Jenny's View
Elevate your Stay!
Dear Friends,
More than 500 special shape balloons launch from the 86-acre Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque this October. This year there will be multiple mass ascension events (Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15) launching to the skies in two waves. The dazzling shows last for two hours and begin at 7am. Hotel guests are invited to take advantage of shuttle service provided by the City of Santa Fe, making it easier for folks to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. In addition, there’s loads of other activities to enjoy, like the magical Twinkle, Twinkle Balloon Glows. Check out the event details here.
October is also the best time of year to spend time amongst the shimmering leaves at Ski Santa Fe. Each Saturday and Sunday through October 15th the Ski Santa Fe Super Chief Quad chairlift soars through the glowing aspens at an elevation of 11,250 ft. Purchase tickets in person at the box office. The last chair down the mountain is at 3:30pm, and of course, the rides are weather dependent so plan accordingly!
Santa Fe is developing a reputation as the world's greatest little film city, and the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) is the premiere forum for international and independent cinema in the area. We're thrilled to sponsor the festival and support an organization that focuses on artistic excellence. SFiFF fosters cinematic creativity and showcases the year's top films each October. Book your tickets and explore the featured films here.
I’m excited to announce that La Fonda has again been named a finalist in multiple categories in the Historic Hotels of America 2023 Awards of Excellence. Our Director of Sales and Hotel Historian, Ed Pulsifer is in the running for Historian of the Year – and of course, we’re not surprised! Ed was instrumental in launching our sought-after docent led Art & History tours and for years has captivated audiences each time he presents an in-depth history talk about La Fonda’s 100-year transformation. La Fonda’s Banquet Chef, Peter Vigil is a very deserving finalist for Ambassador of the Year. Chef Peter has represented the hotel for over 36 years and always with a positive attitude and a sense of prideful ownership. The food he and his team prepare from our banquet kitchen offers home-cooked flavors made with love. He treats our guests and employees like family, and we cannot thank him enough for his decades-long contribution to our community. Our award-winning, La Plazuela Restaurant is up for Best Historic Restaurant, and La Fonda, for Best Historic Hotel. What an honor! The 2023 Awards will take place at the iconic Wigwam Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. Please join me in congratulating our finalist nominees!
Get ready for a total eclipse of The Bell Tower! Mark your calendar for our Rooftop Solar Eclipse Event on October 14th. Watch the moon pass between Earth and the sun at 10:13am from the best-looking place in Santa Fe. Make your way up to the 5th floor rooftop and enjoy breakfast pastries, coffee and mimosas while raising a toast toward the annual ring of fire – don’t worry, we’ll provide the shades! Space is limited, so arrive early! Doors open at 9am.
Autumn is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the busy summer market season. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market is always one of my favorites because I have the opportunity to meet up with old friends and make amazing new ones! It's also when I explore the market for art to add to La Fonda's collection. I love identifying artists with deep connections to New Mexico. This year the hotel purchased another dynamic Sheldon Harvey (Diné) painting. Sheldon was born on the Navajo Nation and his work explores Diné creation stories; he incorporates elements of our common humanity to his sculptures and paintings. Like every piece on display at the hotel, this one serves as reminder of our commitment to the local art scene and the important work of supporting talented and emerging artists. Stay tuned for monthly art highlights in my newsletter!
The hotel has operated at nearly 100% occupancy for months on end and our stellar staff has not missed a beat! We have wonderful interns on board – adding a youthful and dynamic perspective to our team—paired with seasoned professionals eager to share the depths of their hospitality knowledge. The friendship and patronage of our guests inspires each of us at the hotel to celebrate the beauty of the season and the memories we create together.
Warm wishes,
Jenny
Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
