GET OUTTA HERE!

Santa Fe Winter Fiesta

Winter in Santa Fe is about more than snow sports in the nearby Rocky Mountains. All of the city’s renowned attractions, restaurants, shops, culture and Old World charm are in place during the winter months, and once again, the whole town welcomes foodies, adrenaline junkies and music aficionados to its second Santa Fe Winter Fiesta, from Friday through Feb. 5.

Showcasing the town’s proximity to the Rockies and its cultural and adventure treasures, the 10-day celebration will feature special events, outdoor activities and skiing, performances, evening parties, culinary experiences and savings in venues in historical Santa Fe and throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The celebration will feature popular returning acts such as Grupo Fantasma and a Super Bowl Party, along with new acts and events, including a screening of extreme ski film “All.I.Can,” Faux Fur Fashion Show, WinterBrew — A Craft Brew and Comfort Food Festival, Reggae Party, El Farol Salsa Competition and Showcase featuring Nosotros, carriage rides, Brewfest at the Santa Fe Railyard, snowshoe scavenger hunts and Santa Fe Walkabouts — Ojo Caliente Adventure.

A special Winter Fiesta Pass ($10), offering value prices at participating restaurants, businesses and cultural institutions, is the key to savings during Winter Fiesta. The pass can make good times better with value-priced artwork, lodging and lift tickets at Ski Santa Fe, meal specials, museum shop discounts and free entrance into many of the nightly Fiesta parties.

With Santa Fe’s ski season in full swing, special rates and perks are included in various ski packages and winter getaways. For information on the schedule of events, hotel specials or to purchase a Winter Fiesta Pass, visit www.santafewinterfiesta.com.

For information about visiting Santa Fe and for a complimentary Santa Fe Visitors Guide, call the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800- 777-2489 or visit www.santafe.org.

Tour our State Capitol and Denver Mint

Take PILLAR’s “State Capitol and Denver Mint” tour 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 31 and go behind the scenes of two of Colorado’s most popular attractions.

At the State Capitol, learn about early Colorado history and construction of the Capitol. See stained glass windows, the Women’s Gold Tapestry and presidential portraits, then stop outside the Senate and House of Representative chambers.

At the Denver Mint, explore both the present state of coin manufacturing and the history of the U.S. Mint. Learn about the craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins.

Kent Taylor, former park ranger and college professor, will be your tour guide, so you’re sure to be enlightened and entertained. Taylor is a certified international tour manager and has been guiding small-group national park tours in the U.S. and Canada since 1984. He also knows the best places for your fun lunch in a downtown Denver eatery.

Cost for the “State Capitol and Denver Mint” tour is $85, which includes transportation, lunch, admissions and tour guide. Choose your pick-up point: 8:20 a.m. at the Woodmen Park and Ride, or 8:45 a.m. at the Monument Park and Ride.

Register for class No. 1402 online at www.visitpillar .org, or by calling 633-4991.
Note: The tour requires significant walking over flat surfaces, with some stair climbing.

JOY HARPER, THE GAZETTE