Real Estate Information Archive

Whether you are new to Santa Fe or have been a lifetime resident, you know that our city is abundant in natural beauty. Winter is a great time to get outdoors and take advantage of Santa Fe’s sunshine, expansive wilderness, and proximity to the mountains. Here are some fantastic ways to keep active this winter while taking in all the sights.


Skiing

Perhaps one of the most popular winter activities in Santa Fe is skiing. Ski Santa Fe is situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the United States, seasoned pros will enjoy the challenge of a difficult run. Ski Santa Fe is also family friendly, providing ski lesson packages for adults and children alike. Take a break for lunch or end your day at one of Ski Santa Fe’s on-site restaurants. At the base of the hill, La Casa Cafe Grill boasts a large deck ideal for catching up with friends and enjoying a view of the ski runs. Wind down after a day on the hill at Totemoff Bar/Grill and Lodge and grab a drink and a burger. Totemoff’s is set closer to the top of the slopes, giving diners a different perspective of the ski runs.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing can be a great alternative to hitting the slopes. Outspire Hiking of Santa Fe provides private snowshoe tours for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and abilities. No experience required! Take in Santa Fe’s beautiful scenery during a 2-3 hour guided tour through a winter wonderland, pausing for pictures and refueling with a hot beverage and snacks along the way. Outspire will supply you with a knowledgeable guide, snowshoes, poles, daypacks, water, and snacks. Dress warmly, and don’t forget your camera!


Sledding

Release your inner child! Dig out your sled or be resourceful and use a trash can lid and find your nearest Santa Fe sled hill. For a thrill, try Hyde Memorial State Park’s sledding hill (hint: the park charges $5 for parking). Close by is Black Canyon Campground which has gentle hills ideal for safe sledding and playing in the snow. Big Tesque Campground is another hot spot for sledding and building snowmen. Sledding is a fun (and cheap) way to get outdoors and experience all that winter in Santa Fe has to offer.

If you’ve been considering a move to Santa Fe, but aren’t quite sure where to start; let me know!  I have years of experience with buyers and sellers in the Santa Fe area as a Santa Fe Real Estate agent, and can help you find the home that fits your needs and lifestyle.  You’ll find Santa Fe to be a refreshing and fun place to call “home.” Feel free to contact me anytime to get started in your Santa Fe home search!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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

New Years Eve in Santa Fe New Mexico is not your typical wild and crazy night filled with big crowds and sparkly dresses; it is so much better than that. Santa Fe, as you may know, is very well known for its restaurants. Fine dining comes in all shapes and sizes here, and does not necessarily have to be expensive. But it is definitely always an experience. Here are a few suggestions for New Year's Eve dining specials to help you bring in 2011 like only Santa Fe can…

Luminaria
A modern Santa Fe restaurant influenced by the past. Inspired by the Anasazi "Children of the Light," New Mexico's first inhabitants, the decor and the design are all inspired by the magic of Santa Fe. The cuisine is modern American with a Santa Fe flair.
New Years Eve Menu
Grilled black grouper with American xavier, ancho rubbed beef, grilled black grouper with American cavier, ancho rubbed beef tenderloin with lobster goat cheese grits, and gingerbread pudding with pumpkin ice cream.
Reservations: 505-984-7915

El Farol
Santa Fe's oldest restaurant and cantina serves up so much more than food. The music and entertainment really make this the Santa Fe staple that it has become. The New York Times literally once quoted this restaurant as being "one of the best bars on earth."Their flamenco dinner show is always booked solid, and their tapas are out of this world.
New Years Eve Special
El Farol will be featuring two bands this New Years Eve. One of which is Clean Slate, a 6 piece rockin' blues band that is recognized for their high energy performances and powerful sounds. While Clean Slate will be playing in the Cantina area, the other band (TBA) will be on the covered and heated patio in the back. El Farol offers their New Years Eve Tapas Buffet to include mouthwatering pieces like the Pollo Curri, the Salmon Al La Plancha & Paella, and a Choclate Tort & Flan Carmelo.
Reservations: (505) 983-9912

The Compound
This Santa Fe gem has been serving Santa Fe in style and elegance since the 1960's. The Compound has seen a lot of changes throughout the years. They now feature a more modern menu, but still keep their historical culinary traditions. The Compound is more than just a restaurant; it's a piece of history. Before it was turned into a restaurant, it was the centerpiece of a group of houses on Canyon Road known as the McComb Compound.
New Year's Eve Menu
The holiday menus provided by the Compound feature the very best of local and seasonal fare. Best of all, located at the heart of Canyon Road, it is the perfect place to be in the midst of the holidays in Santa Fe.
- 1st Seating: 6:00 pm - 3 course pre-fixe menu
- 2nd seating: 8:00 pm - 4 course pré fixe; featuring performances by the "No Exit" Jazz Trio
Reservations: (505) 982-4353

Your Santa Fe Home
Sometimes there is nothing better than enjoying a quiet evening at home, even if it is New Year's Eve. You can still decorate with a little sparkly decor, light some candles for that moon-lit atmosphere, and dress up to put yourself in the party mood. Invite a few friends over who may not have dinner plans, or just spend the time with your family. I am in the business of Santa Fe home buying and selling. Finding a place you are proud to call home, that you are happy to begin and end your day in, that fulfills everything that you imagine when you think of your dream home, is what I do for people. To me, there is no better place than Santa Fe to do it.
Potential New Years Eve Plans
Spend New Year's Eve in your new Santa Fe home - 4 Sierra Verde, Santa Fe, NM. This beautiful mountain view compound was made for entertaining. There are great finishes throughout like hardwood flooring and vigas along with a gorgeous formal dining room that is just waiting to be set for an intimate dinner.
Reservations: 505-216-6535 (This is our number so you can call us whenever you're ready to take the next step to the Santa Fe Home of your dreams)

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

As this Thursday is Turkey Day in Santa Fe, I thought I would like to remind you all of one of one of the best benefits to living in Santa Fe Real Estate - The City Different is known to be one of the country's most famous walking cities. That means that after that big meal of turkey, potatoes, and chile stuffing, there is no better way to burn it off than to go for a walk.

Small enough to navigate on foot, it's easy to get lost in its miles and miles of winding streets peppered with shops, characteristically Southwestern Santa Fe homes, historic buildings, art galleries, and restaurants. Whether you attempt to explore your new Santa Fe Neighborhood on your own, or you choose to take advantage of one of Santa Fe's famous walking tours - your body and mind will thank you for it.

Literary Landmarks Tour
Santa Fe's majestic landscape, cultural diversity and rugged setting, not surprisingly, can really inspire a curious author to write great literature. As a result, many bestselling books, articles, essays and poems have been written about the City Different. From famous novelists to playwrights, essayists to poets - these are the people who wandered the same streets you may walk every day, but didn't know it. The tour includes the VIllagra, a famous gathering spot for visiting writers to  sip martinis and gossip - the inspiration for the classic novel Death Comes for the Archbishop. The Plaza is also a stop, which was the setting for the popular mystery, Ride the Pink Horse. To do your own search of works by Santa Fe authors, stop at the Southwest Reading Room of the Santa Fe Public Library on 145 Washington Ave.

Sculpture Garden Tour
Nothing will work off that Thanksgiving dinner faster than walking 10 acres of trails, across juniper covered hills between the villages of Cerrillos and Galisteo. Allan Hauzous and his son Philip had a vision to create a family compound, constructing a series of studios and residences, then sculpture gardens, dance grounds and amphitheaters. The sculpture gardens present the family collection - 85 outdoor works total. Because the Allan Houser Compound is a private facility, tours are arranged by appointment only. This breathtaking facility is well worth the call; you may see Santa Fe in a whole new light.

Chocolate Lover's Odyssey
Okay. So I know the whole point of this walking was to burn off your turkey, but sometimes a big meal still leaves your sweet tooth wanting more. If this is the case, then Santa Fe's Chocolate Lover's Odyssey should be your next stop. Start off downtown Santa Fe in the Santa Fe Plaza at Todos Santos for chocolate milagros, dark chocolate truffles and whimsical "After Dinner Saints." Get a taste of true Santa Fe flavor at the Chocolate Smith at 851A Cerrillos Road. Green Chile Pistachio Bark and White Chocolate Lemon Lavender Bark are just a few flavors worth exploring. Without a doubt, you'll have to make a stop at the Kakawa Chocolate House at 1050 East Paseo de Peralta. If you've never tried hand-crafted European and Meso-American Aztec drinking chocolate - this is your chance.

If you are new to Santa Fe Real Estate, and you are still trying to get your bearings, check out my website for an explanation on the Santa Fe MLS Areas. I also added a Santa Fe MLS Area Map to give Santa Fe Homebuyers and Santa Fe Home Sellers a better idea of what they are working with. The city of Santa Fe may not be large, but somehow, a lot of culture, landscape and character come together to form one perfectly-sized City Different. As a Santa Fe Real Estate agent, I know this city well. I would love to take you for a walk, give you a tour, and show you why I love this city so much.

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 city as enchanting as Santa Fe is the perfect place for the upcoming holidays and Thanksgiving is officially upon us. More than just a holiday of big meals and indulgences, it is also a time to spend with family, respect old traditions, and possibly make some new ones. Never one to disappoint, the city of Santa Fe has the events and activities that are sure to make your Thanksgiving one to remember.

The Holiday Train/Family Gathering Hotshot
Date: November 24th
Time: 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Place: The Santa Fe Railway, 410 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Click Here for the Train Schedule and Ticket Prices
There are two options for a great new holiday tradition here - Take family and friends on a fun afternoon train ride to the Galisteo Basin the day before Thanksgiving OR take the train to Lamy and enjoy beautiful scenery, and maybe even a picnic the day after Thanksgiving. This may very well depend on how highly you value your Black Friday shopping day.


Circus Luminous at the Lensic
Date: November 26th - 28th
Time: Friday - 7 pm, Saturday - 2 pm & 7 pm, Sunday - 4 pm
Place: The Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 West San Francisco Street   Santa Fe, NM 87501
You may have thought you've been to the circus before, but then you experience Circus Luminous. This is the circus in fitting Santa Fe style - local aerialists and acrobats that perform breath-defying circus acts created and performed by an all dance and musical cast. The entire circus is predominantly local which is no surprise considering the unparalleled artistic ability of the Santa Fe community.


The 2010 SWAIA Winter Indian Market with Robert Mirabal in Concert
Date: November 27th & 28th (Robert Mirabal Concert)
Time: Saturday - 9am - 5pm & Sunday, 10am - 4pm.
Place: Santa Fe Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.
This Winter Indian Market is a tradition in Santa Fe - always held during the Thanksgiving weekend. This year the market includes 130 Native artists, 8 artist demonstrators, a silent auction, the "Fashion Row" fashion show, and a special holiday concert by Robert Mirabal.  At only $5 for admission or $15 for the concert and entrance fee, this annual event is definitely not to be missed!

If you are new to Santa Fe New Mexico, you may still be suffering from a little shell shock of moving to a new town, especially during the holidays. I can assure you, Santa Fe New Mexico is a friendly and welcoming place. This city is rich with traditions and annual events. The best thing to do is jump right in and become a part of it all! I am here to help if you are looking for a friendly face and a knowledgable source. I know everything there is to know about Santa Fe Real Estate and the Santa Fe Community.

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

Santa Fe made it to yet another US News and Money Report Ranking! This time, it's been featured as one of the 10 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life in Retirement.

The article cites all of the reasons you probably already know about from reading the Santa Fe Home Store Blog...

• Many Santa Fe Homes and buildings boast Unique Spanish-Pueblo architecture style codified into law

• Santa Fe is the third largest art market in the country

• With 300 galleries and dealers and over a dozen major art museums including the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe serves as an art lover's paradise.

The retirement years are a time to reinvent yourself. You are ending one point in your life and turning over a new leaf. Santa Fe does serve as a great place to find new hobbies and passions or maybe revisit old ones.  There are so many volunteer opportunities within the art community - from the art museums to the art markets. Activities like golfing, nature walking, and Native American culture are all ideal for the retirement age.

Dance in the streets at the Plaza...

Enjoy a Jazz concerts at St. John's College...

Enroll in a Southwestern cooking class

These are the kinds of activities that make one feel like a kid again, no matter how old you are.

If you are closing into your retirement years and are looking for a new place to call home, then maybe Santa Fe Real Estate is for you.  Give me a call and I can show you some beautiful Santa Fe Homes - whether you want to be in the Historic Downtown Santa Fe right in the heart of all the action, or in Los Alamos Santa Fe where you can find a home miles from civilization - Santa Fe is the perfect place to begin new life adventures.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

A perfectly pleasant trip to the Artist Market at the Santa Fe Plaza.

First a little shopping...

A stop to listen to some good street musicians...

And then tacos...

Another wonderful day in Santa Fe! Not a cloud in the sky, a light breeze, good art, and a vibrant atmosphere. Interested in Santa Fe Real Estate? Give me a call.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast