Views from the Highest State Capital in the U.S. - July 11th

Santa Fe's history as a conquered territory goes back to the early 1500's and the Conquistadors. Before that (1050-1607), it was home to the Pueblo Indians.  Today, in the midst of modern architecture, Santa Fe has been able to preserve many of its historic buildings and its heritage. Santa Fe is known as the highest U.S. state capital, the oldest capital city in North America and also the oldest European city west of the Mississippi.

The Plaza is known as the "heart of Santa Fe" and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.



Much like the Plaza in Taos, Santa Fe's Plaza serves as a gathering place for young and old.



Musicians, artists, and vendors find the Plaza to be a venue for tourists.

 

The Santa Fe Bandstand is a free summer concert series held on the Plaza. This is its 8th season. From July 5th - August 19th, 79 concerts will be held.  We heard the music of Don Lovato & Chris Abeyta.





We ventured into the Santa Fe Arcade shops and to possibly find a place for lunch.



Bagged me another catch. I think this will make a great conversation piece for the house.



There are so many wonderful galleries in Santa Fe.



What did you say I was sitting on?  A Jack - what?



Over a month ago we started this road trip on Route 66, and now we're back!



Mommy & I are just taking a little break.



Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1869 on the site of two earlier churches - one built in 1626 destroyed in 1680 by a Pueblo Revolt and a church named La Parroquia built in 1714. This Cathedral was originally built around La Parroquia. Once this Cathedral was complete, La Parroquia was dismantled.

St. Francis of Assisi is known as the Patron Saint of Animals.



We found a nice shaded courtyard at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts where we relaxed and ate a couple of tamales.

 

The La Fonda Hotel is another of Santa Fe's treasured landmarks near the Plaza and has been providing lodging since the 1800's.



Of course, this area also brews potions for its out-of-this-world visitors.



As we continued to walk around the Plaza, a storm was brewing. We figured it was a good time to head back to the hotel for a nap.

 

Nice artwork on the Santa Fe Railway.



After my nap, I convinced Dad to share his leftover chicken tamale dinner.



I really liked that tamale!

Then Daddy and I settled down to watch the All-Star Homerun Derby. Yea for NY Yankee Robinson Cano!  Tomorrow night we'll watch the game from Flagstaff, AZ.