santa fe

FROM CANYON ROAD TO HYDE PARK

By Dondi Voigt Persyn

Santa Fe is a place for dreamers. It’s a landscape where the elements shape the experience—where the sun, wind, and earth are inescapable yet deeply invigorating. You don’t retreat from nature here; you embrace it. Whether you’re seeking solitude, creativity, or a quiet moment with a loved one, Santa Fe offers a rare kind of recharge.

You can’t visit Santa Fe without feeling the pulse of the Pueblo people who came before. It’s woven into the food, the architecture, and the art. Their presence is what makes Santa Fe truly unique.

Canyon Road is a must-see. Lined with historic adobe buildings, this winding street is home to world-class galleries, vibrant sculptures, and an atmosphere that invites inspiration. Whether you paint, write, or simply appreciate beauty, walking here feels like stepping into a living canvas.

After wandering through the art and history, treat yourself to a scoop of lavender ice cream from the Shake Foundation—a sweet fragrant nod to the region’s natural bounty. And for those who crave an even deeper connection to the land, a drive along Aspen-lined Hyde Park Road into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is essential. As the sun sets over the “Blood of Christ” peaks, the sky burns with color, and the landscape takes on a nearly spiritual glow.

At the top of the Sangre de Cristo mountain, a stream trickles through the rocks, flecked with glimmers of gold. It’s a place where time slows, where nature’s artistry takes center stage, and where you remember—this is why you came.

Think on art and creation, on the way landscapes shape imagination and history leaves its mark. In Santa Fe, inspiration is everywhere—in the shifting light, the weathered adobe walls, the hum of creativity that fills the air. You don’t just visit Santa Fe; you feel it, and you carry a piece of it with you when you leave.