AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS
Dear Friends,
I’ve been incredibly fortunate that my journey through this world has been heavily influenced by the wonder of travel. I am packing for a trip to Iceland and Scandinavia as I write this. Each time I visit a new place the environment and scenery serve as a stage for the powerful exchanges with the folks that define a region. Looking back on my many adventures, the most profound memories of places are the ones where I’ve connected with the locals in honest, authentic ways. At La Fonda, there’s always room for different perspectives and worldviews – we make space for magical encounters, inviting folks from all backgrounds and origins to discover the magic of The City Different while immersed in our signature hospitality.
And if you’re planning a visit to Santa Fe, you’re bound to meet local icons! You can start right here at La Fonda where you’ll likely bump into our hotel historian and New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame member, Ed Pulsifer. If you want to fall into the fascinating realm of the Manhattan Project and learn about La Fonda’s place in that history – he’s your guy to invite to coffee! He can talk in informed detail about how the government placed agents as hotel servers and front desk agents during the 40s to track the conversations and the gossip of scientists. He’ll describe how Oppenheimer and his crew hauled the first atomic bomb in the trunk of a car through the city on its way to the test site, and has a stash of remarkable stories about 109 E. Palace Ave. It’s incredibly likely you’ll meet our Front Desk Manager, Wenona Nutima and our front desk agent, Danielle Sanchez. Wenona has been with us for 12 years and Danielle for just over four; both emit such a vibrant light into our lobby and upon each guest exchange. Wenona is from Tesuque Pueblo and Danielle is from San Felipe Pueblo. We are all so very fortunate for their generosity and the knowledge they share about their cultures, the region and all things Santa Fe!
In a city known for art, you’ll likely encounter plein air painters and architectural photographers, poets, sculptors, and jewelers. Arthur Sze, named the nation’s Poet Laureate for a second term for 2026-2027, calls Santa Fe home. Through his poetry, Sze weaves keen observations through imagery that presses the imagination forward and through unexpected syntax with a rhythm uniquely his own. Sze was a presenter at this year’s Santa Fe International Literary Festival, and was an instructor at the Institute of American Indian Arts for decades where he mentored generations of Native American poets, including Joy Harjo, Orlando White and dg nanuk okpik. Look for his work – or attend a reading at one of my favorite local bookstores, Collected Works.
Photograph of Arthur Sze by Shawn Miller, courtesy of the Library of Congress
With the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta around the corner, it’s likely you’ll encounter acclaimed sommeliers and wine lovers like Tim Gaiser, a New Mexico resident who is an internationally renowned wine expert and lecturer, a Master Sommelier and a frequent educator at the annual fiesta. This year the Fiesta celebrates 30 years of unique flavors and distinct culinary traditions that only the high desert of New Mexico can afford. Attend the much-anticipated Guest Chef Luncheon & Sommelier Throwdown at La Terraza at La Fonda (9/23). The event brings together a standout lineup of chefs, each presenting a signature dish that reflects their personal style and creativity and paired with two wines – one selected by the chef and the other by a distinguished sommelier. Attendees are invited to vote for their favorite pairings, turning the luncheon into a very lively and entertaining experience! Not to mention, we are hosting two dynamic wine dinners with Duckhorn and Frank Family Winery – book your spot at the table quickly! They are selling fast.
Photo provided by New Mexico True.
And don’t forget to stop by our new bar and expanded lobby! We’ve been patiently waiting to reveal our reimagined lobby and bar, and nothing invites folks to sit back and toast to our city’s rich history than a display of Gerald Cassidy original paintings. Originally commissioned by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, the paintings now hold a place of honor along the west wall of the new lounge in a way that truly honors their intention: to invite the world to Santa Fe to meet and to honor the diverse people and cultures that make this place truly enchanted.
The Eagle Dancer by Gerald Cassidy, 1922.
Fray Marcos by Gerald Cassidy, 1922
The Eagle Dancer by Gerald Cassidy, 1922.
Cheers!
Jenny
Jennifer Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
Sandy Vaillancourt is one of the most sought after artists we feature at Detours. Explore her latest collection of original works and prints in the store and online!
PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA
Join us at The Bistro & Lounge at Piñon Court for a special menu showcasing fresh flavors, thoughtful ingredients, and the warm hospitality that defines our sister property. Don’t miss Happy Hour, 4-6pm daily.
CYNDE ROOF FINE ART
Cynde Roof
105 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-365-2758
GEMSONG GALLERY
Discover Santa Fe’s largest collection of turquoise at Gemsong Gallery, next to Detours at La Fonda.
Learn about the history of turquoise through Gemsong’s “Turquoise 101 Tour” guided by Peter Vajda, an industry icon and a unique resource in Santa Fe, who:
- Led the jewelry and gemstone trades for over six decades
- Operated on every level of trade from mining to retail
- Is a world recognized expert in colored gems, has lectured widely and advised gemstone laboratories around the globe
- Wrote definitions concerning the proper disclosure and sales of turquoise and other gems, definitions related to authentic Native American jewelry and other Native American Arts and Crafts for both state and federal laws (testifying before the US Congress twice)
- Was intermittently the largest international turquoise dealer during his career (acquiring over 10 billion carats of turquoise from virtually every iconic turquoise mine in the world)
- Specializes in collectable American Turquoise and Native American Jewelry
- Served as a board member for the New Mexico Better Business Bureau and a member of Ethical Trade Organization
- Featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
To book a tour, inquire at the gallery or call:
505.819.7227 or 505.988.5536
EXPLORE THE SHOPS
