Fashion has always been in style in Santa Fe County. From stunning Native jewelry and hand-woven Chimayó vests and jackets to cowboy boots and bolo ties, the traditions of Southwestern style run deep. They’re also evolving: in recent years, we’ve become a major hub for Indigenous fashion, starting with the contemporary Indigenous fashion designers featured at the annual Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Indian Market, and followed by the influential SWAIA Native Fashion Week. After shopping a few treasure troves for unique fashion finds, gear up for exhilarating skiing and snowshoeing adventures. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a landmark roadhouse restaurant for heaping plates of hearty New Mexican and globally inspired fare. Get away to Santa Fe County this season and celebrate the new year, the new you, a vibrant new Southwestern look of your own.
SWAIA Native Fashion Week
Indigenous designers unveil their dazzling creations during SWAIA Native Fashion Week, an annual event that spotlights the boundless creativity of designers from New Mexico and from across North America. The influential “Women’s Wear Daily” magazine calls the event “the premiere showcase for designers celebrating heritage and innovation.” The event pairs Native fashion artists with Indigenous models, drawing people from the fashion industry as well as those who love fashion. SWAIA Native Fashion Week includes symposiums with prominent designers focused on dynamic Native fashion topics, parties, and pop-up shops.
Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 11, 2025
https://santafenmtrue.com/events/swaia-indigenous-fashion-show
World-renowned Weavers
The hardwood floors and wooden looms, helmed by weavers working their ancient craft, are a testament to the history and heritage of Ortega’s Weaving Shop, a cherished family-owned shop in Chimayó. The exquisitely woven vests and jackets and beautiful blankets display colorful geometric patterns, part of an authentic Chimayó weaving tradition rooted in Spanish Colonial Mexico. Nine generations of Ortega weavers have produced these stunning weavings, starting with the family patriarch, Gabriel Ortega, who settled in what is now Chimayó in the early 17th century. Since then, the Ortega family has become world famous. Custom orders are welcome, making it easy to outfit yourself with a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art that sings of the centuries.
Trading Post Treasures
Find one-of-a-kind Southwestern and designer jewelry to express your uniqueness at Nambé Trading Post, which also offers an eclectic collection of home goods, Navajo textiles and other treasures. The trading post is run by Cathy Smith and her daughter Jennifer Jesse Smith, who designs exquisite jewelry, each piece a work of art. Vogue Magazine describes Nambé Trading Post’s selection of home goods, art, books, rugs, and blankets as “truly exceptional.
Mercantile Finds
Off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway lies Los Cerrillos (“The Small Hills" in Spanish), a historic mining town with a very modern mercantile. Housed in a restored building, Cerrillos Station Mercantile offers an intriguing selection of Native American jewelry and pottery, along with locally crafted Southwestern ceramics, kachinas, jewelry and other treasures. Fantastic finds might include a sterling silver bolo tie fashioned with turquoise, lapis, and spiny oyster—a perfect piece of haute cowboy couture. A vintage Iroquois beaded bag provides the perfect accessory for elegant evening wear or simply a basic pair of Levi’s.
A Bounty of Cowboy Boots
Got your heart set on a pair of vintage cowboy boots or a turquoise buckled leather belt? Then head to the old mining town of Madrid, where the vintage shop Cowgirl Red is filled with boots galore. Some are custom made or sport fancy inlays while others are downright funky. Inside this 1890s building that sports a tin ceiling, you can shop a jumble of Native American jewelry, hats, belts, shirts and shelves lined with boots of every size and color. These boots were made for walking, as well as for two-stepping, riding and kicking up dust when you’re checking out the rest of the colorful town of Madrid.
Snow Adventures
With its legendary powder, brilliant sunlight and breathtaking views, Ski Santa Fe is one of the top skiing destinations in the Southwest. This year, ride the new Santa Fe Express High Speed Quad, which swiftly ascends to the summit in only four minutes. Ski Santa Fe enjoys an average of 225 inches of annual snowfall, a base elevation of 10,350 feet and seven lifts serving 86 runs. Yet despite its impressive stats, the vibe is laid-back, welcoming skiers and boarders of every level.
Snow-shoers also have a winter wonderland to explore, with sparkling trails that lead to glorious mountain overlooks. The Aspen Vista Trail is a popular place accessed off Hyde Park Road, which leads to Ski Santa Fe. If you’re not experienced in the ways of snowshoeing, sign up for a guided snowshoe tour with Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing.
Revered Roadhouse
A staple among locals and visitors, Harry’s Roadhouse has never gone out of style since opening more than three decades ago. After a day of shopping or on the slopes, fuel up on carne asada tacos, smoky St. Louis pork ribs or globally-influenced specials like roast Peruvian chicken and Asian-style swordfish. Regulars know to leave room for house made desserts like chocolate cream pie and towering lemon meringue pie that taste as good as they look.
Please drink responsibly and always choose a designated driver.
A Pet-Friendly Place to Stay
You and your pet will enjoy a serene stay at the Bobcat Inn, situated on 10 acres, just a 12-minute a drive from the historic downtown Santa Fe Plaza. Explore wonderful walking trails and expansive views by day. By night, watch astounding sunsets give way to starry skies, all visible from your room’s panoramic views. Wake up to breakfasts like blue corn pancakes and the signature Bobcat breakfast casserole and both you and Fido will be ready for the day’s adventures.
Celebrating Route 66
Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026 and celebrations and commemorations are already in the works in New Mexico, where you can still cruise some 265 miles of the original “Mother Road.”
Plan on joining us for the centennial celebration of “The Main Street of America.” You could book a stay at one of our classic motor-court motels or relish a burger and a shake at a retro Route 66 diner. Check back on our website, where we’ll keep you posted on scheduled events.
Upcoming Events
Happy Birthday Elvis!
Elvis may have left the building but he will return, in spirit, to take the stage for the Happy Birthday Elvis Show at Tesuque Casino. This edition of the Tesuque Casino’s monthly Headliner Series features Don Rose and Ryan Rose, the country’s only father and son Elvis tribute.
Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.; Sunday January 19, 2025 at: 4:30 p.m.
santafenmtrue.com/events/happy-birthday-elvis-show-at-tesuque-casino
Nashville Tunes
Treat your ears to the sounds of Nashville when the 3rd Annual Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Concert Series returns to Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection–Santa Fe. Known as Nashville’s legendary listening room, this signature “In The Round” songwriter show format spotlights the stories behind the songs in the intimate venue of the resort’s Bunkhouse. Get your tickets early for this popular concert series.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; show takes place 6-7:30 p.m.; dinner at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, 2025
Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, 2025
Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22, 2025
WinterBrew is Coming
Sample award-winning New Mexico beer at WinterBrew 2025, where 16 breweries from around the state will pour their premium beers at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion. Be sure to get your WinterBrew 2025 commemorative pint glass. VIP ticket-holders can beat the lines with early entry. This is a strictly 21+ event. Please drink responsibly and always choose a designated driver.
Friday, January 24, 2025 at 6 p.m. VIP entry at 5 p.m. Buy your tickets early as this event sells out fast.
Santa Fe Restaurant Week
Savor creative cuisine during Santa Fe Restaurant Week, when participating restaurants offer lunch, dinner or both with prix-fixe menus. The popular annual event features Southwestern cuisine along with other flavors from around the globe, and the prix-fixe menus make it easy for first-time diners to sample a restaurant ‛s fare.
Monday, February 17 (Presidents’ Day) through Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Mountain Feats on Film
Revel in the majesty of the mountain world during the 2024-2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour during its stop at The Lensic Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Santa Fe Conservation Trust, this film festival transports viewers to exotic landscapes and remote cultures of the mountain world through personal storytelling and thrilling action sports. Each night features different films.
7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 and Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The Ride of the Century
Join an inspiring community of cyclists during the annual Santa Fe Century, a weekend packed with gravel and road events for riders of all levels. The original Century Ride follows a scenic course through the mountains and the Galisteo Basin, and there are plenty of other distance and timed ride options.
Friday May 16 through Sunday, May 18, 2025