--- title: "March 2025" url: https://lafondasantafe.com/e-article/march-2025/ author: "bandersson@lafondasantafe.com" date: 2025-03-04 --- # March 2025 ### # Thinkers & Wordsmiths Dear Friends,   At La Fonda, you don’t have to venture far from the front desk to realize the hotel has been an inspiration to countless literary wonders. During our century old history, there have been numerous occasions when guests have stumbled across literary giants lounging in our very lobby – from the world-renowned Simone de Beauvoir to the iconic author, Cormac McCarthy, American author and disability rights activist, Helen Keller to the eccentric Howard Hughes; lit legends have been stalwarts of our corridors for decades! ![Helen Keller sniffing a rose.](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1024px-Helen_Keller_no._8_LCCN2009633161-231x300.webp) Did you know, the esteemed Willa Cather penned her seminal novel, “Death Comes for the Archbishop” during a stay at the hotel in 1925? The work, set in the vast landscapes of the New Mexico Territory, captures the essence of the region’s cultural and historical complexities and reflects the atmosphere that inspired the work.  In a 1931 interview with the *San Francisco Chronicle*, Cather recalled the moment of inspiration that led her to write the famed book during her stay with us, “Then, before morning, the story was in my mind. The way of it was on the white wall of that hotel room in Santa Fe, as if it were all in order and color there, projected by a sort of magic lantern.” Incredible! ![Book Cover: Death Comes for the Archbishop](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Untitled-196x300.webp) Literature often serves as a magic lantern, extending light and inspiration during trying times. That’s why I recently joined the board of the [Santa Fe International Literary Festival](https://www.sfinternationallitfest.org/), an organization committed to bringing the brightest minds and world thinkers to the heart of the city for engaging conversations with our community. Don’t miss the chance to engage with Amy Tan, Michael Cunningham, Percival Everett, Heather Cox Richardson, Miranda July, Terry Tempest Williams, Viet Thanh Nguyen to name just a few! The festival takes place May 16-18, 2025, so there is plenty of time to book your ***book trip*** to The City Different. Explore our best rates and dates. ![Photo of author Percival Everett](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Untitled-3-300x136.jpg) ![literary festival - 5 women holding white canvas bags](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/thumbnail_May-2023-300x290.webp)   This spring I can’t wait to get out into the Sangre de Cristos to experience the rich, red colors that blanket the peaks at dusk and daytrip to some of my favorite picnic destinations: Pilar along the Rio Grande, Hyde Park in the Santa Fe National Forest, and along the banks of the beautiful Pecos River. ![Sunset at the Bell Tower.](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bell-Tower-Views-012_v2-300x300.jpg)   Hope to see you reading a good book somewhere peaceful, Jenny   Jenny Kimball Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita La Fonda on the Plaza   ## DETOURS AT LA FONDA ![La Fonda History Book](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-image9-300x259.png) Discover a curated selection of locally focused books at Detours at La Fonda! From regional history and Native American art to Southwestern cooking and Santa Fe’s vibrant culture, our collection celebrates the stories and traditions of New Mexico. Whether you’re a visitor looking for a meaningful keepsake, or a local diving deeper into our rich heritage, you’ll find the perfect read at our gift shop.   [EXPLORE](https://www.detoursatlafonda.com/collections/books-1)   ## LA PLAZUELA ![La Plazuela](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hotel6-300x300.jpg) Exciting things are happening at *La Plazuela*! We’re gearing up for menu updates, bringing fresh flavors and new dishes inspired by the vibrant ingredients of the Southwest. Come explore what’s next—your favorite classics will still be here, but you might just discover a new favorite along the way! [EXPLORE](https://lafondasantafe.com/la-plazuela/)   ## THE BELL TOWER ![The Bell Tower Rooftop Bar.](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RPH-130826-BellTower-7874F1_HiRez-1-300x177.jpg)   Spring is around the corner, and so is rooftop season! Get ready for La Fonda’s Bell Tower Bar to open in late April! Sip craft cocktails, soak in those legendary Santa Fe sunsets, and enjoy the best views in town. Stay tuned for the official opening date—cheers to rooftop vibes returning soon! [EXPLORE](https://lafondasantafe.com/dining-entertainment/bell-tower-bar/)   ## CYNDE ROOF FINE ART ![hand painted art work by Cynde Roof. Painting of books.](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2CA9C08E-1B75-40D3-A029-8B42C93915AF-225x300.jpeg) March is the pixie that snows, rains, and shines all in the same day. Catch the deluge of beautiful artwork raining from the Heavens at Cynde Roof Fine Art. Cynde Roof Fine Art 105 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501 [505-365-2758](tel:505-365-2758) [Visit Website](https://www.cynderoof.com/)   ## PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA ![Three women drinking wine a Piñon Court.](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-4-1-300x200.png) Experience Santa Fe’s rich history with a fresh twist at **Piñon Court by La Fonda**. Located just blocks from the Plaza, this newly reimagined retreat blends Southwest charm with modern comfort. Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms, sip handcrafted cocktails at **The Bistro at Piñon Court**, and explore the city’s vibrant art, culture, and cuisine right outside your door. [EXPLORE](https://pinoncourt.com/) ## Custom Specifications & Details ![Hero Image](https://lafondasantafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/open-white-book.webp)