Ancient World

The various aspects of the American Indian experience are sharply presented in the many pieces and exhibits that are housed in the Wheelwright Museum Of The American Indian. This museum was built in 1937 by Mary Cabot Wheelwright to study the spiritual ceremonies of the Navajo Indians. After fifteen years of careful study, Wheelwright obtained permission to perform these rituals for historical and educational purposes. The museum also frequently presents Native American art exhibitions as well as an excellent gift shop that features pottery, paintings and rugs, as well as books and other items that colorfully tell the story of the Navajo tribe.

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.

When you're looking for some musical entertainment with a touch of class, look no further than Santa Fe Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble. These consummate professional musicians work hard to make each performance unforgettable for the audience as well as for themselves. Their versatility is impressive, as they present stellar interpretations of the work of such important composers as Mozart, Vivaldi and Bach, just to name a few. The group also presents a special Holy Week performance of Mozart and Hayden in the St. Francis Cathedral, along with the highly popular Christmas Candlelight Concert. The season runs from September through May.

The Bandelier National Monument is an attraction that stands as a dramatic reminder of the astounding culture that has inhabited Santa Fe and its surrounding areas for hundreds of years. The Monument itself is a beautiful canyon that is 45 miles west of Santa Fe and was home to ancient Pueblos in AD 1100 to 1550. The rustic area features 65 miles of trails that also include some visually arresting abandoned Pueblo villages.