It would be a crying shame to come to Santa Fe and not take advantage of the mountains, desert, and other organic sites. Alpine is the spot to kit up. It's camping and outdoor equipment with no bells, whistles, or unnecessary gear they may try to sell you

This small, tucked-away Italian spot is perfect for a date night, and the menu -- stocked with pastas, paninis, and pizzas -- is accessible for those looking to avoid chili and spice, which pepper (pun intended) almost every other restaurant in town. Affo

Big Star offers a wide selection of random yet worthwhile books and CDs for those who have the patience for a thorough search. You might just find Faulkner for a buck, a handful of incredible Frank Zappa albums, or a collection of Lewis Carroll's humorous

Locals get a bit testy about its popularity, and claim it’s overrated, but really they’re just bummed out by the wait at this cozy corner institution, named after the local patron saint of kitchens. A great breakfast joint and spot for those l

This always-hopping three-year-old French café is one of the best in Santa Fe: the coffee is sublime and its homemade quiche, crepes, and tarts are a great break from the city's Southwestern style food. The extremely friendly staff has you at "Bonj

In business for 34 years and run by a mother-daughter team, this downtown coffee shop is staffed by a cool and attractive team charged with selecting both an extensive array of pies and an impressive array of books, which lean more toward high-brow than b

Locals agree, Corazon's the best place in downtown Santa Fe to see music. It provides great local beats -- from Cuban to folk rock -- that are sure to get you on your feet, which is good because there's very little seating. Everyone's amiable and eager to

Cowgirl BBQ is the type of place where local musicians and out-of-town tourists socialize with ease, thanks to the large -- though a bit pricey margaritas dispensed by the sometimes surly yet ultimately congenial bar staff. The outdoor space is also parti

The fact that this locally owned store is next to gay bar Rouge Cat is certainly convenient, but it’s also a bit dangerous: wandering in after a few drinks can be hazardous for your wallet. Difficult to resist Icon watches, highly stylized floss dis

A Santa Fe institution, Double Take is something of an empire, with free-spirited owner Suzanne Wissman-More presiding over the namesake consignment shop, as well as three other stores -- the Ranch at Double Take, a baby store, and Santa Fe Pottery -- fil

One of downtown Santa Fe's more luxurious hotels, Eldorado sets itself apart not only with exemplary service, but also free Internet; a four-diamond steak bistro, the Old House; and a 24-hour fitness center with steam room, sauna, pool, and hot tub. Guest

Regardless of your taste in music, whether it be blues, rock, R&B or Cuban funk, this intimate space -- only 40 seats -- will not disappoint. The Spanish tapas and fish-influenced menu will help balance the many glasses of sumptuous wine and sherry yo

Located down the road from the Matador, Evangelos is a local dive known more for its blues music than disco, and for taking a starring role in parts of the Oscar-winning flick Crazy Heart. Worth exploring even for non-music fans, note that this d

The best place to buy fairly affordable kicks in downtown Santa Fe, including Johnston and Murphy's Chukka, Clarks, and a small array of sneakers. Though the selection is not extremely extensive, the staff at this local store is congenial and willing to g

Don't let this downtown hotel's past as a livery stable and car dealership fool you: Inn of the Governors has some of the best amenities in town including free hot breakfast, as well as tea and sherry every afternoon, free parking, and one of the most pop

A charming boutique hotel one block from Santa Fe's central plaza, the Hotel Plaza Real features 56 rooms, most with working fireplaces, and handcrafted art throughout the mid-’30s building, which was constructed around a quiet atrium. The smoke-fre

Hotel Santa Fe, founded by Native Americans from the nearby Picuris Pueblo, offers private haciendas on four acres, relatively affordable king-sized rooms, a grade-A spa that relies on traditional techniques -- a white sage purification ritual, for exampl

Housed in a structure dating back to 1888, the Hotel St. Francis eschews in-your-face Southwestern flair for a more stark, stripped-down experience, complete with white-washed walls, minimalist colonial decor, and arched veranda. The rooms are cozy and ut

Sprawling bazaar Jackalope calls itself a "feast for the senses." And it is, because the legendary store -- founded in 1976 by former Manhattan business man Charles "Darby" McQuade -- features a bevy of folk art, rugs, bags, furniture, plants, etc. Though

Much of Santa Fe's thriving art scene revolves around Southwest style pieces. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but James Kelly Contemporary, which recently relocated to the Railyard, offers buyers and aficionados excellent postwar and contempora

Is it a cliché to buy cowboy boots in the Southwest? Hells no. If you want to rock some snake kickers, Kowboyz definitely deserves a look for their incredible -- in every sense -- selection of western wear, hats, and, yes, boots. Originally located

La Casa Sena's main draw isn't necessarily the well-rounded menu -- lamb chorizo, bell pepper relleno, baked trout, and popular foie gras -- but the lush outdoor plaza seating, where patrons are surrounded by trees, flowers, and fountains all free from fo

The sprawling La Fonda, situated on land that’s been used for hotel purposes since 1610 in the center of Santa Fe, is ideal for those looking for a tourist-oriented experience. The bustling hotel has an array of independent shops downstairs, as well

The Lensic, downtown Santa Fe's only concert hall, can be hit or miss. While one night you can view a screening of D.H. Lawrence's Women in Love, or hear an author speak, other evenings may be a jazz concert or an HD viewing from the Met. It

Even if you're not in the mood for a meal, do yourself a favor and stop by Louie's to see if you can resist their homemade cinnamon rolls, movie-themed breakfasts  -- the Emilio Estevez, for example, which is blue cheese, bacon, green chili, bacon, a