of beautiful gardens by day and curl up by one of the cozy outdoor fireplaces by night. Even if you don’t spend a weekend there, RockResorts Spa offers day packages with treatments inspired by nature. Yelp.com reviewers recommend the facials, where you have a choice from their signature treatments like the “Desert Enchantment Facial” or skincare therapy like the “ManSpace Facial” for men. This Santa Fe spa also has dozens of other services such as body wraps, manicures and pedicures, and massages. Whatever your body craves, you’re sure to be completely relaxed and rejuvenated when you leave La Posada.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
You may have soaked in a hot tub before, but have you ever experienced the relaxation that natural hot springs in Santa Fe provide? Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a unique type of relaxation in their natural waters and mud pool. The Spa has ten different pools, each with a different combination of four different types of mineral water ranging from 80 to 109 degrees. All of the pools are what the Spa calls a “whisper zone” so you are ensured peace and quiet while you soak. Ojo Caliente’s mud pool is great for detoxifying the skin, and is open seasonally from May to October.

Golfing
If spending the day at a spa isn’t your way of relaxing, spend a day golfing on one of Santa Fe’s golf courses. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy stunning mountain views and pristine courses. Resorts like Buffalo Thunder offer overnight golf packages for those visiting Santa Fe. Take in Santa Fe’s beautiful landscape, fresh air and sunshine while golfing a round with good friends and you’ll instantly feel relaxed.

Once again, Santa Fe proves to be a wonderful place to enjoy life whether you’re a Santa Fe resident or visitor. The abundance of options available to those looking for a life well-rounded in culture, nature and beauty need not look any further than Santa Fe. Whether you’re looking to sell your Santa Fe home or relocate to Santa Fe, I can help make your transaction go smoothly. As a Santa Fe resident and real estate agent, I’d be happy to help in any way I can. Contact me today!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

We all know that Santa Fe is overflowing with art and creativity. One sect of art that doesn’t receive as much attention as it should is cinematic art. Santa Fe celebrates its film makers and welcomes film makers from all over the world with its annual 3-Minute Film Fest. May 20, 2011 will mark the Fest’s 11th appearance in Santa Fe with submissions flowing in from amateurs and professionals. The 3-Minute Film Fest provides a great opportunity for budding Santa Fe filmmakers to showcase their creativity and for experienced artists to show off their skills in a condensed short film.

In 2000, Jerry Barron founded the 3-Minute Film Fest in Santa Fe as a way for local and regional filmmakers to promote their work in a juried exhibition. The Fest quickly attracted attention worldwide and now receives hundreds of submissions every year in categories like comedy, documentary, experimental, and animation. The 3-minute time limit is taken very seriously and provides a challenge for new filmmakers as well as professionals. Anyone is allowed to submit a short film for an entry fee of $15.

All participants will find helpful tips for successful filmmaking as well as reminders for submission on the 3-Minute Film Fest’s Facebook page. Submissions are due by April 11, 2011 and those selected for the exhibition will be notified by May 5, 2011. The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center, will hold a gala on May 20, 2011 showcasing all of the films selected to be judged. This will be a great event to attend even if you don’t submit a film, just to see the work of your Santa Fe friends and neighbors.

Whether you’re a Santa Fe resident who is already involved in the arts or are thinking of relocating to Santa Fe, there is no better way to get involved in the artist community than pulling out a video camera and getting creative! Prospective home buyers in Santa Fe will love our new listing on East Alameda.  Only one block from the biggest art district in Santa Fe, Canyon Road, artists define this area of the city. The home’s proximity to Canyon Road’s endless art galleries and location along the Santa Fe River will provide plenty of inspiration for your short film. As a Santa Fe resident and real estate expert, I have plenty of experience with the area. Please contact me for a showing!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

A great part about Santa Fe culture is the wide variety of dining options available to visitors and residents alike. An excellent way to experience a taste of what different Santa Fe dining establishments have to offer is to go out during Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Santa Fe restaurant-goers have the opportunity for one week, once per year to dine at participating restaurants for unbeatably low prices. Virtually any type of restaurant you can imagine has some sort of deal going on during Santa Fe Restaurant Week: French, American, New Mexican, Fusion/Eclectic, Italian, and Japanese are just a few of the different flavors you can experience at a great price this week in Santa Fe. Prices range from $20 to $40 per person at fine dining restaurants, and can be as low as $25 per couple at more casual dining establishments.

Getting a great deal on dinner isn’t the only exciting part about Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Each day there are various demonstrations and events held at participating restaurants to further immerse yourself in the Santa Fe dining experience. There are still four days left to go out on the town and learn more about the food and beverages these restaurants serve.

This afternoon, Epazote is hosting an event that shows how to make Mexican mole from New Mexican ingredients. Head over to Osteria d'Assisi this evening to taste your way around Italy with different regional wines paired with fondue. Wind down from your week on Friday evening at San Francisco Street Bar & Grill with a tequila, wine, and beer tasting while enjoying live music. Round out your Santa Fe Restaurant Week experience Saturday evening with a flashback to the 1970s at La Casa Sena where you’ll enjoy a performance of songs from the decade while you dine.

The options are unlimited the rest of this week when you dine out in Santa Fe. Try a new restaurant or stick with an old favorite. You’re sure to get a great deal however you plan to tackle Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Whether you’re a longtime Santa Fe resident or a prospective home buyer who is lucky enough to be visiting Santa Fe this week, don’t pass up this opportunity to get immersed in local culture. You’ll be impressed by everything Santa Fe has to offer.

If I can be of any assistance to you the rest of your time in Santa Fe, please let me know! I have extensive experience in the Santa Fe real estate market, and would be happy to help you sell your Santa Fe home, or help you find your dream home!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

If you’re a Santa Fe resident, you know how seriously the locals take chile. We even spell it with an ‘e’ instead of an ‘i’, reflective of the New Mexico-grown chile peppers used to make it. As perhaps the most definitive food of New Mexico, there are many places to eat authentic, delicious chile in Santa Fe. Diners have a choice of green or red chile, and they are added to many different types of food from pizza, to burgers, to burritos. I’ve selected the top three places in Santa Fe for the best chile based upon customer reviews from Yelp.com. Those relocating to Santa Fe will want to sample at least one of these Santa Fe restaurants to get a taste of the local flavor.

The Pantry
1820 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 986-0022

The Pantry is a family-owned restaurant and has been serving comfort food to Santa Fe residents and visitors for over 60 years. Customers rave about The Pantry’s breakfast, with many of the items on the breakfast menu either containing or “smothered” in red or green chile sauce. Don’t overlook the lunch menu: sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and tacos ensure that there will be something delicious for everyone in your party. Of course, chile can be added to each item to spice up your meal. Reviewers recommend the Huevos Consuelo, the breakfast burritos, and the ever-flowing coffee.

Bobcat Bite
420 Old Las Vegas Hwy
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-5319

Bobcat Bite is another Santa Fe restaurant which is family owned and operated. Famous for their Green Chile Cheeseburger, this is a place those relocating to Santa Fe must visit to experience New Mexican history and flavor. Bobcat Bite has been featured on the Food Network and in various newspapers and magazines for their comfort food and long-time history in Santa Fe. Voted as the best burger in town, you might have to plan your Santa Fe visit around trying one for yourself! Needless to say, reviewers raved about the Green Chile Cheeseburger, and remind future diners to bring cash.

La Choza Restaurant
905 Alarid St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-0909

La Choza is frequented by Santa Fe locals rather than visitors, so you’ll have a shorter wait time for a table at this Mexican restaurant. Authentic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tamales and burritos are served with, of course, your choice of red or green chile. La Choza also offers less traditional Mexican dishes with Santa Fe flair, like the Green Chile Clam Chowder. The menu allows diners to select from sangria, bottled beers and a selection of beers on tap, agave wine margaritas, several different types of wine, and a delicious dessert menu. Reviewers recommend the Green Chile Stew, Enchiladas with Green Chile, and Chiles Rellenos.

With so many ways to experience Santa Fe culture, eating a meal spiced up with your choice of New Mexico-grown chile peppers is one of the best. Santa Fe residents are passionate about chile, not only for the taste, but also because chiles are such a definitive aspect of New Mexican culture. If you’re considering a move to Santa Fe, I hope you find that these recommendations for experiencing Santa Fe culture will win you over. If you need any assistance in getting acquainted with Santa Fe, please contact me. As a Santa Fe real estate expert, I’d be happy to help you get settled in!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast