Adobe structures: only 3 styles and colors are allowed. They want to preserve the history and "flavor" of Santa Fe.
Town Plaza had museums, churches, artisans, shops and restaurants; each site had a story! The artisans, native Americans, draw spots at the Governor's Palace each day to sell their beautifully-crafted jewelry; naturally, I felt compelled to validate their efforts:)
The "High Road to Taos" had breathe-taking views of the mountains and canyons.
Bandolier National Park, set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, was home to the ancestral Pueblo people. We were able to climb into "cave Kivas"--dwellings set into the side of the mountain....and to try to interpret the pictographs- pictures etched into the stone.
The last views ( from 6600') were from the top of Sandia Peak ( in Albuquerque)- the longest tram in the world takes you to the top! As you can imagine, the view was spectacular!
The Wild West provided great scenery, lots of history, beautiful hand-crafted artwork, good restaurants, and friendly folks.