San Antonio River Walk Holiday Magic
Last night was a magical evening as we traveled the waters of the San Antonio River, dining on wonderful cuisine from Boudro's and viewing the art installations of the Museum Reach section by night.
San Antonio, wisely, has extended their River Walk and area traveled by boat up to the museum area and, we heard, will eventually create another "reach" to the area of their beautiful missions.
As we traveled the new Museum Reach we went through gravity-controlled locks to navigate a 9-foot change in elevation. Riders can hop on and off any of the 18 barge landings along the new section during the day to visit the art and the museums. But last night as we traveled the brightly lighted waterways, through colorful locks to the art of Museum Reach we felt especially glad to be in warm San Antonio during holiday time.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Colorful River Locks at Night
Vibrant San Antonio - What's New
What a day of contrasts. We started out with a fund-raiser at the San Antonio Museum of Art - Bazaar Sabado, an international collection of textiles, pottery and gifts.
We spent some time with Latino culture at Museo Alameda, shopped the adjacent El Mercado area and headed out to see something new and amazing - The JW Marriott Hill Country Resort which opens in January. With views of the rolling Hill Country, the new JW Marriott Resort has some amazing ideas to attract families, groups and couples. Imagine state of the art water slides and pools, spacious grounds, first class golf courses and a spa. But what I enjoyed hearing about were the high tech touches... sports bar with access to all the games, touch screen info centers throughout and a vacation photo center located within a large coffee table like flat screen. It sounds very futuristic, very large (well, it is in Texas) and very exciting.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - New JW Marriott Resort High Tech Sports Bar
Christmas in San Antonio
It's just a short flight from Albuquerque to San Antonio, Texas. But we're in a whole new world of Christmas. After checking in to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country, we dined at Mi Tierra, a multi-generational family run restaurant and panaderia in the Market section of San Antonio. Mi Tierra is decorated with Mexican folk art at it's best. With pinatas and papel picado hanging from the ceiling, Mariachi suits framed in the Mariachi bar, and lights everywhere, you'll just love Mi Tierra for a warm and festive Tex-Mex meal. They're open 24 hours!
Today we'll be finding more Christmas cheer in San Antonio at the famed Bazaar Sabado. We'll be in line enjoying hot chocolate and empanadas before feasting our eyes on the international gifts for sale at the bazaar.
Christmas in the Southwest is a season to be savored.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Steak special at Mi Tierra
New Children's Chapel at Chimayo Tops off a Day in the New Mexico Countryside
After watching the snow begin to melt we decided to venture out to the New Mexico countryside on the Fiber Arts Trail. We stopped at Ortega's and Centinela Traditional Arts as well as the Fiber Arts Center in Espanola. It's always a pleasure to see the creative weavings and visit with the artisans, many of whom are from generations of weavers. All of these shops have marvelous hand woven items for sale and the Christmas shopping opportunities were unlimited.
As we traveled the area toward Chimayo, we found that Rancho de Chimayo was newly remodeled and open. We had a great lunch and then traveled to the village of Chimayo to see a new treasure. Uruguayan artist, Fernando Bimonte put two years of dedication into restoring this small chapel about a block from the Santuario de Chimayo. It is a children's chapel, the Santo Niņo Chapel. The woodworking, painting and tinwork is fantastic. This newly restored chapel is a must-see. Entry is free. Donations would be appreciated, I am sure.
When you visit Santa Fe, be sure and venture north into the countryside for a unique experience enjoying the spirituality, the history and the crafts of the area.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Santo Nino Chapel at Chimayo
Early December in Santa Fe is Ideal
Our short drive to dinner at the Anasazi Restaurant last night was down magically beautiful snowy streets. A blazing fireplace welcomed us as we entered the Inn of the Anasazi. After warming up we toured the boutique hotel noting all the effort that has been made to decorate using work from local artisans. It's a cozy hotel ideal for a romantic getaway.
But what we most enjoyed was meeting Executive Chef Oliver Ridgeway and sampling his creative cuisine. We were after comfort food and especially enjoyed the lamb and the tenderloin of beef with chipotle glaze. The meal was fabulous. Since Chef Ridgeway is British, we were not surprised to hear that the Anasazi Restaurant is planning a Southwest version of afternoon British tea time with local authors leading literary discussions.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Detail - Inn of the Anasazi Christmas decor.
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort - Draw for Art Lovers
It's snowing in Santa Fe and we have a fire going in the kiva fireplace in our adobe suite at La Posada de Santa Fe. Just a couple blocks from the Plaza, La Posada is a historic retreat featuring 157 rooms on spacious grounds.
But what we're excited about is the rebirth of La Posada as an art destination under the leadership of curator and artist, Sara Eyestone. Throughout the historic main building of La Posada, Eyestone has carefully grouped works of independent artists who are well regarded in the art community. And, to our delight, all works are for sale. This creative combination of gallery and wall decor for the lobby and restaurants is sure to draw art enthusiasts from near and far.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Art fills the walls at La Posada's Viga Restaurant
Snow or not, a Visit to Santa Fe will Warm Your Heart
We've been watching the weather and the Santa Fe Plaza Cam and have concluded that if we dress warmly for our trip to historic Santa Fe, we'll still be able to enjoy walking Canyon Road, visiting the museums and shopping at the vendors under the portal at the Palace of the Governors. We've got plenty planned for our December journey to Santa Fe. Here is some of the information we used for planning.
- Christmas in Santa Fe
- Holiday Time in Santa Fe
- Top Things to Do and See in Santa Fe
- Santa Fe Shopping
After a chilly day outside, you'll be sure to find us cozied up to a kiva fireplace!
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Christmas shopping at Ortegas on the Plaza
Shopping the Art Festivals of the Southwest
It's beginning to snow in many parts of the United States. But in the desert Southwest, it's time to put on a straw hat and some good walking shoes and stroll the arts festivals of the Southwest. Last year we went to the Tempe Festival of the Arts in Arizona State University territory. This is a large festival, filled with arts, crafts and surprises around every corner.
Add in some music, Arizona wines and a great lunch, and you have the makings of an wonderful Arizona day in the sun. Find out about the twice yearly Tempe Festival of the Arts and plan your trip for the next festival in the desert.
- Tempe Festival of the Arts (December and March)
- Litchfield Indian Arts Festival (January)
- Tubac Festival of the Arts (February)
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
Girls' Weekend at a Wild West Guest Ranch
You heard about our packing woes and how hard it was to choose what to do at our Rancho de los Caballeros gal's getaway weekend. But we're back now, had a great time, and are full of tales to tell and advice to share with you as you plan your getaway.
First, let me tell you that there is no lack of activities at Rancho de los Caballeros. And there is no lack of excellent food. You'd think the two would balance out, but the Vaquero Chocolate Mousse Cake and Baked Alaska probably tipped the scales in favor of weight gain!
So enjoy our recap of the weekend, learn how to put together your own getaway weekend and read our advice on how to pack for a place where you can do everything!
Hundreds of Artists to Exhibit at Tempe Festival of the Arts
Just in time for holiday shopping, the 2009 Fall Festival of the Arts is coming to Tempe from 10 a.m. to dusk on December 4, 5 and 6. This is the 41st Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts, which has become the largest event of its kind in Arizona. More than 400 artists and crafts person will be displaying original and unique works from across the nation. Hundreds of thousands of people, more than a third of whom are visitors from outside the Phoenix metropolitan area, are expected to experience this free festival over the three-day weekend event.
More: Tips on attending and getting around street closures.
More: Photo Gallery of Tempe Festival of the Arts
More: Tempe Festival of the Arts Guide
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose