New Perspectives
Dear Friends,
A peaceful, spiritual mood settles over the City Different in November. Savor the scent of piñon fires in kiva fireplaces, the light touch of falling rain and hopefully snow, and the shifting light on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And, best of all, gather over lovingly prepared meals rich in local flavors.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore regional cuisine at the hotel this month – whether you’re into exploring our newly launched food and cocktail menu at The Bar at La Fonda, gathering among esteemed foodies at the Santa Fe stop of the James Beard Foundation TasteTwenty dinner featuring our very own Executive Outlet Chef Marc Quiñones and Chef Raymond Naranjo of Manko Native American Fusion. There’s still time to join us! And of course, we hope to see you at our traditional Thanksgiving Buffet, filled to the brim with Executive Chef Lane Warner’s tried-and-true favorites.
Also, this month is the annual Fred Harvey Weekend. My dear friend and famed FredHead and author Stephen Fried always shows up with enthusiasm to this event benefitting the New Mexico History Museum. It’s the perfect time to reunite with folks around the country and celebrate the many contributions Mr. Harvey made to Southwest travel and in creating a lasting culinary tradition in Santa Fe. And, there’s always an incredible keepsake provided by H.F. Coors! Buy tickets here.
Last month, we traveled to the historic Williamsburg, Virginia for the Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence. La Fonda was a finalist in the category “Best Historic Hotel in the City Center,” Hugo Gutierrez of our sister property, Piñon Court was a finalist for “Ambassador of the Year” and our management partner, Bentley Legacy was a finalist for “Legendary Family Historic Hotelier”. We are so proud to have earned these finalist spots as the competition is fierce! At the birthplace of America’s independence, it was a special opportunity to celebrate the hundreds of accomplished historic properties around the world and add a few more destinations to my travel wish list!
As you prepare for the busy holiday season, don’t forget to make SWAIA’s Winter Market part of your giving tradition. The Winter Indian Market returns November 28-29, bringing 160 juried Native artists to the Santa Fe Community Convention Center to share their passion and talent for the arts. And December 4-6, stop by La Fonda’s Holiday Art Market on our Mezzanine to explore the work of talented local artisans including hysterically funny cartoonist, Ricardo Catè, Nocona Burgess, Glenda Loretto, Hillary Vermont and more!
With gratitude for such a beautiful fall with yellow aspen leaves in Santa Fe,
Jenny
Jennifer Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
This Thanksgiving season, we’re delighted to welcome artist Sandy Vaillancourt for a special residency in La Fonda’s historic lobby. Guests and visitors are invited to stop by, meet the artist and experience her creative process firsthand. As we celebrate the season of gratitude, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the arts and the creative spirit that makes Santa Fe so special. Stop by November 26 -29!
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 Tuesday – Saturday.
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
