"New Mexico's Historic Capital" Santa Fe by sswagner

From the moment I arrived at Santa Fe, I knew something was different about this place. Set in a dry area near the mountains, this city offers a great deal of history and culture to explore.

A visitor to Santa Fe will quickly see that there are no skyscrapers here and that adobe structures are everywhere in the center of town. Even gas stations, motels, and other places we consider to be "modern" are made of adobe. Personally, I like this building code since it makes Santa Fe very unique. This place has an interesting past that begins with the Pueblo settlements in the region and continues with the Spanish settlement of their northern frontier on the American continent. Cultures blended, a major trade route ran through here, and the city changed hands a few times. Now, it proudly stands as the capital of this diverse state. There are many plaes to visit within the city that have a fascinating story associated with them. Come see the oldest capital in the United States for yourself. It is well worth the visit, and something here appeals to everyone.

• Pros:One of the country's most important historic cities. Has a unique look.
• Cons:At times, the city street plan seems a bit disorganized.
• In a nutshell:Santa Fe is a necessary stop for a visitor to New Mexico. If you see only one place in NM, it might as well be here.