Travelers From Around The World Chose This New Mexico City As Their Destination Of The Year
This year’s readers’ choice winner for Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Destination of the Year” is Santa Fe. In an online poll, the City Different garnered 65 percent of the vote, besting other international destinations like Slovenia (second place) and Norway (third). Read more about why Santa Fe was selected as the destination for travelers around the world.
Of course, readers touted Santa Fe's rich southwest history and multi-cultural traditions, including Santa Fe's pueblo-style architecture.
The region's fiery food was mentioned too, with restaurants like downtown's Pasqual's being called out as a top place to dine. Also, the city's overall, innovative cuisine was said to please even those who weren't up to the New Mexico heat.
The city's proximity to rugged landscapes played a part too, as did the city's 320 days of sunshine per year. Right in Santa Fe, find the beautiful Hyde Memorial Park, while just outside the city, take easy hikes to places like Nambe Falls.
However, what gave Santa Fe its edge was its growing "alternative arts scene," with small theater companies and live-work-gallery spaces, like the Siler Rufina Nexus, that nurture emerging artists and community creativity.
The hottest star of the new art district is Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return. Here, experience an engaging art journey of lights and secret rooms, told through non-linear storytelling.
The private not-for-profit contemporary arts organization, SITE Santa Fe also helped reinforce the city's dedication to emerging arts. This internationally-known venue hosts regional, national, and international exhibitions and interdisciplinary programs throughout the year.
The artist-led rebirth of the Railyard District didn't go unnoticed either. This collection of galleries, shops, art-house movies, and restaurants proves that one of the oldest cities in the nation knows how to preserve history, and at the same time refresh itself on its strengths – keeping the City Different a top-rated, world destination.
