“Who needs beaches?” That is the sentiment of Cheapflights in the UK, in their 2011 list of Top Ten Destinations in the Desert, of which Santa Fe was listed. And many other people agree that Santa Fe’s charm, artistic flair and history make it a unique vacation destination and a wonderful place to call home.

In 2011, the city of Santa Fe was named in Travel + Leisure, Trip Advisor, Huffington Post, Conde Nast Traveler and AmericanStyle magazine as a top getaway town for culture, arts and peace and quiet, and an all-around great vacation.

News and business magazines also named Santa Fe one of the most promising housing markets, best places to retire and best visitor bureau. Visit the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau to find out more about the honors bestowed on Santa Fe in 2011 and earlier.

There is plenty to do in Santa Fe this beautiful spring weekend of April 28-29, including art, music, biking and home design adventures.

Here are a few local events to choose from:

Santa Fe Society of Artists Fine Art Show

Saturday April 28 & Sunday April 29, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

It’s the season kickoff weekend of the Santa Fe Society of Artists Fine Art Show. Mingle with local artists and purchase original works of art. Located in downtown Santa Fe near the plaza. Visit their website for more information.

Celebrate! The Santa Fe River Trail and River Renewal

Saturday April 28, 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Celebrate the newest river and trail improvements made by the city of Santa Fe and the state of New Mexico. This free event includes a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor David Coss, music, dancing and face painting. Cyclists welcome! See the SantaFe.com website for location.

Santa Fe Pro Musica Mozart Concert

Saturday April 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM & Sunday April 29, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Enjoy the music of Santa Fe Pro Musica with special guest, 17 year old Conrad Tao. This teenage prodigy will perform Mozart’s Piano Concertos No. 17 and No. 25. The concert will also include Mozart’s Overture to the Marriage of Figaro (Symphony No. 34 in C Major, K.338). Visit the Lensic Performing Arts Center’s website for ticket information.

National Open House Weekend 2012

Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29

This is National Open House Weekend, and sellers all over the country are participating by opening up their homes to visitors. Whether you are in the market to buy or sell, it’s a great weekend to check out current Santa Fe listings and get home design ideas. Here is a list of Santa Fe open houses this weekend, courtesy of Realtor.com.

Spend this beautiful weekend enjoying the sights, sounds and events in the Santa Fe area!

Here’s a quick list of some fun happenings:

• Santa Fe Southern Railway– It’s a great weekend to ride the Santa Fe if you are a kid or a kid at heart!
  • This Saturday, April 7, ride the Easter Saturday Egg-citing Lamy Train – Ride with the Easter Bunny to Lamy, Easter goodies for the Kids. Easter Egg hunt in Lamy! Departure at 10:30am.
  • This Sunday, April 8, enjoy the Easter Sunday Hot Shot – Ride with the Easter Bunny to the rim of the Galiseo Basin and back. Easter goodies for the Kids. Departure at 2:00pm.

• Spring Gardening Workshop– Get your garden cleaned up from winter and ready to shine!
  • This Saturday, April 7, 1-3pm – Seasonal Chores in the Landscape and the Garden With Michael Clark – Sponsored by Santa Fe Botanical Garden and The Railyard Stewards. Register online at the above link.

• “Our Town”, by Thorton Wilder– Support local community theatre!
  • Watch this classic Pulitzer Prize winning play presented by Ironweed Productions and The Santa Fe Playhouse. Two more weekends to enjoy, from April 6 – 15. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.

• Classical Guitar Concert– Hosted by Santa Fe University of Art and Design.
  • Roberto Capocchi  will perform selections from his latest album, Roberto Capocchi Plays Spanish Guitar Music, and the music of several other artists.

According to a report by Business Insider, a blog publication for Hanely Wood, Santa Fe is expected to be one of the country’s 15 best housing market’s over the next five years. Being a tried and true Santa Fean, I  know the long term benefits and allure to living in Santa Fe so I am not surprised our market should do well.  Here is a link to the article — I think you will find it intriguing.

Its been a hot summer in Santa Fe and our dog Ellie knows how to handle the heat!   Click here to see how a heeler cools her heels!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ulC2PCb6wc.   Have a great weekend!

You’ll have fun burning off some of the season’s calories on one of these great strolls this holiday.

I recommend he Borrego-Bear Wallow Loop in the Santa Fe National Forest, Hyde Park Rd. Aim for the mountains above Santa Fe on this well signed 4 mile loop the is just minutes from town. Shepherds once brought sheep to market along the ponderosa pine lined route but now it’s frequented by locals and their dogs. Begin on Borrego, then cross Big Tesuque Creek by an aspen ringed meadow. Head downstream along the Winsor Trail to the Bear Wallow Trail, where another stream crossing kicks off the climb back to the car.