Your first stop on the way to Santa Fe is Colorado Springs. “The Springs” is the home of a number of attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the US Air Force Academy and the Broadmoor Hotel & Resort. A lesser known gem is the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. The mission of the organization is “to educate the public about rodeo, its history, and its impact on Western American culture.” This fun attraction is right off of the highway in central Colorado Springs. Get off of I-25 at exit 148. The facility is closed on Monday and Tuesday during winter hours.
Gas stations can become hard to find south of Pueblo, Colorado, so make sure to stop and fill up your tank in this former steel town and current home of the Colorado State Fair. You are about 280 miles from Santa Fe at this point in your trip.
The Atlantic magazine named Santa Fe the most artistic city in the country in 2011. Santa Fe has a history going back 1,100 years to the first Native Americans settlements in what is now downtown Santa Fe. You’ll find a huge selection of art galleries, museums and other artistic destinations all over the city. Head to the Plaza, Canyon Road and the downtown area and you can walk from gallery to gallery.
If you are “foodie”, Santa Fe is the capital of contemporary Southwest cuisine. You’ll be amazed at the number of different and delicious ways chiles can be used after spending a few days eating out in Santa Fe. You will also find many different dining options beyond having to choose between red and green chile. The other restaurant choices in town include French, Italian, brewpubs, barbecue and more.
We hope you have great time visiting our southern neighbors. Let us know if you discover any “can’t miss” spots on your journey.
