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City in the United States
Photo: Mike Fisher, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Española is a small, predominately Hispanic city of 10,000 people (2018). Española has few tourist attractions of its own and isn't much to look at from the main roads — passing through, what you'll see is mostly strip malls and gas stations — but its location midway between Santa Fe and Taos, combined with its proximity to a number of Pueblo Indian communities, makes the town a useful staging point for trips around the region.
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A small arts and culture complex centered by the Convento, a replica church based on a historic mission built in the area. Attached to the Convento is a gallery and gift shop, the Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center, that displays and sells work created by local artists. Behind the Convento is the Bond House Museum, a historic turn-of-the-century home with historical artifacts and photographs relating to the history of the town.
Right on the Santa Cruz plaza, Santa Cruz de la Cañada is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in New Mexico. The village surrounding it (now surrounded by Española) predates the larger town by more than 200 years.
On the Santa Clara Pueblo reservation is this interesting archaeological site, consisting of the ruins of an ancient village atop a mesa and a set of cave dwellings cut into the cliff face overlooking the valley. Access is by guided tour only. The cliff dwelling tour does involve climbing some ladders and somewhat strenuous walking. Check the website ahead of time as the site is sometimes closed.
Great burgers, fries, and other fast food. Cheap and quick service.
The best place in town for New Mexican cuisine (stuffed sopaipillas with red or green chile, etc.). The discerning visitor can discover several drawings by cartoonist Bill Mauldin on the walls inside. Near one of several starting points for the "High Road to Taos". Lunch and dinner.
New Mexican & American.
A good local liquor store with a great neon sign.
Family-owned and -operated hotel.
The tallest building in town. It has a bowling alley, and valet parking.
A local nonprofit that offers classes, workshops, and supplies and materials for weaving, spinning, dyeing, knitting, felting, quilting, etc. For those just passing through town, the center has a gift shop selling quilts and weavings created by local artists and is a good resource for those interested in the local fiber arts culture.
Española is about 20 miles (30 km) north of Santa Fe on US Highway 84/285. US 84/285 are co-routed on the same road through town, and split apart at a junction about 10 miles northwest of Española.
Read in the guideEspañola is not particularly pedestrian friendly. Nearly everything in town requires a car to be reached.
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Santa Fe · Regional · SAF
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