Form Plus Function

Santa Fe's highly appealing outdoor amenities are celebrated year-round at Hyde Memorial State Park. You'll find several excellent spots to enjoy a picnic or just relax as you toss the frisbee around with the kids and enjoy the scenery. There's also more fun to be had on the hiking trails that offer still another chance to get closer to the amazing natural beauty of the park. Camping is another attraction, as the park offers 350 acres of woods and meadows. Plus, the park is located just three miles south of the Santa Fe Ski area which makes it a great stop during ski season.

The fact that the New Mexico Museum of Art has been around for 90 years says quite a bit about the timeliness and importance of the work it has consistently presented. Focusing primarily on New Mexico artists that include Georgia O'Keeffe, Maria Martinez and Luis Tapia, this venue features a rich yet relaxing atmosphere that you and your partner will enjoy as you stroll from one gallery to the next on a romantic date. The museum is housed in a Santa Fe-styled building, and the two of you will no doubt enjoy escaping the everyday pressures to relax and take in some truly memorable art.

El Farol prides itself in always celebrating the spirit of Santa Fe. The full-service menu at this excellent restaurant includes an impressive selection of tapas and full entrees. There is also live music every night, performed by some of the area's best blues and Latin performers, making it an ideal stop on the nightlife scene. Also, check the schedule for the immensely popular flamenco shows.

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet not only preserves the tradition of dance but the world-renowned organization also prides itself in giving back to the community. With over ten years behind them, the ballet company now begins its second decade of awe-inspiring performances that it is known for. But in addition to offering entertainment and excellent stage productions like Kiss Me Goodnight and Stamping Ground, the organization places education at the top of its list of priorities. To that end, the Ballet provides a Mexican folklore youth program, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, to not only celebrate but preserve some of the area's most vital and time-honored cultural traditions.