Page 5 - AAA Now – AAA Central Penn – March/April 2022

TRAVEL AGENCY AAANOW!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
With a rich cultural heritage, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is recognized as one of the most intriguing urban environments in the nation. Sitting at the foothills of the majestic 7,000-feet-high Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this “land of enchantment” prides itself on its rich blend of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures, and is especially known for its Pueblo-style architecture.
Stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza, the historic heart of the city and gathering place for Santa Feans for nearly 400 years, and enjoy some of the area landmark sites, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, Palace of the Governors and Palace Avenue. Hop on an open-air tram for a tour of Santa Fe on which you’ll learn about the history, architecture, and art of the oldest capital city in North America. Visit the Loretto Chapel, a former Roman Catholic church turned wedding chapel and museum, where you will find the “miraculous staircase,” a structure with origins as legenary as the spiral shape.
Santa Fe has long been a center of arts and culture, with one of the country’s largest art markets, with nearly 250 galleries and dealers to explore. Travel the scenic Turquoise Trail to the village of Madrid, a charming hamlet stitched into the landscape of the Ortiz Mountains, which is revered for its thriving artistic community. At the Allan House Sculpure Garden you can view 80 works by the prolific artist who’s been lauded as one of the most renowned Native American painters and modernists.
In recent years, Santa Fe has also earned a stellar reputation for foodies, with exceptional Southwestern cuisine. Try your hand at making a tamale at the Santa Fe School of Cooking and savor Santa Fe’s fusion of Native Americn, Spanish, and Mexican flavors. If you have a sweet tooth, visit some of Santa Fe’s chocolate shops for delicious tastings of chocolate treats infused with local ingredients like chiles, pinon nuts and lavender.
Venturing outside the city, be sure to see Vandelier National Monument, a natural site where the native Pueblo Indians settled in the sculpted canyons and mesa tops west of Santa Fe. The volcanic landscape holds cliff dwellings and ruins
of Pueblo villages dating back to the 1500s. You might also want to visit El Santuario de Chimayo, regarded as the most
important Catholic pilgrimage site in the United States. Boasting 320 sunny days a year, Santa Fe is a wonderful
destination year-round. AAA Central Penn invites you to experience this culturally interesting city on a Spotlight on Santa Fe tour in September 2022.
Spotlight on Santa Fe
SEPTEMBER 25 – 30, 2022
FROM $2,919* PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (INCLUDES AIRFARE)
HIGHLIGHTS
Walking tour of Santa Fe Plaza | Open-air tram tour | Loretto Chapel Santa Fe School of Cooking | Turquoise Trail | Bandelier National Monument | El Santuario de Chimayo
For reservations and information, contact your local AAA Travel Agent at 888-743-2844.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 15 passengers.
DISCOVERIES EDITION I MARCH/APRIL 2022 I 5